Introduction to Bible Doctrines

The ladies of Blessed Hope Halifax have begun the study of doctrine.

To begin gleaning knowledge in this area we must first have a proper understanding of how to treat the Scriptures. Our first two lessons were all about HOW to approach the study of God's Word.

Below is a recap of what we have learned thus far.

lesson 1:

When we commit to studying God's Word we must recognize

 it as the final authority for life.

 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."

-2 Timothy 3:16

We can begin to better our grasp on the Scriptures by understanding the practice of Systematic Theology.

What is Systematic Theology?

-collecting passages

-understanding the concept and context

-formulating organized thought about the content

-applying directly to our lives

By understanding how to “do” systematic theology…we can know HOW to study God’s Word properly.

 "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." 

2 Timothy 2 :15

We need to study what the Bible itself has to say, never do we want to put emphasis on man or the   knowledge of man…

"And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."

- Col. 1:18

 …in order to do so...

For emphasis: 

We must recognize that Scripture is the final authority for life and godliness.

 "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence." 

-2 Peter 1:3

    "You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you"

-Deuteronomy 4:2

^" For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

-Hebrews 4:12-13

  "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

-Matthew 24:35 (red letter-words of Jesus)

 

Theology further defined:

Theology is studying what God wants us to believe and know in situations as opposed to Ethics which is what He wants us to do and what attitudes He wants us to have for situations.

Systematic theology will attempt to summarize the teachings of Scripture in a brief understandable statement for accessible application in our daily lives.

 

What’s important…

As students of the Word…which we all should be if we are coming to know Him…it is important to carefully organize Scripture in order to prevent inaccurate analysis.

We want to be consistent and absent of contradictions

The better we study, the more sure we can be that we are not coming to wrong conclusions

“EVERY TIME I OPEN THE WORD OF GOD I SHOULD BE CHANGED BY IT.”

 

lesson 2:

How should we study systematic theology?

1. with prayer

"Open my eyes, that I may behold
    wondrous things out of your law"

Psalm 119:18

 

example: read 1Kings 3:9-15

⁹  Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

¹⁰ It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. ¹¹ And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, ¹² behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. ¹³  I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. ¹⁴ And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

King Solomon requested of God the ability to discern and execute wisdom- granted in this context his request is for the area of his leadership and kingdom, however for our study we can note the response of God to his request and gain confidence that when we pray for wisdom and discernment with a humble heart- of any subject ESPECIALLY God's Word, He will honor that request.

**understand that it is only the Lord who has the power to help us understand. We must rely fully on Him in the discernment of His Word.

"Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures"

-Luke 24:45

2.  with humility

Look back to the passages about Solomon... what quality can we recognize in his request that the Lord seems to be honoring? humility. 

  Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

- 1 Peter 5:5

Recognize that we are not seeking our own when studying the Scriptures we are seeking Him. 

 

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. ¹⁵ This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 

 -James 3:13-18

3. with reason

Take examples from Paul, in his writings in the New Testament he uses Scripture to prove points and draw conclusions.

Never make our reasoning's equal to Scripture, but use the mind you have been given to think through  the concepts presented to you by the Word.

Always continue to search and do not settle for what man has to say....again Scripture is the final authority.

4. with help from others

Part of studying is talking thoughts out with others!

5. collecting and understanding

Be a collector of Scripture!

This point takes us back to the definition of systematic theology... it is the study of Scripture in its entirety to see what the full scope of God's Word has to say. The entire Bible is fitted together to teach us in every area on every level.

6. with rejoicing and praise

We must rejoice in what the Word has to say...at times we may experience discomfort as it produces change in our lives, hearts and minds -but as we keep a joyful heart and praise Him for the work He is doing and the greatness of His Word we will find ourselves relentlessly desiring truth and pursuing further understanding and application of it.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
    How vast is the sum of them!

-Psalm 139:17

References:

 1. Bible Doctrines by Wayne Grudem

2. The Bible- English Standard Version