D2:Theology Defined & Applied

Introduction: Theology Defined & Understood

Theology simply stated, is the study of God. And as you’ve read in our class book, theology, historically understood, is a scientific discipline of attempting to gain a coherent and consistent knowledge of God as stated in the book.

In today’s culture, theology isn’t a term we hear very often because it’s not viewed as a system of thought or a lens in which we see the world and live by (applied theology).

As Sproul suggests in our text book, the truth of God is the source of all truth and everything we learn, economics, philosophy, biology, and mathematics has to be understood in light of the overarching reality of the character of God.

Sadly, by-in-large in the universal church, theology seems to be frowned upon as if it’s not necessary as a disciple of Jesus Christ. I contend heavily against this position. I think its unbiblical and it has greatly hindered the church over the last 20 years.

Because theology is such a broad term, the discipline of systematic theology serves to categorize the varying topics found within the scriptures, which is what we’re going to be studying over the next nine weeks.

Philosophy’s Origin Is Theology: In the beginning, God

As Sproul points out in the book, we can’t develop our theology from philosophical pursuits, but rather, we must develop our philosophy based on the fundamental truths of God. The fundamental categories of philosophy; existence, reality, and knowledge are all answered with theology. And more specifically, through God’s Word, which is his revelation of himself to his creation.

When it comes to existence, God answers that question in the very beginning of his revelation by his power........In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1.1). God the father was and is the first cause, he created.

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. Ps. 33.6

When it comes to reality, God answers that question by his authority.

Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it. Isa. 42.5

It is I who by my great power and my out-stretched arm have made the earth, with the men and animals that are on the earth, and I give it to whomever it seems right to me. Jer. 27.5

The heavens are the LORD’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man. Ps. 115.16

When it comes to knowledge, God answers that question in his infinite wisdom - making him the source of knowledge.

“You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him for my priesthood. Ex. 28.3

“And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability that they may make all that I have commanded you.” Ex. 31.6

Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “see, the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship.” Ex. 35.30-31 -The construction of the tabernacle

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Pro. 2.6

As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Dan. 1.17

Behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 1 Ki. 3.12

For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit. 1 Cor. 12.8

That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col. 2.2-3

Theistic Revelation: God is our revelation not our reason - General Revelation

God reveals himself through his creation as creator and man is without excuse. God’s power and authority is explicitly demonstrated in creation.

For example:

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the whole world. Ps. 19.1-4

The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Ps. 50.6

The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory. Ps. 97.6

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Rom. 1.19-20

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each of us, for “In him we live and move and have our being”, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘for we are indeed his offspring.’ Acts 17:24-28

Closing: Theology Applied

Theology isn’t a second language for pedant intellectuals, but a theistic worldview that seeks to know God in all things. In other words, there is a theological aspect to everything in life. As a biblical counselor, I try to provide biblical counsel for my clients in their matters of circumstance - generically speaking. From their perspective, more often than not, they are looking for fix-it solutions, and trying to make sense of why they’re going through what they’re going through. But from my vantage point, in my data gathering to provide the utmost biblical counsel, I’m helping them establish a theology of struggle. This theology manifests itself in many different hardships, but the purpose is always the same - understanding one’s circumstance in light of what God says about himself and what he says about man, and thats what systematic theology is disciplined to accomplish.