GraceLife Church Presents... Systematic Theology. Prolegomena, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology

GraceLife Church Presents... Systematic Theology Prolegomena, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology

Prolegomena: Introduction From Greek... Made up of three parts Preposition pro (!ρο): before The verb lego (λεγω): to say. The verb ending mena ('ενα) is a neuter plural participle ending. Thus, the things said before.

Prolegomena: Introduction How does Systematic Theology Relate to Other Disciplines? Why Should We Study the Bible Systematically? How Will We Study the Bible Systematically?

The Meaning of Systematic Theology Systematic Theology is made up of two words Adjective: Systematic Noun: Theology

The Meaning of Systematic Theology The Noun: Theology Theology is made up of two parts Theo + Logy Originally from Greek

The Meaning of Systematic Theology The Noun Part 1: Theo From Greek... theos (θεός): God

The Meaning of Systematic Theology The Noun Part 2: Logy From Greek: logos (λόγος): a word; logion (λόγιον): a saying; logia (λόγια) : sayings

The Meaning of Systematic Theology The Noun Part 2: Logy Logia from Greek to English: One who speaks on a certain subject More simply: The study of a certain subject

The Meaning of Systematic Theology The Noun Part 2: Logy English Suffix: -logy (usually -ology) denotes a subject of study or interest Theology, anthropology, sociology

The Meaning of Systematic Theology The Noun: Theology A word about God; sayings about God; or, the study of God.

The Meaning of Systematic Theology The Noun: Theology We use the word theology in two senses. In a narrow sense In a broader sense

The Meaning of Systematic Theology The Noun: Theology in the Narrow Sense The study of God Theology Proper

The Meaning of Systematic Theology The Noun: Theology in the Broader Sense The study of God and all his works.

The Meaning of Systematic Theology The Noun: Theology Systematic Theology: The study of God and all his works

The Meaning of Systematic Theology The Adjective: Systematic Not just any study of God and all his works. That would be theology in the broad sense. We are talking about systematic theology.

The Meaning of Systematic Theology The Adjective: Systematic Done according to a fixed plan or system; methodical. Organized study of God and his works Opposite: Disorganized or randomly arranged

The Meaning of Systematic Theology The Adjective: Systematic The adjective systematic in systematic theology should be understood to mean something like carefully organized by topics, with the understanding that the topics studied will be seen to fit together in a consistent way, and will include all the major doctrinal topics of the Bible. Thus systematic should be thought of as the opposite of randomly arranged or disorganized. Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 19.

The Meaning of Systematic Theology Systematic Theology: An organized study of God and all his works

The Definition Systematic theology answers the question, what does the completed cannon of Scripture teach about any one theme or topic? John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue, Biblical Doctrine, 36.

The Definition Systematic theology is any study that answers the question, What does the whole Bible teach us today? about any given topic. Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 21.

The Definition A Deeper Examination Systematic theology is any study that answers the question, What does the whole Bible teach us today? about any given topic. Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 21.

The Definition Any Given Topic Systematic theology is any study that answers the question, What does the whole Bible teach us today? about any given topic. Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 21.

The Definition Any Given Topic Involves collecting and understanding all the relevant passages in the Bible on various topics and then summarizing their teachings clearly so that we know what to believe about each topic. Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 21.

The Definition Any Given Topic Q: What are some of the categories of systematic theology? Q: How is systematic theology typically systematized?

The Definition Any Given Topic 0. Prolegomena 4. Anthropology 1. Bibliology 5. Soteriology 2. Theology Proper 6. Ecclesiology 3. Christology 7. Eschatology

The Definition Any Given Topic 0. Prolegomena 1. Bibliology 2. Theology Proper 3. Christology 4. Pneumatology 5. Anthropology 6. Hamartiology 7. Soteriology 8. Angelology 9. Ecclesiology 10. Eschatology

The Definition Any Given Topic What does the whole Bible teach us today about... 1. Bibliology 6. Hamartiology 2. Theology Proper 7. Soteriology 3. Christology 8. Angelology 4. Pneumatology 9. Ecclesiology 5. Anthropology 10. Eschatology

The Definition the whole Bible Systematic theology is any study that answers the question, What does the whole Bible teach us today? about any given topic. Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 21.

