Why study Theology?
It was recently brought into question before me, why the pursuits of such knowledge that will only serve to puff up? I was taken back by the accusation initially and understood it to be coming from a more emergent/ seeker position. The question was framed with respect to time being taken away from the preaching of the gospel and ministering.
Looking at this from a biblical perspective, why do we seek after knowledge? A great question I truly need to ask myself and be able to answer in such a way as to be examining myself in light of scripture.
Looking at this from a biblical perspective, why do we seek after knowledge? A great question I truly need to ask myself and be able to answer in such a way as to be examining myself in light of scripture.
Guard the Deposit Entrusted to You
This is Paul's charge to Timothy, 2 Timothy 1:14, by the Holy Spirits power, he is to guard this deposit. Looking at that whole context of scripture, 2 Timothy 1:1 -2:2, Paul's charge is for Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God. It is our duty to be "rightly handling the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15. It has been quoted for the sake of this argument that knowledge puffs up, or is arrogant but love edifies, (1 Cor. 8:1), however the context of that scripture concerns food offered to idols and, although some truth resides in the pride side of knowledge, we are exhorted from many texts such as Philippians 1:9-11," 9. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10. so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11. filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God, to be growing in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." I could continue on with scripture references for a long time in support of this but I believe it is evident in so far as I have gone.
It is certainly true however, with knowledge comes greater responsibility and accountability. Those who desire to teach should not teach if they are not prepared for the fires that come with teaching. Teachers will be in the cross hairs of Satan's wrath. Teachers will also be held to a very high standard of accountability within Gods economy. That being said, Scripture is authoritative and we must come under its governance.
Another concern from many is the studying of the church fathers. Fear of following any man certainly is warranted, however many in the church in which Christ loves have dedicated they're lives in the pursuit of truth and I find it odd that in one respect we will trust a politician or newscaster to deliver the words of truth albeit they are not expositing scripture, yet we will also trust our own pastors with they're commentary on the scriptures but not the brilliant men of God through church antiquity. I`m not suggesting that these fathers were not in error on many subjects for they obviously were but we can learn from there diligence in studying and through the Holy Spirit and the Word itself discern truth from error in they`re teaching. To say learning from them is unacceptable would be to say that us learning from anyone outside of our own studies is in error. That, to me, is simply a ridiculous deduction. Men left to their own studies have been guilty of many a church heresy throughout the ages.
All this to say, let us be of a unified spirit in pursuit of the truth of God. Theology plays an absolutely vital role in our walk with Christ. James says faith without works is dead! I agree we must put knowledge into action but you cannot throw out the baby with the bathwater. I pray Jesus is glorified in our pursuits and lifted up high. Praise God for His Holy Word!
Soli Deo Gloria, Sola Scriptura, Sola Christus, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia
This is Paul's charge to Timothy, 2 Timothy 1:14, by the Holy Spirits power, he is to guard this deposit. Looking at that whole context of scripture, 2 Timothy 1:1 -2:2, Paul's charge is for Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God. It is our duty to be "rightly handling the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15. It has been quoted for the sake of this argument that knowledge puffs up, or is arrogant but love edifies, (1 Cor. 8:1), however the context of that scripture concerns food offered to idols and, although some truth resides in the pride side of knowledge, we are exhorted from many texts such as Philippians 1:9-11," 9. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10. so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11. filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God, to be growing in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." I could continue on with scripture references for a long time in support of this but I believe it is evident in so far as I have gone.
It is certainly true however, with knowledge comes greater responsibility and accountability. Those who desire to teach should not teach if they are not prepared for the fires that come with teaching. Teachers will be in the cross hairs of Satan's wrath. Teachers will also be held to a very high standard of accountability within Gods economy. That being said, Scripture is authoritative and we must come under its governance.
Another concern from many is the studying of the church fathers. Fear of following any man certainly is warranted, however many in the church in which Christ loves have dedicated they're lives in the pursuit of truth and I find it odd that in one respect we will trust a politician or newscaster to deliver the words of truth albeit they are not expositing scripture, yet we will also trust our own pastors with they're commentary on the scriptures but not the brilliant men of God through church antiquity. I`m not suggesting that these fathers were not in error on many subjects for they obviously were but we can learn from there diligence in studying and through the Holy Spirit and the Word itself discern truth from error in they`re teaching. To say learning from them is unacceptable would be to say that us learning from anyone outside of our own studies is in error. That, to me, is simply a ridiculous deduction. Men left to their own studies have been guilty of many a church heresy throughout the ages.
All this to say, let us be of a unified spirit in pursuit of the truth of God. Theology plays an absolutely vital role in our walk with Christ. James says faith without works is dead! I agree we must put knowledge into action but you cannot throw out the baby with the bathwater. I pray Jesus is glorified in our pursuits and lifted up high. Praise God for His Holy Word!
Soli Deo Gloria, Sola Scriptura, Sola Christus, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia
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