5 Reasons To Study Theology

Hi folks,

yes it has been a while since my last post, however, I am hoping to pick this back up again now!  My 1st post back is to highlight 5 reasons to study theology.  Hope you find these interesting, I found them via Tim Challies’ Blog.

 

1. You’re a theologian already…
   Why do you need to study theology?  Because theology isn’t something only a Professor of Theology has–we all believe something about God and therefore are theologians in our own right.  However, what needs to be asked is whether what you believe is correct, and the study of theology can help answer that question.
2. Your love for Jesus is intrinsically linked with your knowledge of His Word…
   Why do you need to study theology?  Because Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15)  I heard someone remark that a certain Christian may not have been that great theologically, but that was okay because they really loved Jesus.  However, Jesus says that if we love Him, we will obey what He commands.  How can we obey Him if we don’t go to His Word to rightly know His commands?
3. Your doctrine will determine how you live…
   Why do you need to study theology?  Because what you believe (your doctrine) will determine how you live (your practice).  This can be seen in everyday life.  If you believe something to be poisonous, you simply won’t drink it.  Similarly, your beliefs about God and His Word determine how you live day to day.  For example if you believe God only speaks through His Word then you will study it diligently, however if you believe God speaks through impressions and the like, then you’ll listen for that still small voice.  The aforementioned example drastically changes how a person goes about determining God’s will for their lives, and illustrates why you need to study theology.
4. Your affections will determine what you study…
   Why do you need to study theology?  Because what your affections are placed upon will determine what you spend your time studying.  If your hobby is photography you will want to study the subject to know how to improve your photographs and to increase your love and appreciation for that pass-time.  Likewise, if you’re a Christian and your primary affection is upon God, why would you not want to study His Word to increase your love and appreciation for Him and His gospel?
5. Your humility depends on it…
   Why do you need to study theology?  Because without studying theology it is possible that you will think too highly of yourself, and not high enough of God.  It is true that knowledge puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1), however the Scriptures rightly understood and applied, will give you, for example, the knowledge of man’s utter depravity and wretchedness before God, and also of God’s magnificence, holiness, sovereignty and grace, which can only serve to send a true convert to his knees in humility.