​​The Right and Wrong Result of Theology

When you hear the word theology, you might think “this is for those smart people who have been to seminary.” You also might feel an immediate sense of boredom and want to take a nap! Sometimes Theologians find it difficult to “put the cookies on the bottom shelf” and although their writings are incredible and their minds brilliant , their words can fly right over your head.

Don’t let that intimidate you. Today, I am going to give you a bite sized Theology lesson to get you started. Consider this a pan of warm and gooey chocolate chip cookies sent straight to your inbox!

Theology Basics

1. What is Theology

   • Theology = The Study of God. 

     • Easy right?! The understanding that the word theology simply means “the study of God” ought to invoke feelings of curiosity and a desire to know more about God.

     • When you set your heart on study, God will meet you there and open your mind to understand who He is. 

   • A great definition of Theology is from one of my mentors, Mark Chironna

     • “Theology is a craft. When done well, it is sheer and glorious artistry leading to the unabashed worship of the Triune God. When done poorly it is “crafted” to lead to arrogance, pride, self-righteousness, judgmentalism, and division. The former is the spirit of Jesus, the latter…?” @markchironna 

     • Theology is an art and the paint brush is worship. There are different aspects of Theology all which come together to paint His beauty and capture the awe of God.

2. Why Study Theology

   • The beauty of God seen in Jesus, God’s Son, inspires pure worship. This is not simply an academic pursuit. 

     • It is not a degree plan.

     • It ushers you into the awe and majesty of the God of the Universe. 

   • The more we get to know God, the more we understand His bigness, His crazy love for us, and the fact that He is the One True God!

     • The more attributes we learn of Him the more glory we give Him.

     • The more we understand God, the more we have to worship Him for.

3. The Right Result of Studying Theology

   • The ultimate result of all theology is WORSHIP. 

     • Not doctrine. 

     • Not arrogance. 

     • Definitely not being “right”

     • Not using your knowledge to condemn others

   • If the result of learning Theology is not worship, you’re doing it wrong.

     • The more you study God, the more you should feel compelled to fall down and worship Jesus.

     • For instance, when you investigate the glorious mystery of the Incarnation (Jesus’ birth), wonder and awe will overtake you.

     • You will respond in worship to the God who became flesh and was born as a human to redeem sinful man.

Today, commit to being a faithful student of theology, the ongoing study of God. Allow that study to move you into the posture of worship. This is the intended result of faithful theology! 

Let’s pray together for a heart to know God better through studying Theology: 
Lord, give me the heart to study You as clearly seen in the person of Jesus. Give me the right posture toward this knowledge and let it humble me and not puff me up. Give me a passion to faithfully pursue and faith to apply all that is learned in the noble study of God! 

Happy Studying,

Joel Stockstill

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