Tonight’s lesson: Hello, Theology

What’s your thoughts? What’s the message of their song? Newsboys: We Believe What’s your thoughts? What’s the message of their song?

The Purpose of this Series to introduce key doctrines of the historic Christian faith while encouraging a deeper personal study of systematic theology.

Our Sequence 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)

The Bible is true and that it is our only absolute standard of truth. Two Assumptions The Bible is true and that it is our only absolute standard of truth. The God who is spoken of in the Bible exists, and that he is who the Bible says He is.

To introduce theology and reveal the role it plays in our lives. Tonight’s Goal To introduce theology and reveal the role it plays in our lives.

What is Theology At its core, theology is the study or science of God. Theology is Biblical. Theology is Systematic. Theology illuminates general culture & learning. Theology must be contemporary. Theology must be practical.

Our Working Definition Systematic theology is any study that answers the questions, “What does the whole Bible teach us today?” about any given topic.

Types of Theology Systematic Theology Biblical Theology Historical Theology Dogmatic Theology

Apologetics & Theology 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.

The Nature of Theology 1. The Contents of the Christian Faith Theology sets forth what the Christian faith teaches, affirms, or holds to be true: it’s doctrines. Doctrine defined: A doctrine is what the whole Bible teaches us today about some particular topic.

Nature of Theology cont… The focus of theology is God. Word etymology: Built from two Greek words: Theos and Logos. Theos means “God,” and logos meaning “word” or “discourse;” hence, “discourse about God.”

Nature of Theology cont… 2. An Orderly Exposition (i.e. a logical conversation) 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.

Nature of Theology cont… 3. It is created by the Christian community.

The Function of Theology A. Theology Clarifies. B. Theology Integrates Christian Truth. C. Theology Corrects Errors in Understanding. D. Theology Declares What We Believe. E. Theology Challenges our Understandings and Beliefs.

Why We Should Study Theology? 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.”

Why We Should Study Theology? The Benefit to Our Lives. Studying Systematic Theology leads to Christian Maturity. 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,

How Do We Study Theology 1. We study with prayer & we seek the Holy Spirit’s Guidance. 2. We study theology humbly. 3. We study with other believers. 4. We study theology by relying on Scripture.

Conclusion: Worship & Theology Ultimately, systematic theology is more than a dry, intellectual exercise, but a study of the living God.

Conclusion: Worship & Theology 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.

Conclusion: Worship and Theology 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.

Questions 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? What is likely to happen to a church that gives up learning systematic theology for a generation or longer? 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?

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.