Contours: The Beliefs That Shape Our Faith Lesson One: Hello, Theology D. Lee Kemp 09.03.2014 Fort Mill Church of God
2 I. Introduction: We Believe (show Newsboys song: We Believe ) A. Opening question: what was your reaction to the song? What message do you think they were trying to convey to their audience? Note: Theology is an integral part of religion and what it means to be a Christian. Theology helps gives us a framework to reflect on our reasons for doing things (e.g., why we worship, why we pray). B. The purpose for this series: to introduce key doctrines of the historic Christian faith while encouraging a deeper personal study of systematic theology. i. Our Sequence (broad brush strokes) Knowing God: The Doctrine of the Bible What God is Like: The Doctrine of God (Theology Proper) Imago Dei: The Doctrine of Man God Arrives: The Doctrine of Christ & The Holy Spirit God Saves: The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption God s Bride: The Doctrine of the Church The End: The Doctrine of the Future (Eschatology) ii. Two Initial Assumptions: 1. The Bible is true and it operates as our only absolute standard of truth. 2.The God of the Bible exists, and He is who the Bible says He is. C. Tonight s Goal: To introduce theology and reveal the role it plays in our lives.
3 II. What is Theology? A. At its core, theology is the study or science of God. Christian theology should also contain these five features: i. Theology is biblical. ii. Theology is intentional or systematic. Not haphazardly thrown together but with purpose and logical progression. iii. Theology illuminates and relates to the issues of general culture and learning. Thus, it attempts to relate its view of origins to the concepts advanced by science (or, more correctly, such disciplines as cosmology), its view of human nature to psychology s understanding of personality IOWs it provides answers to humanity s greatest questions (how did we get here?, what is the meaning of life?, etc.) iv. Theology must also be contemporary. While it treats timeless issues, it must use language, concepts and thought forms that make some sense in the context of the present time. It must strike a balance between being relevant yet true (avoid dilution of the truth) with becoming too rigid and archaic (thus losing connection with the current culture). v. Theology must be practical. It must relate to living not just to belief. For the purpose of our study, our working definition will be: Systematic theology is any study that answers the questions, What does the whole Bible teach us today? about any given topic.
4 III. Other Types of Theology (not exhaustive): A. Biblical Theology: A narrower focus of study, emphasizing the study of a particular era or writer (e.g., the prophetic era or the Apostle John s theology). B. Historical Theology: Historical Theology looks at how the church, over the centuries, has received and articulated the Christian faith in creeds, confessions, and other Note: we are truly studying a biblical, systematic theology. formulations. (e.g., observing how the church developed the doctrine of Christ in the early centuries and how this led to the formulation of church creeds). C. Dogmatic Theology: Dogmatic theology refers especially to theology as set forth in the dogmas, creeds, and pronouncements of the church. *Special note: systematic theology & apologetics. Apologetics differs from theology in its purpose. Systematic theology sets out to discuss and reveal the contents of the faith without argumentation or defense (see assumptions above). However, apologetics presupposes that faith, and is quite systematic in its attempts to defend it.
5 IV. The Nature of Theology A. The Contents of the Christian Faith i. Theology sets forth what the Christian faith teaches, affirms, ii. holds to be true: its doctrines. From its earliest days the Christian community has been deeply committed to sound doctrine and teaching. Christians Doctrine defined: A doctrine is what the whole Bible teaches us today about some particular topic. are concerned, both then and now, with teaching the truth. Acts 2:42 (HCSB) 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. iii. The focus of theology is God. In the narrowest sense, theology talks about God and nothing else. Word etymology: Built from two Greek words: Theos and Logos. Theos means God, and logos meaning word or discourse; hence, discourse about God. Notice: Theology is not praise (speaking to God) Theology is not revelation (God speaking to us) Theology is a discourse, a conversation about God and serves the body of Christ in this way. B. An Orderly Exposition (i.e., a logical conversation) i. The truth of the Christian faith is an integrated whole. It makes up a structure, a pattern that works in harmony together with the other pieces.
