It took God 40 years to get me to pay attention to Him, really pay attention.
As I sat in my living room that Wednesday evening and gave my life to Jesus, I also realized that I really didn’t know that much about the Bible. I didn’t know what it said, or what it would really mean for helping me to live a life devoted to Christ.
For most of my life prior to my conversion, I would not have been able to tell you what books of the Bible made up the Gospels. This was the case even though I would have called myself a Christian who goes to church.
Sad. I fear that my experience is not unique.
What Does the Bible Teach Us About _______?
This leads us to the question many of us ask, “What does the Bible teach us about…?”
Systematic Theology is a discipline of study in the Christian arena that deals with the process of answering this type of question.
Fill in the blank. God, The Word, Jesus Christ, marriage, faith, prayer. You can fill in the blank with just about anything.
Part of the Christian life is all about learning what the Bible teaches us, but most importantly following what God wants us to do.
There are many reasons to study Systematic Theology, but many people feel that it is too “academic” to matter in their lives. What good could “doing” Systematic Theology really provide a Christian who really just wants to devote their life to God and worship Him?
You might think that spending this time would not bring much fruit when you could actually be out helping others or doing more “Christian things”—serving at Church, attending services, helping with the worship team, taking care of kids in the nursery, and on and on.
I understand the hesitation to spend time studying the subject of doctrine.
But here’s what those objections miss: studying theology isn’t separate from loving God and serving others—it’s foundational to both.
Fortunately, in my life, I have found that it is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
It is also a command given to us directly by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ himself.
Jesus Commands Us to Learn and Teach
Matthew 28:18-20 is probably one of the most famous passages of the Bible: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”
Notice that last part—teaching them to obey *everything* I commanded.
That requires knowing what those commands are.
Jesus himself commanded His disciples to teach what they had been taught to others (all nations). We don’t have the disciples with us today, but we do have God’s word.
To be disciples, we really need to understand His word.
Peter also writes in his first letter, verse 15: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
If we truly have hope in Christ, it should be easy for us to shout from the rooftop why we believe what we believe.
The Benefits Are Real and Practical
Studying systematic theology helps us to grow in our faith.
As we grow in our knowledge of God, we can grow in our trust, obey, and increase our praise and worship of the King of Kings.
When I began to understand who God truly is—His holiness, His mercy, His sovereignty—my worship became deeper and more genuine.
Study also helps us to correct ideas that are incorrect.
For instance, when I realized my understanding of grace had been too shallow, missing how it empowers obedience and not just forgiveness, it transformed how I approached Christian living.
And finally, understanding the discipline of studying systematic theology will guide us as we try to answer questions about new topics that we haven’t thought about.
Many books have been written about Systematic Theology throughout the history of the church. These books are valuable tools that can be used while studying doctrine.
Moving Forward Together
This is just the beginning of what will become many articles discussing and demystifying Biblical doctrines.
The hope is that you will come away from each entry with some resources to help you grow in your faith in a simple and straightforward manner that isn’t too technical, nor is too pedestrian.
God did not inspire the writers of the Bible to do so in an unclear way, but for it to be accessible for all people.
Just as God took 40 years to get my attention and then began teaching me His word, I pray these posts will be part of your own journey of discovery—learning what the Bible truly says and how it transforms everything.
Dale Nelson – For His Renown
Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with joyful singing! – Psalms 100:2