The Definition the whole Bible Q: What does it tells us that systematic theology is a study of what the whole Bible says about any particular topic? Q: What is the relationship between systematic theology and the Bible?

The Definition the whole Bible A: The Bible is the source for systematic theology. The completed cannon of Scripture. All 66 books (39 OT books, 27 NT books)

The Definition the whole Bible Systematic theology is a study of inspired Scripture. It is a study of God s Word. We don t study systematic theology, we study the Bible systemically Q: What are the implications of that? Q: If theology is a study of what God says, what does that mean for the results of the study?

The Definition the whole Bible A: The results are authoritative to the extent that the study reflects the teaching of God s word

The Definition any study Systematic theology is any study that answers the question, What does the whole Bible teach us today? about any given topic. Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 21.

The Definition any study Q: Who is the implied actor in this study? Q: Who does the study? A: Systematic theology is a human endeavour. Q: What does that tells us? A: The results are fallible (capable of error) to the extent that they reflect the work of man.

The Definition that answers Systematic theology is any study that answers the question, What does the whole Bible teach us today? about any given topic. Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 21.

The Definition that answers Q: What can we say about the results of systematic theology if we take into account that (1) it is a study of the Bible; and (2) it is a human endeavour?

The Definition that answers A: There is a balance. To the extent that our results reflect the teaching of Scripture we must obey and submit to God, and yet we should be continually searching the Scriptures and allowing them to correct and reform our theology.

The Definition that answers This principle is the same for all our interactions with God s word. If God says it, we must believe it, trust it, obey it, and do it. At the same time, we are not required to believe, trust, obey, or do the opinions of men.

The Definition that answers Systematic theology is any study that answers the question, What does the whole Bible teach us today? about any given topic... Involves collecting and understanding all the relevant passages in the Bible on various topics and then summarizing their teachings clearly so that we know what to believe about each topic. Wayne Grudem, Bible Doctrine, 17.

The Definition that answers But it is also very important for each person to resolve not to believe any individual doctrine simply because this textbook or some other textbook or teacher says that it is true, unless this book or the instructor in a course can convince the student from the text of Scripture itself. It is Scripture alone, not any human authority, that must function as the normative authority for the definition of what we should believe. Wayne Grudem, Biblical Doctrine, 20.

The Definition that answers This brings up a question that I will try to answer in the next sections. What is the authority of the conclusions drawn from the Bible in the study called systematic theology? To do that we need to first look at the role of other disciplines and how they relate to systematic theology.

The Definition that answers The results of systematic theology is doctrine, or what some would call dogma.

Prolegomena: Introduction How does Systematic Theology Relate to Other Disciplines? Why Should We Study the Bible Systematically? How Will We Study the Bible Systematically?

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Q: What do you love about expository preaching? Q: What do we often think of as the opposite of expository preaching? A: Topical Preaching The association of topical preaching with unbiblical preaching might make us hesitant about systematic theology and any topical teaching.

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Q: What is it about topical sermons that often makes them unbiblical or less helpful than what we call expository sermons? A: Preachers pick and choose texts or themes that they prefer or that people (often unregenerate) want to hear. A: It is often easier to twist a topic than to twist a text. A: Often the topic and the Bible are miles apart!

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Systematic Theology is not equivalent to what we often think of as topical preaching (although it is topical) We ask what does the Bible say about a particular topic and then we search all of Scripture to answer that question. Systematic Theology is based on Scripture! Let s look at some of these words that we often use and see how they relate to systematic theology

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Other Types of Theology Biblical Theology: The organization of Scripture thematically by biblical chronology or biblical author with respect to the progressive revelation of the Bible. Historical Theology: The historical study of doctrinal developments after the apostolic era to the present time. Dogmatic Theology: The organization of Scripture with an emphasis on favoured or selected church creeds. John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue, Biblical Doctrine, 35.

