· Prolegomena ·

Lecture Three:  How To Study Theology

TH330 Systematic Theology I · Moody Bible Institute · Dr. Richard M. Weber

I. Theistic Presuppositions

II. Interpretive Presuppositions

A. Theology Should Be Based Explicitly on the Teachings of Scripture

“I believe that the words of Scripture themselves have power and authority greater than any human words.”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 15)

B. Plain, Literal Interpretation of Texts

“Accurate theology rests on sound exegesis.”  (Charles C. Ryrie, Basic Theology, 16)

C. The Priority of the New Testament

2 Tim 3:16.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

“Old Testament theology has its place, but it is incomplete without the contribution of New Testament truth.”  (Charles C. Ryrie, Basic Theology, 17)

D. The Legitimacy of Proof Texts

III. Systematizing Presuppositions

A. The Necessity of a System

B. The Possibility of a System

C. The Limitations of a System

“[T]he limitations of a theological system must coincide with the limitations of biblical revelation.”  (Charles C. Ryrie, Basic Theology, 18)

IV. Ecclesiastical Presuppositions

A. Hope for Progress in Doctrinal Unity of the Church

To “present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, tat she might be holy and without blemish.”  (Eph 5:27)

Christ has given gifts to equip the church “until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.”  (Eph 4:13)

“Though the past history of the church may discourage us, these Scriptures remain true, and we should not abandon hope of greater agreement.”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 18)

B. A Sense of the Urgent Need for Greater Doctrinal Understanding in the Whole Church

V. Personal Presuppositions

A. The Theologian Must Believe

1 Cor 2:10-16.  “The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.  For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him?  In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.  This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.  The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.  The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment:  For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?  But we have the mind of Christ.”

B. The Theologian Must Think

C. The Theologian Must Depend on the Holy Spirit

“Intellect alone does not make a theologian.”  (Charles C. Ryrie, Basic Theology, 19)

John 16:12-15.  “[Jesus said,] I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.  But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.  He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.  He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.  All that belongs to the Father is mine.  That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.”

D. The Theologian Must Study Prayerfully

Ps. 119:18.  “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

E. The Theologian Must Engage With the Study

“Theology is the study of God and all his works!  Theology is meant to be lived and prayed and sung!”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 16)

“Studying theology is no mere academic exercise, thought it is that.  It is an experience that changes, convicts, broadens, challenges, and ultimately leads to a deep reverence for God.  Worship means recognizing the worth of the object worshiped.”  (Charles C. Ryrie, Basic Theology, 19)