Systematic Theology

📖 PART I — INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

🔑 Key Scriptures:

Acts 17:11 NKJV

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Matthew 22:37 NKJV

Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

Titus 1:9 NKJV

holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

BIG IDEA:

Understanding what theology is, why it matters, and how beliefs connect.

Have you ever met someone who just wanted love Jesus and just be nice? What would this say about their Theology?

Questions:

What is theology, and how is it different from just “knowing about God”?

(Matthew 22:37)

Why are the Bereans in Acts 17:11 a model for theological study?

What does it mean to “rightly divide” the Word?

(2 Timothy 2:15)

Why is it dangerous to build beliefs on isolated verses rather than the whole counsel of God?

(Acts 20:27)

How does systematic theology help prevent false doctrine?

(Titus 1:9)

What are some examples of beliefs that become unbalanced without a full biblical framework?

How do emotion, experience, and Scripture interact—and which should lead?

Why must theology lead to transformation, not just information?

(Romans 12:2)

How do all doctrines ultimately connect back to the nature of God?

What would it look like for a church to be passionate but theologically shallow?

PART II — THE DOCTRINE OF GOD (THEOLOGY PROPER)

Chapters: 4-6

What Christians Mean by “God”

The Attributes of God

The Trinity

Key Scriptures:

Exodus 3:14 NKJV

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

Isaiah 6:1–5 NKJV

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.”

John 4:24 NKJV

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Matthew 28:19 NKJV

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

2 Corinthians 13:14 NKJV

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

Questions:

What does God’s name “I AM” reveal about His nature?

(Exodus 3:14)

How does God’s holiness redefine how we approach Him?

(Isaiah 6:1–5)

What does it mean that God is Spirit, and how does that shape worship?

(John 4:24)

How do God’s attributes (love, justice, mercy) work together without contradiction?

(Psalm 89:14)

What is the danger of creating a version of God based on preference rather than Scripture?

How can we hold both the transcendence and nearness of God in tension?

(Isaiah 57:15)

What is the Trinity, and why is it essential to Christian faith?

(Matthew 28:19)

How do we see each Person of the Trinity active in salvation?

(2 Corinthians 13:14)

Why is understanding God foundational to every other doctrine?

How should studying God lead to awe, humility, and worship?

PART III — THE DOCTRINE OF HUMANITY & SIN

(Anthropology & Hamartiology)

Chapters: 7-9

Humanity as Created by God

The Nature and Consequences of Sin

Human Responsibility and Moral Choice

🔑 Key Scriptures:

Genesis 1:26–27 NKJV

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 3

Romans 5:12 NKJV

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

Ephesians 2:1–3 NKJV

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

James 1:14–15 NKJV

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Questions:

What does it mean to be made in the image of God?

(Genesis 1:26–27)

How did the Fall distort—not erase—the image of God in humanity?

(Genesis 3)

What is the difference between sin as a condition and sin as an action?

(Romans 5:12)

What does it mean that we were “dead in trespasses and sins”?

(Ephesians 2:1–3)

How does James describe the internal process of temptation and sin?

Are humans fundamentally good, sinful, or both? How does Scripture answer this tension?

What are the relational consequences of sin (with God, others, self)?

(Isaiah 59:2)

How does moral responsibility coexist with a sinful nature?

Why do people often minimize or redefine sin today?

How should a biblical understanding of sin shape repentance and dependence on grace?

PART IV — THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST (CHRISTOLOGY)

Chapters: 10-12

Who Jesus Christ Is

The Work of Christ

Why Jesus Matters

🔑 Key Scriptures:

John 1:1–14 NKJV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shined in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Colossians 1:15–20 NKJV

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

Philippians 2:5–11 NKJV

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Hebrews 2:14–18 NKJV

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Questions:

What does it mean that Jesus is both fully God and fully man?

(John 1:1–14)

Why is the incarnation essential for salvation?

How does Colossians 1 establish Christ’s authority over all creation?

What does Philippians 2 reveal about Christ’s humility and exaltation?

Why was it necessary for Jesus to live a sinless life?

(Hebrews 4:15)

How does Jesus function as Prophet, Priest, and King?

What did Jesus accomplish through His death on the cross?

(Isaiah 53:5–6)

Why is the resurrection central—not optional—to Christianity?

(1 Corinthians 15:17)

What does it mean that Jesus is our mediator?

(1 Timothy 2:5)

Why does correctly understanding Jesus determine everything about salvation?