6 Since the backdrop of all theological reflection is the living God in relationship to us, it is a living truth meant to enrich our lives. ii. It is one way that we can love God with our entire mind. Matthew 22: 37 (HCSB) 37 He said to him, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. iii. Put another way: Theology is Faith seeking Understanding. C. Created by the Christian Community i. True theology cannot be done by a neutral third party, but missed spring from the lives of those committed to living by its teachings. ii. Things can be written about God and His ways, but without participation in the faith community, it s impossible to get a full grasp of what the Christian faith is all about. Example: it s a world of difference between describing a cheeseburger and tasting a cheeseburger. Psalm 34:8a (HCSB) 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. V. The Function of Theology A. Theology Clarifies. i. It is important to set forth as clearly as possible what it is that the Christian community affirms. ii. Primarily for the benefit of persons in the community who need instruction in the faith.
7 iii. Theology helps Christians know what they believe. B. Theology Integrates Christian Truth. i. theology not only clarifies individual doctrines but also demonstrates how these fit together in a total pattern. Theology strives to show how each part fits together in the whole. ii. Theology helps integrate the Old and New Testaments together (understanding how the Old foreshadows and looks towards the coming of Jesus Christ). C. Theology Corrects Errors in Understanding. i. By articulating as clearly as possible the various truths of the Christian faith, it indirectly seeks to correct misunderstandings about scripture in the body of Christ. ii. Just because we attend church regularly is no guarantee we will avoid heresy and incorrect teachings. iii. The urgency of theological teaching to safeguard the faith of Christians cannot be stressed enough. 1 Timothy 4: 1 2 (HCSB) 4 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. D. Theology Declares What We Believe. i. Makes known publicly what the Christian community stands for. ii. Primarily, theology is concerned with instructing the Christian community, but it also serves as a testimony to the World. It serves as
8 public accountability. E. Theology Challenges our understandings and beliefs i. Theology moves into areas of Christian thought that have often proved confusing, even divisive, and seeks to discover the truth. ii. Extremes in theology can sometimes divide us. Examples include: 1. God s sovereignty vs. free will 2. The divinity and the humanity of Jesus 3. The nature of the sacraments 4. How and when Christ will return iii. The challenge also lies in exploring areas of Christian truth that have not yet been fully charted out. In our day, this is especially true of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and what the Pentecostal outpouring of the past 100 years means for our lives today. VI. Why We Should Study Theology A. The Basic Reason: Christ Commands us to! Matthew 28:19 20 (HCSB) 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. NOTE: i. We are commanded to teach others Christ s words and what he commanded (i.e., the Bible). ii. The task of fulfilling the great commission includes not only evangelism but also teaching. And the task of teaching all that Jesus commanded us is, in a
9 broad sense, the task of teaching what the whole Bible says to us today. iii. To effectively teach ourselves and others, it is necessary to collect and summarize all the scripture passages on a particular subject. B. The Benefit to Our Lives i. As mentioned above, studying theology helps overcome wrong ideas. 1. Being confronted with the total weight of scripture on a subject can help us be persuaded to give up our wrong ideas in favor of the truth (e.g., society & sexuality). ii. To have increased discernment when new questions or controversies arise. 1. The reason for this is that everything in the Bible is in some way connected. What does the Bible say about that? should be the first question we should ask when dealing with a new doctrinal controversy. 2. Bigger picture application: We face problems of applying Scripture to our everyday lives. Examples include: What does the Bible teach about husband-wife relationships? About raising kids? About witnessing? How should I spend my money in a way that honors God? 3. Theology & a jigsaw puzzle: Systematic theology is like the border of a puzzle designed to reveal all that the Bible teaches for life.
