Lesson 1

Understanding

Theology and Doctrine

Understanding Theology and Doctrine

Introduction

The class will meet bi-weekly on Sunday at 9 am.
This course will enter into some topics that challenge our current beliefs- please be respectful as we share and approach this time of learning together.
If anyone has any specific questions, I will do my best to make time for the opportunity at the end of the lesson for these questions also- feel free to email me after the discussion.
Lastly, please know that I’m not perfect and I do not have all of the answers. If I say something you do not agree with or you do believe is accurate, let's talk after the class. You can also email me with questions: luisj.rivera@yahoo.com

Prepare your mind for action:

13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

2 Peter 1:3

3 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,

Theology is studying God in all his ways, his character, and all that he has revealed in the scriptures.

What is Theology?

Every time we think about or engage in the scriptures we are engaged in theology.

Definition of Theology: The study of God and all that he has given to us in his word.

“Theo” comes from the Greek word “theos” meaning god.

Ology comes from the Greek word “logos” meaning word, idea, or logic.

John 1, “In the beginning was the Word (logos) and the Word (logos) was with God, and the Word (logos) was God.”

How is Theology different from Doctrine?

Doctrine is the study of specific teachings of Christianity or of God’s attributes.

The English word, doctrine, comes from the Latin word doctrina which means instruction or teaching. Doctrine falls under the umbrella of Theology. In other words, when you speak of biblical doctrine you are doing theology however your focus would be on “teaching” or “instruction.” Therefore, doctrine focuses on the teaching and instruction of God’s Word (the Bible).

Mark 7:6-7

And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,

“‘This people honors me with their lips,

but their heart is far from me;

7 in vain do they worship me,

teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/stewart_don/faq/bible-basics/question2-what-is-christian-doctrine.cfm

Colossians 2:1-4

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments,.......8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Theology vs Religion

“There's a big difference between studying the human apprehensions (understanding) of religion and studying the nature and character of God himself.” (R.C. Sproul, Everyone a Theologian)

Is religion bad?

Religion really gets a bad rep nowadays but religion isn't necessarily bad. Religion can be good, but good religion is always the result of good theology, and good theology seeks to know the truth of God not the truth of man.

1Tim6:2-6

“Teach and urge these things. 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain,”

Hebrews 1:1-3

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Systematic Theology- The whole counsel of God

Definition of a system:

The definition of a system is a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network or a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized framework or method.

There are 2 other main practices of theology, Biblical Theology, and Historical Theology.

The Incomprehensible God

There are assumptions we have to make when we do theology.

God Speaks the truth and we can know it
The Bible is the truth, the word of God
God gave us a mind in which we can reason and understand the truth

The Application of Theology

How do we apply what we learn?

Usually, when the word doctrine is mentioned in the Bible it is the cause of some sort of behavior, either for good or evil. Good works, glorify God our savior- Titus 2:10

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Theology equips us and causes action

James 1:22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Romans 12

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Luke 9:23

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Colossians 1:9-12

English Standard Version

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

The Mind and the Heart

What theology does to the heart

What is the connection between the mind and the heart?

We will be better theologians when we don't treat these studies as case studies or observing a documentary or reading a biography, but rather know God is near to us and that we are engaging with our maker.

“For those who want to know God, the study of theology is indispensable. Doctrine equips people to fulfill their primary purpose, which is to glorify and delight in God through deep personal knowledge of him. A meaningful relationship with God is dependent on correct knowledge of Him.

How can we be better theologians?

Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding, be not wise in your own eyes but fearing the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-7

Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17

4 Questions we should ask ourselves whenever we read the Bible theologically

1 WHat is shown about God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? What does it say they are doing, have done, and will do?

2 What does it show about the world, its beauty and beneficial aspects along with those that are corrupt and corrupting? Discerning between good and evil.

3 What is shown to guide one living, this day and every day?

The theological logic of this question, through which the reader must work each time, is this: Since God, by his own testimony, said that to those people in their situation, what does it follow that he says to readers

today in their own situation? The Holy Spirit answers prayer by giving discernment to apply scripture in this way. Those who seek will indeed find.

4 How does it compare with other scriptures about this same topic? (use cross-references)

Learn how to identify false doctrine, Compare scriptures, and Pray about what you read.

Questions for further reflection:

Is there a connection between the knowledge of God with the act of loving God?

What effect does theology have on the believer?