But whether you are a person who is feeling a call to ministry or simply interested in learning more about God, there are three incredible benefits that come with taking classes in the area of theology. We can certainly cite many Benefits and Blessings of studying theology, but perhaps the best reason is because God commands it. Studying theology matures us in the faith. We are to preach the word, be ready, and reprove, rebuke, and exhort. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.’” (Matthew 10:34-39). We are expected to handle His Word rightly. It also strengthens the bonds of those who are united under proper theology. There is also a practice called eisegesis. He is reminding Timothy that the sanctification resulting in continual discipleship to Christ necessarily includes intense study of God’s Word.” (Wilson). The fact that there are and will continue to be false teachers within the professing church is an undeniable fact. When you know doctrine, you prepare yourself to live in ways that express love to him and to others.” (Challies), “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15), “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25-27). 1 April 2014. Grudem says yes and offers three benefits for studying systematic theology: It helps guard us against imposing our ideas on Scripture. Check out the parable of the seeds: In every corner of our public world, we find people arguing about, mobilizing, and developing politics around things theological. It’s the secret to living the most joyful and satisfied life. The book we’re using, Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology), was published by Zondervan in 1995 and is generally recognized as the best systematic theology … “We do want to progress in our knowledge and growth in our understanding, but we have to be careful not to be lured into the temptation to come up with something new just to be novel.” (Sproul, p.10), “Purposeful theological study of God, as an expression of love for God, cannot help but deepen our love for God.” (Wilson). This is my comfort in my affliction, “Doctrine is meant to amaze you with the sheer power and magnitude of God. Religious studies degrees often take a more historical or sociological approach to studying religion. The Perspective of Biblical Context. Studying doctrine allows us to live out the Christian faith with clarity, confidence, and consistency. Theology is the study of God. We must unify over true theology or we must divide. Studying theology helps us to know God more perfectly. Most people don’t study theology at all in college—especially those who attend public universities and colleges. Learning about God’s omnipotence, His omniscience, His omnipresence, His mercy, His grace, His sovereignty brings us to our knees. When we really study the true God of the Bible, we quickly realize that we are not actually the center of the universe. Web. As we grow to fear God more than we fear man we also grow to fear for man’s soul more and take every opportunity to share with everyone the Good New of Christ’s atoning work. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.’ (John 4:23–24)” (Wilson). because I have hoped in your word.” (Psalm 119:73-74). In other words, we may profess to know the God of the Bible. “But the answer to formal scholasticism or dry intellectualism is not a neglect of theological study. Studying theology helps us know what and why we believe and how to defend those beliefs. Studying theology will also drive us to be more correct in the way we worship. “But theological study goes deeper than simply authenticating our worship as true and godly—it also fuels this worship. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. but I do not turn away from your law. “I will also speak of your testimonies before kings You cannot know God and be arrogant.” (Challies). than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” (Psalm 119:71-72). Theology versus Religious Studies . and keep your law. You cannot see God and be proud. then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, It stands to reason that the more theological facts we feast on in the Word, the more assurance and conviction—and thus the more faith—we will cultivate.”  (Wilson), “Paul tells his young protégé Timothy, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. The stronger our theology grows, the stronger the unity within Christ’s Bride grows. The more you know of God, the more you can worship God and the more you will want to worship God. If our answer is based on how we feel about something or what we think, it may not align with what Scripture teaches. Luke describes these people as being more noble than those in Thesalonica because they were studying the Scripture to judge whether Paul and Silas were teaching what was in accord to the God’s Word. Does Romans 13:8 Teach It Is a Sin to Borrow Money? God’s Word commands us to Study Theology (Sound Doctrine) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. How do we answer these people? Laypeople have no biblical warrant to leave the duty of doctrine up to pastors and professors alone.” (Wilson), “[People] may love a God of their own imaginations, when they are far from loving such a God as reigns in heaven.” ~ Jonathan Edwards, “Having formed in their minds such a god as suits them, and thinking God to be such a one as favors and agrees with them, [people] may like him very well…when they are far from loving the true God.” ~ Jonathan Edwards. What you learn of God should always motivate your worship. http://www.challies.com/articles/6-great-reasons-to-study-doctrine, Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically, Everyone’s A Theologian: An Introduction to Systematic Theology, http://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/why-theological-study-everyone/. give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. Biblical theology provides us with fresh insight into parts of Scripture that … And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.” (2 Peter 2:1-2), “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24). Scottish pastor and theologian John Dick (1764-1833) gave the following reasons in his systematic theology. Indeed, the study of theology has often run afoul of the legal separation of church and state. There are many who teach false theology today within the professing church. In Acts 17, Luke describes a time when Paul and Silas visited Berea. It is the content of our faith, our belief system. This list is derived from Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth, John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue, general editors. Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, Finally, studying theology aids us in evangelism. when I learn your righteous rules.” (Psalm 119:7), “Remember your word to your servant, To discover his designs toward man in his original and his present state. Use other books to help you understand but the Bible must be your plumb line by which you judge all others teachings. This week we examine three benefits that arise when we engage in biblical theology: 1) it enriches our study of Scripture, 2) teaches us our spiritual heritage, and 3) leads us to worship. your salvation according to your promise; There are people who do not understand why we should study God. Theology today is the study of religious beliefs and the divine. First, the Christian who systematically studies the Word of God knows truth. Rose, we would certainly benefit from having you with us in our study. 6 October 2014. It amazes you with the sheer sinfulness of mankind. We realize that the Bible isn’t actually about us. The more we understand theology the better we become as understanding what we can and cannot unite with. Benefits of Studying the Old Testament Warren Baldwin Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/leaven Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy … Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, Nobody likes an egghead. As the depth of your knowledge grows, so too does the depth of your love. To serve him, the most honorable and delightful purpose to which we can devote our time and talents. They fully believe that all the works they did were in the name of God but the god they serve is not Yahweh. As Christians, God expects us to study His Word to know Him more fully. Theology & Religious Studies is far from being outdated; it’s still very pertinent … Helping you grow in God's all-sufficient grace and truth. “The purpose of theology is not to tickle our intellects but to instruct us in the ways of God, so that we can grow up into maturity and fullness of obedience to Him. “When you know doctrine, you are able to rebuke anyone who wanders from it, and you are responsible for doing so. 8:1). Your love for God is limited by your knowledge of him, so that you can really only love him as far as you know him. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? 4:16). “Knowing the right information about God is just one way we authenticate our Christianity. 4 Benefits of Studying Systematic Theology Crossway Articles. A solid understanding of the gospel and character of God allows us to rationally declare the truth [Acts 26:24-26]. God’s Word instructs us to “judge all things” (1 Corinthians 2:15-16), judge with a right judgment (John 7:24), and to judge teachers/preachers on their doctrinal “fruit” (Matthew 7:15-20). Both will enhance one’s spiritual maturity. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”(2 Timothy 4:1-5). “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. “Churches are bound together by the beliefs they share. If we do not study theology, we will not know where we are to unite and where we are to divide. wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm 119:8), “Give me understanding, that I may keep your law (Matthew 7:14). Of course there will be certain minor variances in a church on lesser matters, but the greater the shared beliefs on the essentials, and the greater the emphasis on the essentials, the greater the degree of unity.” (Challies). Unless we study theology, we are unable to do this duty and are weak to stand against false teaching. "For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Having a fuller, more correct theology leads to a fuller and more correct doxology. Studying theology helps us to know God more perfectly. We may ask or say things like: “Why would God allow this to happen to me?” “What is the purpose of life?” “Why does God let bad things happen to good people?” “At least I am not as bad as her?” “I need to be in control.” These are genuine and understandable questions/statements. And as you see it, you are humbled. I believe this should change. Eight Responsibilities of Church Members to their Leaders, A Dad Talks with His Son about Masturbation. There will be many on Judgement Day who will have believed they had the right God all along. If we do not have the right information about God, we do not have the right god and, therefore, we have no god at all. Many teach we should unify with these false teachers but this is in opposition to what God’s Word teaches. “The more we read, study, meditate on, and prayerfully apply the word of God, the more we will find ourselves in awe of Him. I remember your name in the night, O Lord, To love him, the most worthy exercise of our affections. “Our continued growth in the grace of God, our perseverance as saints, is vitally connected to our pursuit of the knowledge of God’s character and God’s works as revealed in God’s Word. This applies directly to your new career in nursing by preparing you to deal with complex technical issues, while being able to effectively communicate with doctors, patients and families. Our love for God increases our love for man. benefits of studying theology provides a comprehensive and comprehensive pathway for students to see progress after the end of each module. Studying theology helps … Error: There is no connected account for the user 4017433232 Feed will not update. When we study that attributes of God, scales on our eyes start to fall away. There are many preachers/teachers in this world that twist Scripture in order to support their argument. Like a great ship on the horizon, the closer we get, the larger He looms.” (Wilson). Ligonier. Although other religions may be said to have theologies, this is a matter of controversy within, for instance, Judaism, which holds that God is unknowable.” (Theology… Worshiping God in the way we want to is not really worshiping God but rather worshiping our experience. Benefits and Blessings of Studying Theology. Therefore, it is of supreme importance that we commit ourselves to the study of doctrine. A certain amount of knowledge is required for salvation. The law of your mouth is better to me In a sense, theology is the study of a religion from within that religion's traditions and perspectives, while religious studies take a more external perspective. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. We all basically understand what is meant in the biblical warning that “knowledge puffs up” (1 Cor. … I love Christ because He first loved me. This blessing has fallen to me, “Often, this ignorance of God demonstrates itself in idolatry—not the ugly and obvious idolatry of statues and shrines by the subtle idolatry of refashioning the true God into an image that fits our lives. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God[b] may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (1 Timothy 3:16-17). For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. Where you spend eternity rests on having the right God. This is to read a passage, in context and practicing proper hermeneutics to determine what the passage is actually stating. Contrary to the way some idolaters of doubt would have you believe, the Christian faith is founded on facts. 6 Great Reasons To Study Doctrine. God sanctifies us through His Word. What are the benefits of studying a Charles Sturt theology degree? It bewilders you with your own insignificance before God, and yet your sheer significance in his plan of redemption. The most important tool we have in properly understanding and interpreting Scripture is to read the passage in context. “We ignore the global impact of religion, in my judgment, at our peril”-ex-U. who forsake your law. It’s the secret to living the most joyful and satisfied life. and shall not be put to shame,” (Psalm 119:41-42, 46), “You see the infinite distance between his power and your weakness, between his holiness and your sinfulness, between his unchangeable nature and your fickleness. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that for the Christian, faith is not some leap into the dark. Being a studier of God doesn’t mean we are … We soon discover how absolutely wretched we are; how bad our sin really is. For “spirit and truth” to have authority in our hearts , we have to … There are a myriad of benefits, but I want to mention five main areas where the Christian profits from the study of theology. For many students, a degree in theology is a step towards their calling to work in the church. Religious Studies is not particularly the most common subject choice amongst students applying for university, however, there are a powerhouse of benefits of doing so, if you have any remote interest in religion. To serve him, the most honorable and delightful purpose to which we can devote our time and talents. Thirty-seven U.S. states have laws limiting the spending of public funds on religious training. but in fact we know only a god of our imagination.” (Snyder, p. 32), Jesus says in Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Web. Divorcing your study of theology from the local church. for I trust in your word. In John 17, Jesus is praying for Christians. What do we say when someone asks us why we study the Bible? in which you have made me hope. For example, how many times have you heard a sermon on David and Goliath only to be told that this passage is about fighting the “giants” in our lives? Bob Hunter Post author August 26, 2013 at 7:02 pm. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:11-16). We can identify many benefits of pursuing, developing, and maintaining sound doctrine as a result of studying theology: Theology is required for salvation. Sanctification is another word for growing or maturing in the faith. Wilson, Jared. {Are they mad at God because of a great tragedy or abuse? This is not an option for a Child of God but our marching orders. Studying theology helps us to know who and when to properly unite and divide. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”. We must study theology to know what is good fruit and what is bad. In studying theology we actually learn what the true definition of grace, mercy, love, justice, sin, and other words we misuse every day. Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? Define Theology Theology is defined as “the systematic study of the nature of God and God's relationship with humanity and with the world. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Tim. The better we understand who God is, the more pure and true our worship of the Creator will become. God has warned us many times that there would be false teachers rise up in the professing church. The study of theology prepares you to explore abstract ideas from different perspectives, as well as communicate these ideas to others. To contemplate the display of his attributes in his works and dispensations. He has given us His Word to sanctify us and make us stronger in the faith. and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105). When you know doctrine, you are able to defend your church from those who would want to lead it astray. Knowing God, what God is like, and that God ultimately transcends our thoughts cultivates intimacy, union, and mystery in our relationship with God. And again, the more you know of God, the warmer the heart behind your worship and the deeper the expression of your worship.” (Challies), I will praise you with an upright heart, What accord has Christ with Belial? Yes, doctrinal truths are often presented with unfamiliar and complicated terminology. A church that cares little for doctrine, and a church without people who know and love doctrine, is a church that will necessarily be blown and swayed by every wind and wave of doctrine.” (Challies). Theology is what we think about God, which then determines what we think about ourselves and how we live in relation to God and others. An opposite practice to eisegesis is exegesis which means to read out of Scripture what it is saying. Or what fellowship has light with darkness? “Every Christian must be a theologian…So I tell my church what I don’t mean. However, Scripture the only infallible, inerrant, completely sufficient source of Truth. “Your word is a lamp to my feet Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. The idea of theological education (the study of God himself) can be daunting. He says in John 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” We cannot mature in the faith without studying God’s Word and learning about who He is. It is how God has chosen to tell us about Himself. What agreement has the temple of God with idols?