Systematic Theology (1) Introduction

SESSION 1 — What Is Systematic Theology?

I. Definition

Systematic Theology = “The ordered exposition of Christian doctrine.”

Systematic = to bring together in an organized way

Theology = words about God

So systematic theology answers:

“What does the whole Bible teach about any one topic?”

Example:

What does the entire Bible teach about the deity of Christ?

What does the whole Bible teach about salvation?

II. Why Systematic Theology Matters

Systematic theology:

Brings the whole Bible together

Helps avoid isolated-text theology

Guards against error

Fuels preaching and teaching

Shapes Christian living

Theology is not finished until it warms the heart and moves the will.

Teaching Insight: Theology is not just information — it is transformation.

III. The Three Theological Disciplines

Use the building metaphor:

Exegetical Theology – Examines individual texts

Biblical Theology – Traces themes through redemptive history

Systematic Theology – Synthesizes everything topically

Explain clearly:

Exegesis asks: What does this passage say?

Biblical theology asks: How does this theme unfold through Scripture?

Systematics asks: What does the entire Bible teach on this topic?

Discussion Questions

Why do people sometimes resist systematic theology?

How can theology become “cold” or lifeless?

How does theology move from head to heart?

SESSION 2 — The Major Categories of Systematic Theology

Walk through the ten classic categories:

Bibliology – Doctrine of Scripture

Theology Proper – Doctrine of God

Christology – Doctrine of Christ

Pneumatology – Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

Anthropology – Doctrine of Man

Hamartiology – Doctrine of Sin

Soteriology – Doctrine of Salvation

Angelology – Doctrine of Angels and Satan

Ecclesiology – Doctrine of the Church

Eschatology – Doctrine of Last Things

Teaching Emphasis

Show how these categories:

Cover the entire Bible

Protect against imbalance

Keep us from hobby-horse theology

Benefits of Systematic Theology

A complete collection of biblical truth

A defense against false teaching

A foundation for Christian living

A basis for ethics

A fuel for mission

Limitations

Be honest about limitations:

The Bible does not answer every curiosity

Human understanding is limited

Language is limited

Spiritual maturity affects understanding

This builds humility in theology.

Discussion Questions

Which doctrine do you feel least familiar with?

Why is humility essential in theology?

What happens when churches neglect doctrinal teaching?

SESSION 3 — The Unifying Theme of Scripture

The Kingdom of God

The material argues that:

God as King and His Kingdom is the grand, unifying theme of Scripture.

Walk Through the Kingdom Framework

God is:

King of Eternity

King of Creation

King of History

King of Redemption

King Forever

Explain the three aspects of the Kingdom:

Universal Kingdom – God rules over all creation

Mediatorial Kingdom – God rules through chosen representatives

Redemptive Kingdom – God rules in the hearts of believers

Big Picture Gospel Story

Creation Fall Redemption Consummation

Only 4 chapters of the Bible (Gen 1–2; Rev 21–22) are without sin.

Everything else is:

Sin

Redemption

Kingdom restoration

Discussion Questions

How does viewing Scripture through the Kingdom theme change how we read it?

How does this theme unify Old and New Testament?

What does it mean that Christ is “King of Kings”?

SESSION 4 — The Five Major Motifs of Scripture

Revelation of God’s Character

Revelation of Judgment for Sin

Revelation of Blessing for Faith

Revelation of the Savior

Revelation of the Coming Kingdom

Teaching Exercise

Take a familiar Bible story and ask:

Which of these five themes do we see?

This helps adults learn to read the Bible theologically.

SESSION 5 — Systematic Theology & Worldview

What Is a Worldview?

A worldview is:

The lens through which you interpret reality.

Christian presupposition:

God exists.

God has spoken in Scripture.

A Biblical Worldview Answers:

Where did we come from?

What is wrong with the world?

What is right and wrong?

What happens after death?

What is our purpose?

Application

Systematic theology shapes:

How we vote

How we parent

How we think about suffering

How we respond to culture

How we evangelize

Discussion Questions

How does our culture’s worldview conflict with a biblical one?

Why is neutrality impossible?

Where are Christians most tempted to compromise worldview?

SESSION 6 — Systematic Theology & the Christian Mind

This section is deeply pastoral.

The Christian Mind Must Be:

Redeemed

Renewed

Illuminated

Christlike

Tested

Profitable

Balanced

Key Texts to Use

Romans 12:2

2 Corinthians 10:5

Philippians 4:8

Colossians 3:1–2

Psalm 119

Meditation Teaching Moment

Explain biblical meditation:

Not emptying the mind

But filling it with Scripture

Chewing truth until it shapes thinking

Balance Warning

Avoid:

Anti-intellectualism

Hyper-intellectualism

Scripture has priority over human reasoning.

Final Application

Systematic theology leads to:

Intimacy with God

Spiritual maturity

Holiness

Stability in truth

Confidence in the gospel

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STUDENT HANDOUT

SESSION 1 — What Is Systematic Theology?

Definition

Systematic Theology:

The ordered exposition of Christian doctrine.

Systematic = __________________________________________

Theology = __________________________________________

Key Question: What does the __________________________ teach about __________________________?

Why It Matters

Systematic theology helps us:

Theology is not complete until it changes the __________ and moves the __________.

Three Branches of Theology

TypeWhat It DoesExegetical Theology__________________________________________Biblical Theology__________________________________________Systematic Theology__________________________________________

Reflection

Why might some Christians resist systematic theology?

SESSION 2 — The Categories of Systematic Theology

Match the category with its subject:

Bibliology – __________________________________________

Theology Proper – _____________________________________

Christology – _________________________________________

Pneumatology – _______________________________________

Anthropology – _______________________________________

Hamartiology – ________________________________________

Soteriology – _________________________________________

Angelology – _________________________________________

Ecclesiology – ________________________________________

Eschatology – ________________________________________

Benefits of Systematic Theology

Limitations

Why must we approach theology with humility?

SESSION 3 — The Unifying Theme of Scripture

The Kingdom of God

God is King of:

The Big Story of the Bible

Creation → __________________ → __________________ → Consummation

Only ______ chapters of the Bible are without sin.

Three Aspects of the Kingdom

Universal Kingdom – ______________________________

Mediatorial Kingdom – _____________________________

Redemptive Kingdom – _____________________________

Personal Reflection

How does seeing God as King shape your view of daily life?

SESSION 4 — The Five Major Motifs of Scripture

Revelation of ________________________________________

Revelation of ________________________________________

Revelation of ________________________________________

Revelation of ________________________________________

Revelation of ________________________________________

Choose a Bible story and identify which of these themes you see:

SESSION 5 — Systematic Theology & Worldview

What Is a Worldview?

A worldview is:

Christian Presuppositions

A Biblical Worldview Answers:

Where did we come from? ______________________________

What is wrong with the world? __________________________

What is our purpose? _________________________________

What happens after death? _____________________________

Where Are You Most Challenged?

SESSION 6 — The Christian Mind

The Christian mind must be:

Redeemed

Renewed

Illuminated

Christlike

Tested

Profitable

Balanced

Key Scriptures

Romans 12:2 2 Corinthians 10:5 Philippians 4:8 Colossians 3:1–2

Biblical Meditation

Meditation means:

How can you practically meditate on Scripture this week?

Final Application

Systematic theology is not just about knowledge.

It is about:

Personal Commitment

This study will impact my life by: