1) Make sure students understand the meaning and implications of what they are learning.
Head knowledge alone is not sufficient to help students apply the Bible lesson. When they truly understand the meaning and significance of truths, they will be more prone to put it into practice.
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way … (Col. 1:9-10)
2) Pray for students to both understand and apply the lesson.
The Spirit of God is the One who enables us to understand spiritual truths (1 Cor. 2:11-16). The application of the lesson must go beyond how we structure the lesson to God at work in our students’ hearts and minds. Consequently, we need to pray for students.
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives … (Col. 1:9)
3) Model the truth for them.
Seeing an example of truth applied to life increases the likelihood of students applying the lesson to their lives. Teachers would do well to share illustrations of how they put it into practice if it is something they cannot model in the classroom.
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Cor. 11:1)
4) Give students opportunity to put it into practice.
Experiencing how to apply truth, even if in a contrived setting, all the more adds to the potential of doing something with it in everyday living.
My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore … (Job 42:5-6)
For more: Application Part of a Bible Lesson – Teacher Training Resources