Why Should we Study Theology?

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Two weeks ago I went to a class on Reformed Systematic Theology (organised by Pastor Barry King) and all I can say is praise God. I walked out of this one day introduction class with an even fervent desire to know my Lord Jesus Christ and to serve Him more and more. I realised from this class the importance of systematic theology and why the church of Jesus Christ needs to have a greater knowledge of God and the great truths of scripture. At the same time, I’ll be quick to add, not just any old theology will do. It must be Biblical and reformed to the core otherwise it’s just plain old idolatory. Our theology mustn’t just be head knowledge which accumulates to the benefit of no one but ourselves. It must be alive, Spirit filled and cause us to love God and people. It ought to cause us to be burdened to reach the lost for Christ and take part in the Great Commission. Theology, if done correctly ought to cause us to leap with praise. It ought to put a bounce in our step and a song in our heart and a heart felt adoration for Christ Jesus.

Here is a quick definition which brother Nathan shared with us:

Systematic Theology aims to order the doctrines of the Bible into one coherent framework allowing us to understand the person of God, the nature of man, sin and its consequences, Christ and His salvation, the church, the eternal state and how each relate to the other.

Here are some random notes I took from the lecture.

• Why should we study theology? - The chief end of theology is that our study of it brings glory to the name of God. He deserves the highest praise, honour and glory and if our search and pursuit of Him is deepened through studying God, then so be it. This builds our faith in Christ and helps us to grow to be more like Christ. Spurgeon said “Study to know God, but also study to know people.”
• We should study theology to proclaim the Gospel faithfully - Many churches and denominations have forsaken the teaching of doctrine because either they don’t understand it or they think the congregation won’t understand it. That’s no excuse. We are exhorted to teach and study the things of God. Our Gospel preaching will be unscriptural if we don’t understand who God is, what Christ did, what salvation pertains to etc. Most Gospel preaching we hear today is nothing more than quaint stories and funny illustrations. If you don’t know God, how then can you teach others who God is and what He is like?
• We should study theology to teach our family and then others – How important is this? How forsaken is this? This point reminded me of how the church used catecishm to teach children and the family of what the scriptures teach. I believe the Christian home should have a mini-church and altar in the house where God is worshipped and learned. By teaching our families we preserve Biblical teaching for the next generation.
• We should not study theology only as an academic excercise – Studying theology ought not to be an academic excercise on its own, otherwise your heart will become dry and hard. It should be practiced, lived and enjoyed in CHRIST ALONE and not just for the sake of studying theology.

In Conclusion
I would exhort young men, young women and older men and women to begin systematically studying theology. Know God, Know His attributes and this will help you love Him more. Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology is a great place to start. It will help you understand the great doctrines of the Bible such as God, adoption, atonement, glorification, redemption, sanctification, justification, propitiation, imputation etc

I would also highly recommend you listen to Paul Washer teach on Propitiation. It was upon hearing sermons like this which helped me to love theology more and study it more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zchiInEECs

That I May Know Him

Vic Gill

Tags: Barry King, Pastor Barry King, Propitiation, Reformed Systematic Theology, Spurgeon

Category: FAQs, Theological Reflections