PART V — THE DOCTRINE OF SALVATION (SOTERIOLOGY)

Chapters: 13-15

What Salvation Means

Grace, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation

New Life and Transformation

🔑 Key Scriptures:

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Romans 5:1–11 NKJV

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:17–21 NKJV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Titus 3:5–7 NKJV

not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Questions:

What does it truly mean to be “saved”?

(Ephesians 2:8–9)

How do grace and faith work together in salvation?

What is justification, and how is it different from sanctification?

(Romans 5:1)

What does reconciliation restore between us and God?

(2 Corinthians 5:18–19)

What does it mean to be a “new creation”?

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Why is repentance essential—not optional—in salvation?

(Acts 3:19)

How does salvation affect identity, not just destiny?

What role do works play after salvation?

(Ephesians 2:10)

How can someone know they are truly saved?

(1 John 5:13)

What does ongoing transformation (sanctification) actually look like daily?

PART VI — THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (PNEUMATOLOGY)

Chapters: 16-17

Who the Holy Spirit Is

The Work of the Holy Spirit

🔑 Key Scriptures:

John 14:16–17 NKJV

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

Acts 1:8 NKJV

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Romans 8:9–16 NKJV

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Galatians 5:22–25 NKJV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Questions:

Is the Holy Spirit a person or a force? What evidence supports your answer?

What does it mean that the Spirit “dwells” in believers?

(Romans 8:9)

How does the Holy Spirit empower believers for mission?

(Acts 1:8)

What is the difference between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit?

How does the Spirit lead and guide believers into truth?

(John 16:13)

What does it mean to be “led by the Spirit”?

(Romans 8:14)

How can believers grieve or quench the Spirit?

(Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19)

What role does the Spirit play in conviction of sin?

(John 16:8)

How does walking in the Spirit practically overcome the flesh?

(Galatians 5:16)

What happens when individuals or churches neglect the Holy Spirit?

PART VII — THE DOCTRINE OF SCRIPTURE (BIBLIOLOGY)

Chapters: 18-19

What the Bible Is

How Scripture Is Interpreted and Used

🔑 Key Scriptures:

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Peter 1:20–21 NKJV

knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Psalm 119:9–11 NKJV

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

Questions:

What does it mean that Scripture is “God-breathed”?

(2 Timothy 3:16)

How did human authors write Scripture while still being inspired by God?

(2 Peter 1:21)

Why is Scripture the final authority for believers?

What does Hebrews 4:12 reveal about the power of God’s Word?

What are the dangers of misinterpreting Scripture?

What is the role of context (historical, literary, cultural) in interpretation?

How does Scripture interpret Scripture?

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding the Bible?

How can believers move from reading Scripture to being transformed by it?

(James 1:22)

What happens when a church drifts from biblical authority?

PART VIII — THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH (ECCLESIOLOGY)

Chapters: 20-21

What the Church Is

The Role of the Church in Christian Life

🔑 Key Scriptures:

Acts 2:42–47 NKJV

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

1 Corinthians 12:12–27 NKJV

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

Ephesians 4:11–16 NKJV

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Matthew 16:18 NKJV

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Questions:

What is the biblical definition of the Church?

Why is the Church described as the Body of Christ?

(1 Corinthians 12)

What were the essential practices of the early church?

(Acts 2:42–47)

Why is community essential for spiritual growth?

What role do spiritual gifts play within the church?

How does church leadership function biblically?

(Ephesians 4:11–12)

What is the mission of the Church?

(Matthew 28:19–20)

What happens when believers isolate themselves from the Church?

How should the Church engage culture without compromising truth?

What does a healthy, growing church look like?

PART IX — THE DOCTRINE OF LAST THINGS (ESCHATOLOGY)

Chapters: 22-23

Christian Hope and the Future

Restoration, Renewal, and Fulfillment

🔑 Key Scriptures:

1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 NKJV

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

Revelation 21-22

Daniel 12:2 NKJV

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Matthew 24

Questions:

What happens immediately after death according to Scripture?

What is the hope of the resurrection?

(1 Corinthians 15:52–54)

What does the return of Christ mean for believers?

(1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)

How should believers interpret end-times teachings responsibly?

What is the final judgment, and what does it reveal about God’s justice?

(Revelation 20:11–15)

What is heaven like based on Revelation 21–22?

What does the “new heaven and new earth” represent?

How does eternity reshape how we live today?

Why is hope central to Christian eschatology?

How should believers prepare for Christ’s return?

Final Wrap-Up Moment

End your entire study by asking:

“How has your view of God changed?”

“What doctrine challenged you the most?”

“Where is God calling you to grow, repent, or step out?”