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Other Types of Theology Systematic theology is broader than biblical theology, historical theology, and dogmatic theology. It deals with the whole Bible unlike biblical theology. It deals with complete doctrines unlike historical theology which focuses on the church s recognition of doctrine through time. It deals with the whole Bible rather than certain creeds unlike dogmatic theology.

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Disciplines that Influence Theology Q: What must theology be based on? Q: What is its foundation? A: Exegesis Q: What are some other things that influence and relate to theology? Hermeneutics Biblical Introduction Biblical Languages Expository Preaching and Teaching

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Expository Preaching and Teaching Theology: Systematic, Historical, Dogmatic, Biblical Biblical Exegesis Counseling Evangelism Missions Biblical Introduction Biblical Languages Hermeneutics

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Hermeneutics The science (principles) by which the meaning of a biblical text is determined (Cf. Roy Zuck, Basic Bible Interpretation, 20). Hermeneutics determines the methods, techniques, rules, or principles which will best serve in getting at the proper interpretation of any part of the Bible (Jim Rosscup, Unpublished Hermeneutics Notes, 20).

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Biblical Introduction Deals with many issues related to each book of the Bible. When was it written? Who wrote it? Historical and cultural background of that time. Textual criticism: What is the original and best text?

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Biblical Languages Indispensable for an expositor, not necessary for a believer.

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Biblical Exegesis Applies the rules of hermeneutics and the information of biblical introduction to a text (in the original languages) with a view to understanding the meaning of that text.

Eph 1:15 18a Eph 1:15 Διὰ τοῦτο κἀγὼ ἀκούσας τὴν καθ ὑµᾶς πίστιν ἐν τῷ κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην τὴν εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἁγίους What motivated these prayers? 428 This thanksgiving and prayer is an outgrowth of Paul s praise of God in 1:3 14. 429 Similar to the form of the introductory blessing, this thanksgiving and prayer is one long sentance of 169 words in the Greek text. 430 He writes it down for their encouragement, but perhaps also that they might be aware of his perception of where they yet need to grow and make progress. 431 Διὰ τοῦτο: The opening words point back to the whole paragraph, and especially to 1:13 14 where the eulogy is applied to the recipients, that is, to Gentiles who are now in Christ on an equal footing with Jews. 432 It is rather a summary of how he is praying for these dear people on a regular basis. 433 It could be called a prayer for those who have everything because the believers have every spiritual benefit for their spiritual welfare, including election, predestination, adoption, grace, redemption, forgiveness, insight, understanding, knowledge of the mystery of his will, and sealing with the Holy Spirit. 434 It is expected that we pray for such blessings if the tone of the prayer is one of seeking the grace to appropriate what is already given, rather than one of pleading for something we think is scarcely available or is reluctantly shared by God. 435 Our problem is not lack of blessings, but lack of insight and wisdom to understand and use them properly and faithfully. 436 not to seek more spiritual resources but to understand and use those we were given in absolute completeness the moment we received Christ. 437 He prays for God to enlighten them about the magnificent truths of election, predestination, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom and insight, inheritance, and sealing and pledge of the Holy Spirit about which he has just been instructing them. 438 428 Caldwell, Motivation for Prayer Ephesians 1:15ff 429 Clinton Arnold, Ephesians, ZECNT, 98. 430 Clinton Arnold, Ephesians, ZECNT, 98. 431 Arnold, 99. 432 Peter O Brien, Ephesians, PNTC, 124. 433 Clinton Arnold, Ephesians, ZECNT, 99. 434 Hoehner, Ephesians, 247. 435 MacArthur, Ephesians, MNTC, 43. 436 MacArthur, Ephesians, MNTC, 43. 437 MacArthur, Ephesians, MNTC, 44. 35 κἀγὼ I also, emphatically makes the contrast between God s action in 1:3 14 and his. 439 ἀκούσας τὴν καθ ὑµᾶς πίστιν ἐν τῷ κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ: Having heard? Didn t Paul already know them? Indicates that the writer had received news of the addressees faith. 440 Could be causal or perhaps better, temporal. It refers to the time between the report about them and the writing of the epistle. After (or because) he had heard about them, he continually gives thanks. 441 Paul had not been in Ephesus for five or six years, and there were probably many new believers with whom he had no personal acquaintance. 442 The basis for the apostle s expression of gratitude is the first two elements of the familiar Christian triad, faith-hope-love. Indicating an active faith in Christ that is a peculiar possession of theirs... The faith with regards to you. They had placed their faith in the Lord Jesus. 443 When I stand in the middle of seeing the great benefits of salvation and I hear of the evidences of that salvation in you it motivates me to pray for you. (1) what we know to be true from God, (2) what we face in real life everyday. Pray in light of their connection. 1 Thess 3:5 For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain. 6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, καὶ τὴν ἀγάπην τὴν εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἁγίους: Vertical and Horizontal relationship. Both the conjunction καὶ and the first article connect the love with the participle having heard so that Paul had not only heard of their faith but also the love. 444 εἰς: indicates direction of the love. Thus this love seeks the highest good in the one loved is directed towards all the saints, not toward some who may be more lovable. 445 Eph 1:16 οὐ παύοµαι εὐχαριστῶν ὑπὲρ ὑµῶν µνείαν ποιούµενος ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν µου, οὐ παύοµαι εὐχαριστῶν ὑπὲρ ὑµῶν µνείαν ποιούµενος ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν µου, The main verbal idea is I do not quit giving thanks. 446 438 MacArthur, Ephesians, MNTC, 45. 439 Hoehner, Ephesians, 248. 440 Peter O Brien, Ephesians, PNTC, 125. 441 Hoehner, Ephesians, 248. 442 Hoehner, Ephesians, 248. 443 Hoehner, Ephesians, 249. 444 Hoehner, Ephesians, 250. 445 Hoehner, Ephesians, 250. 446 Clinton Arnold, Ephesians, ZECNT, 101. 36

