(originally recorded on 9.17.23)
Episode 1
Why Theology?
Rom. 12:1-2 - 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.
1. To Know God
1. What’s the difference between knowing about God and knowing God?
2. "It would be odd if we told our spouse or other loved ones that we wanted
to spend time with them and experience their fellowship regularly but did
not want to know anything about them - their characteristics,
accomplishments, personal histories, like and dislikes, and plans for the
future." - Michael Horton, The Christian Faith
2. To Love God
1. Jesus Christ came not merely as a teacher of Truth, but as the Truth
Himself! Compared to the Greek concept of philosophical knowledge, "the
biblical idea is to have the reality of something practically interwoven
with the inner experience of life. Hence 'to know' can stand in the biblical
idiom for 'to love,' 'to single out in love.' Because God desires to be known
after this fashion, he has caused his revelation to take place in the milieu
of the historical life of a people. The circle of revelation is not a school, but
a 'covenant'. To speak of revelation as an 'education' of humanity is a
rationalistic and utterly unscriptural way of speaking. All that God
disclosed of himself has come in response to the practical religious needs
of his people as these emerged in the course of history.” - Horton
3. To Discern the False from the True Gospel
1. 2Tim. 1.12-14 - “But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I
am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to
me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the
faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within
us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”
2. Consider all the times that Paul’s main concern is right doctrine! Why
would he be so passionate about it?
4. To Glorify God
1. Col. 3:16-17 - “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and
admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word
or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the
Father through him.”
Our Challenge - Applying our Theology
1Cor. 8:1-3 - “Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess
knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he
knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God,
he is known by God.”
- How can we grow in knowledge without growing in pride?
- How can we grow in knowledge while also growing in love and prayer?
- How can we be theologically deep yet also relationally connected and
vulnerable?
