What is Theology?

Read

Philippians 3:10 “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Think

“Theology is constituted by a triple aspect: what is taught by God, what teaches of God and what leads to God.” – Thomas Aquinas

Imagine sitting with a friend over coffee, discussing life's big questions. You ask, "What is theology?" There would probably be several minutes of complete silence! Theology is not just an academic term; it's the study of God, the foundation of our faith. In his book Bible Doctrine, Wayne Grudem explains that theology is simply “thinking about God and expressing those thoughts in some way.” It’s about understanding who God is, what he’s done, and how he interacts with us. Theology isn’t just for scholars; it's for everyone.

Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher, once said, “The proper study of a Christian is the Godhead. The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father.” Spurgeon’s words remind us that theology is a pursuit of the heart as much as the mind. It’s about falling in love with God repeatedly as we discover more about his character and his love for us.

Alexander MacLaren once said, “To know God is the true and proper end of human life, and all our efforts ought to be directed towards this one great aim.” MacLaren emphasizes that theology shapes the very purpose of our existence. When we understand God’s character, it not only impacts our eternity but transforms our daily lives. If we believe God is loving and just, it changes how we treat others and view our worth. If we believe God is sovereign, it brings peace in chaos, knowing he holds everything in his hands. Theology isn’t just knowledge; it’s transformative, changing our hearts and our actions.

Think about your view of God. How does it shape your daily life? Are you driven by fear or by love? Do you see God as distant or intimately involved in your life? Let’s dive deeper into our study of God, allowing our theology to transform us. As we understand him more, our lives will reflect him more clearly.

Apply

How do you view God? How does it shape your daily life? Are you driven by fear or by love? Do you see God as distant or intimately involved in your life?

Pray

Lord, help me to know you more deeply. Open my heart and mind to your truth. Let my understanding of you transform my life, filling me with your love, grace, and peace. May my theology be more than knowledge, but a living, breathing relationship with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.