10 By learning theology, the edges are filled in and more of the pieces will make sense and Christians can go about putting the puzzle together over the course of their entire lives. Note: there will always be things we do not fully understand this side of eternity (the majesty and holiness of our God demands it). iii. Studying systematic theology leads to Christian maturity. Notice the teaching that Paul speaks of: 1 Timothy 6:3 (HCSB) 3 If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, 1.The Bible often connects Sound doctrine with maturity in Christian living. 2. In contrast to this, Paul also teaches that disobedience and immorality are contrary to sound doctrine. (1 Tim. 1:10) 3.By learning theology, we become more of the person Christ desires for us to be. VII. How Do We Study Theology A. We study with prayer & we seek the Holy Spirit s Guidance. Psalm 119:18 (NIV) 18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. i. We must examine our hearts and lives before approaching the study of theology to ensure that we are free of disobedience and/or sin. This will ensure that our relationship with God will not be disrupted.
11 ii. It is only through the Holy Spirit s direction that we can do theological work. Notice Jesus words in John s gospel. John 16:13(NASB) 13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 14:26 (NASB) 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:17 (NASB) 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. iii. The Christian community has the Holy Spirit as a guide within us that we must depend upon to illuminate our thinking when studying theology. B. We study theology humbly. 1 Peter 5:5 (CEV) 5 All of you young people should obey your elders. In fact, everyone should be humble toward everyone else. The Scriptures say, God opposes proud people, but he helps everyone who is humble. i. Those who study systematic theology will learn many things about the teachings of Scripture that are perhaps not known or not know well by other Christians in their churches or by relatives who are older in the Lord than they are. We must not adopt a spirit of pride or seek to use the knowledge we gain to put down other brothers and sisters in the Lord. This is an ungodly thing to do. ii. We should instead seek peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
12 James 3:13, 17 18 (HCSB) 13 Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom s gentleness. opportunities to encourage and reinforce their learning of scripture. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace. iii. Humility rightly studied will not puff us up with knowledge (1 Cor. 8:1), but will lead us to humility and love for others. C. We study with other believers. i. Theology is not meant to be studied alone, but within the context of community. It is good to discuss what we learn with other believers. Proverbs 27:17 (ESV) 17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. D. We study theology by relying on Scripture. i. The Old and New Testament Scriptures are inspired by God and must be relied upon for the task of theology. 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ii. There is an authoritativeness in Scripture that belongs to no human thoughts or words no matter how much they are guided by the Holy Spirit. iii. iv. The Key Question for theology: What does Scripture Say? Note: There can be no basic difference between the truth the Christian community knows through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and what is set forth in Scripture. Since all Scripture is God-Breathed (which means God-
13 Spirited ) or Spirit-given, it is the same Holy Spirit at work in both Scripture and community. v. To avoid error we must increase our knowledge of scripture VIII. Conclusion: Worship & Systematic Theology A. Ultimately, systematic theology is more than a dry, intellectual exercise, but a study of the living God. We cannot study Him dispassionately! B. As we study the scriptures, we should not be surprised to find ourselves moved by our deepening knowledge of the Lord. Psalm 19:8a (KJV) 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: Psalm 119:14 (KJV) 14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. Psalm 119:103 (NLT) 103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Psalm 119:111 (NLT) 111 Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart s delight. Psalm 119:162 (NASB) 162 I rejoice at Your word, As one who finds great spoil.
14 C. Like Paul, may we approach the study of God s word with a reverent heart that leads us to burst forth in worship of Him. Romans 11:33 36New International Version (NIV) 33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? 35 Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them? 36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
15 Questions 1. In what ways has tonight s lesson changed your understanding of what systematic theology is? What was your attitude toward the study of systematic theology before tonight? What is it now? 2. What is likely to happen to a church that gives up learning systematic theology for a generation or longer? 3. Are there any doctrines that we will discuss in this series that you believe will help you solve a personal difficulty in your life at the moment?
16 Works Cited: Enns, Paul. The Moody Handbook of Theology. Revised and exp. ed. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2008. Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1998. Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994. Williams, J. Rodman. Renewal Theology: Systematic Theology from a Charismatic Perspective. Vol. 1. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996.