1 Kings 6:35 And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.

Appropriate is defined as

fitting: suitable for the occasion or circumstances

use money for purpose: to set aside an amount of money for a particular use

take something for own use: to take something that belongs to or is associated with somebody else for yourself, especially without permission

Decades ago during a study given by one who has a doctorate in theology he said, “One must appropriate the scriptures.” At that time I understood what he meant. If I were to try and just use that word in a teaching the meaning would not come across. More care must be taken to be understood in context. Word usage and understanding change over decades. Common usage often end up being added into dictionaries. My desire is to pass on that teachers meaning in context.

I was given 1 Kings 6:35 as the foundation for this understanding. Apply three issues here, the gold, fitted and carved work. Simply put the carved wood is the foundation, the scripture. The gold is acquired independently its meaning is precious, pure, of great worth.

Revelations 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

The only thing that passes through the refiner’s fire are those things obtained from God. Faith, truth, grace, all the spiritual blessing we find in Christ Jesus, of which these are only a few.

That leaves us with fitted. That is the appropriated part. We do not take the gold and fashion it upon itself, making an idol of our own design. We fit it closely upon the foundational framework set before us, the Word of God. The bible is more than mere words on paper, it becomes precious in our sight. Only those who have purchased the gold can fit it closely upon the framework.

Only by using what Christ has provided can we relate the Word to our every day life.