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16a), “‘Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. Being a studier of God doesn’t mean we are … The Bible not only warns us of false teachers rising up in the church but also instructs us in what to do when we see/hear of false teaching/teachers. We must remember what Jesus explained to the Samaritan woman at the well: ‘True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. To know this mighty Being, as far as he may be known, [which] is the noblest aim of the human understanding. He will cast them into the Lake of Fire for eternity. Without a proper understanding of who God is, it is impossible to properly understand life and our life experiences. It’s a relevant area. We should seek unity with other brothers and sisters in Christ but there comes a time when we must divide from those who teach a false theology. Theology is essentially knowledge of God. I believe in what seminaries do—and, frankly, … theological studies degree. that I might learn your statutes. “To know God is to know love; to know God is to equip yourself to act in love. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. If our answer is not the truth or is not something we have actually determined for ourselves through the study of Scripture, we cannot claim to be acting in “good conscience” or with a “good behavior in Christ.” In order to answer in “good conscience” and with a behavior that Christ would be pleased with, we must study what His Word has said. To ascertain the character of God in its aspect toward us. When I think of your rules from of old, that your promise gives me life. It means to read into Scripture what you want it to be saying. 38 This is the great and first commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38, “Loving God with all of our minds certainly means more than theological study, but it certainly does not mean less than that.” (Wilson). Studying theology teaches us how to properly read, interpret, and understand God’s Word. Details: Intimacy and Maturity There is no better way to saturate one’s mind with Scripture than by sitting under expository preaching and studying systematic theology. Intentionally or consistently err in the vital facts about God, and you jeopardize the veracity of your claim truly to know God.” (Wilson), “Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:14b-16), God’s Word instructs us to be able to answer people for the reason we have the hope of Christ. Due to the fact that we’ve been created in the image of God with a conscience stirred by an innate God-consciousness, we all have an interest in theology. Theology can be thought of as loving God with your mind. Studying theology helps us know what and why we believe and how to defend those beliefs. We realize how small we really are and realize how impossible it is to fathom how big He really is. “Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, “If you do not truly know God, it is because you are enamored with your inflated views of yourself and refuse to humble yourself and seek Him.” (Snyder, p22), “Open my eyes, that I may behold Charles Sturt teaches theology in a way that covers many different disciplines: history, philosophy, psychology, social sciences, textual analysis, linguistic study, and symbol. Many people claim to worship God and show great sincerity in their worship but it is not enough to just go through the motions or be sincere but we must do so in the ways God has outlined in His Word. To learn our duty to him, the means of enjoying his favor, the hopes which we are authorized to entertain, and the wonderful expedient by which our fallen race is restored to purity and happiness. While teaching at a Bible School here in the United States, I had the opportunity to talk to a discouraged student. A theology degree is a good place to start for anyone wanting to pursue their faith, whether as a minister, a pastor or a youth worker. KEDS Director of Studies Dr Stephen Vantassel explores the practical benefits of a theological education in a short but useful essay that ought to be read by anyone considering enrolling on a Bible college or seminary programme. Hermeneutics is the science of proper interpretation. It moves you with the incredible mercy of God as expressed in sending his Son to die for you. If God is truly the Creator, the Sustainer, the Savior, and Sovereign, why wouldn’t we want to study theology? And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. We didn’t realize how childish and worldly our previous idea of God was. That is why we engage in theology.” (Sproul, p. 13). We cannot rightly judge doctrinal fruit unless we know what good doctrinal fruit is. Studying theology puts our life into a correct perspective. There are many great preachers, teachers, and books that are full of wonderful wisdom and are beneficial in helping us understand Scripture. 11 Reasons to Study Theology 1. Intimacy and Maturity There is no better way to saturate one’s mind with Scripture than by sitting under expository preaching and studying systematic theology. Because we’re human (and sinners), we’re apt to find some biblical teachings hard to embrace.
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