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Expository Preaching and Teaching Communicating (preaching or teaching) the meaning of a text of Scripture to a present day audience. Explain, Illustrate, Exhort with the text.

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Observations Hermeneutics are the principles by which the Bible (and other texts) is interpreted. Exegesis is the application of those principles to the text. Hermeneutics is the science, exegesis is the task, exposition is the goal Everything is based on exegesis which is the science of understanding and interpreting the Bible.

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Expository Preaching and Teaching Counseling Theology Evangelism Missions } Art: gifting, ability personality, etc. Biblical Introductio Exegesis Biblical Languages Hermeneutics } Science: Meaning is fixed

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Observations Systematic theology must be based on exegesis and not vice-versa! Otherwise, you will end up with a theology based on the subjective preferences of the interpreter that corrupts the meaning of texts. In other words, systematic theology is NOT a system we impose on Scripture but a result of the combined meaning of all the texts we examine.

Systematic Theology and Other Disciplines Observations There is thus a synthesis that belongs to systematics that does not belong to exegesis as such. But to the extent to which systematic theology synthesizes the teaching of Scripture, and this is its main purpose, it is apparent how dependent it is upon the science of exegesis. It cannot coordinate and relate the teaching of particular passages without knowing what the teaching is. So exegesis is basic to its objective. This needs to be emphasized. Systematic theology has gravely suffered, indeed has deserted its vocation, when it has been divorced from meticulous attention to biblical exegesis... Systematics becomes lifeless and fails in this mandate just to the extent to which it has become detached from exegesis. And the guarantee against a stereotyped dogmatics is that systematic theology be constantly enriched, deepened, and expanded by the treasures increasingly drawn from the Word of God. John Murray, Systematic Theology in The Collected Works of John Murray, 4:17.