Theology… Why Bother? 8 Reasons

Have you ever considered grabbing a thick, big, theology book? Maybe you have attempted it and stopped or perhaps you have thought you could never work your way through it. I want to give you 8 quick reasons to push past these thoughts and begin to dig in to that thick, big book.

1.) To Know God

Theology is not intended to be boring. Theology is…the study of God. It might surprise you but we all have a theology, meaning, we all hold to certain truths about who we believe God to be and how He engages us in our daily lives. The question is not do you have a theology of God? You do. The question is, what is your theology? Or what’s more, where do you derive your theology? Where does it come from? Is it made up? Is it created in your own mind or perhaps you inherited the theology your professor professed. God’s Word exists to reveal to us… God. That is why we must go to His Word to help us construct our theology of God. Therefore, we study theology that we might better know God… “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind…” (Matthew 22:37)

2.) To Disciple And Be Discipled

Theology is not simply for the pastors/elders of a church. Theology (as stated above) is the study of God. All believers ought to recognize that studying Systematic Theology will not only help us better understand who God is, but also, the proper study of God will facilitate spiritual growth. In essence, the study of God can easily become the means by which we are being discipled and are discipling others. “Go therefore and make disciples…” (Matthew 28:19-20)

3.) To Close The Gap

There is often a gap between what I know to be true and what my actions show to be true. In other words, I can have a solid theology in my mind and yet, my actions truly reveal what I believe to be true. Another way to state it is; my theology looks good on paper but, it is exposed in my actions (especially when I am walking through trials or suffering). We study theology to close the gap. “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves…” (James 1:22)

4.) For The Glory Of God

If this were the only reason to study theology… it would be enough! Theology is glorious. The Christian who seeks to dig in to theology and does so with a heart of worship will be amazed at the glories of the Trinity, The Word of God, The unique work of the Godhead, and so much more! Study theology for the glory of God! “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 115:1)

5.) Humility

The study of God ought to have a humbling affect on us. For it is in the study of God that we come to realize we are NOT God. He is transcendent. He is the Creator and we are the created. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” (Matthew 10:24) “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God…(1 Peter 5:6)

6.) Applying God’s Word To Our Lives

The study of theology ought not to be done for knowledge sake only. Scripture doesn’t exist for simply providing us with more knowledge. Scriptures live to be lived by the Christian. We ought not study biblical truths isolated from everyday life. Consider, there are no theological categories that doesn’t have an application into our regular daily lives. Therefore, we ought to read theology with a view towards application in our lives. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.” James 1:22-24

7.) Unity

While some say, “don’t study doctrine because doctrine divides…” While that can be true, it is also true that doctrine unites! What greater unity exists on the planet earth than two believers growing in their understanding of our God? Are we to think that we are better off by not learning about God and not expanding our understandings of truth? Christian, study God! “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.” (Ephesians 4:11-14)

8.) Convictions

The intentional study of God ought to deepen our biblical convictions. In no way does reading a good Systematic Theology book replace God’s Word. Rather, if it is a good theology book, it will enrich your reading of the Word. Only the Word of God is the Word of God. Don’t allow any other book to replace that! But, do leverage other good books to help you dig deeper into the Bible. “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 may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Trinity Community Church: If you would like to jump in a study by reading along with the pastor/elders we are starting a study in Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology. Snag a copy and dive in with us. It will certainly be a rich and rewarding study. Click on the picture below, order your copy, and let’s study theology together.