Here are the notes from LESSON 1 for the Systematic Theology class on June 29, 2024 at The Baptist Church.
LESSON 1 - WHAT IS THEOLOGY?
I. DEFINING THEOLOGY
A. Comes from three related Greek Words:
1. Θεολογεω (theologeo) - lit. I speak about God/the gods. OR I study God/the gods. Theology.
2. Θεολογια (theologia) - lit. A word about God/the gods. OR A study about God/the gods. Theologize.
3. Θεολογος (theologos) - lit. One who speaks about God/the gods. OR One who studies God/the gods. Theologian.
B. The Greeks used these words for “discourse on the gods.”
C. Theology, simply defined, then, is the study of the being and works of God or the gods.
II. CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY - The church has used the word “theology” to refer to the study of the being and works of the one true God who has made Himself known in the Bible.
A. The Correct Focus of Christian Theology: God
- John 17:3 - And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
- Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.
B. The Correct Foundation of Christian Theology: The Bible
- 2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is inspired by God (θεοπνυστος = God-breathed), and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…
- 2 Peter 1:19-21 - So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
C. The Correct Fruits of Christian Theology: Spiritual
1. Discovery -
2 Corinthians 4:6 - God who commanded light to shine out of darkness…has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 119:18 - Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law.
2. Discernment -
Proverbs 2:3-4 - For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek [wisdom] as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures, Then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.
Psalm 119:66 - Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments.
3. Despair -
Psalm 145:3 - Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable.
Romans 11:33-35 - Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN?
4. Devotion -
Psa 63:1 - O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Deuteronomy 6:6 - Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.
5. Development -
Ephesians 4:14-15 - As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ…
Heb 5:12-14 - For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
D. The Correct Requirements of Christian Theology: Christian!
1. Faith in Jesus Christ
Rom 11:6 - Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
2. A regenerate heart and illumination by the Holy Spirit
1 Cor 2:12-14 - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
3. A delight in God and His Word
Psalm 1:2 - His delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.
4. Humility
James 4:6 - He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
III. Systematic Theology
A. Definition - Systematic Theology is the study of the being and works of God by gathering together the biblical information on different topics and arranging them together in a logical fashion.
B. The Benefits of Systematic Theology
- Systematic Theology gives us an encylopedic knowledge of Christianity. Christianity is a worldview. A worldview requires a set system of beliefs. We will never be satisfied with disconnected truths.
- Systematic Theology helps us to identify, understand, and defend against false teaching. We can only fend off the attacks of the evil one when we know what we believe.
- Systematic Theology helps us to learn and internalize the truths of Scripture. It helps us see connections in Scripture. It helps us to teach the whole counsel of God. It helps us to avoid ‘hobby horses.’ It helps us to keep away from error.
- Systematic Theology encourages spiritual growth. As we learn the Bible better, we will be stronger and more resistant to temptation.
