Theology. How do you feel when you hear that word? Perhaps you think, “It’s too boring” or “That’s only for those geeky people!” Or perhaps you have been told or feel that theology “is only for those up in ivory towers.”
What if we had a paradigm shift to think about theology, the study of God, as one of the most important studies we could ever endeavor to undertake? With a proper understanding of theology, things change; we change. With a proper understanding of theology, our worldview is one as seen through God’s eyes. With proper theology, our discernment becomes sharpened. With proper theology, our faith is made deeper, fuller, and richer. With proper theology, we make better sense of life.
Whether we are conscious of it or not, theology affects every decision we make and is a part of how we process every part of life. It is the bedrock of our philosophy and our outlook on life. In fact, our theology is how we react to everything that goes on in life. What we believe about God affects our worldview, how we act, how we think….it shapes our whole life. A.W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
Not only does correct Biblical theology help us make sense of life, it also helps us to understand the metanarrative of Scripture. It helps to guard against false teaching and helps to keep us from being deceived.
Theology Proper helps us to know God better through specific study of him and how he has revealed himself and how he works in the world he created. Theology Proper is not the only aspect of theology: theology also contains subjects such as scripture, the God-head, humanity, salvation, the church, the end times and much more.
Theology helps us to know where we will spend eternity. It helps us to see humanity and God in the right light – we are totally dependent upon him; he is completely self-sufficient. Studying theology helps us better understand the Scriptures which are “breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man [and woman] of God[ may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Studying theology helps us to praise God more sincerely. “I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules” (Psalm 119:7). When we study theology, our love for God will grow; our love for others will, too.
R.C. Sproul states, “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. That is why we engage in theology.” Not only should we study theology, but we are also commanded to do so. “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).
This summer, Faith is offering women an opportunity to study the topics of scripture, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, humanity, salvation, the church, and the end times, in a study called Everyday Theology – What You Believe Matters by Mary Wiley. This 8-week small group-style study will be offered on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings in the North Commons at Faith Church.
So, ladies, join us this summer to learn more about theology we use everyday.
Melinda and her family moved to Colorado in 2016 after spending several years travelling the country by RV, relocating as necessary for her husband’s employment. Melinda uses her B.S. and M.B.S. Biblical Studies degrees to bless others through writing and teaching. At Faith, Melinda is active on the writing team and in women’s ministries. She homeschools her boys and works part-time as an optician. She and her husband Jeff became grandparents for the first time last year