Understanding Systematic Theology: God's Revelation and Order

 

Summary

Systematic theology is a profound and intricate discipline that seeks to understand the principal doctrines of the Christian faith in a coherent and organized manner. It is not merely an academic exercise but a pursuit to comprehend the divine revelation of God as presented in the Scriptures. The term 'theology' itself is derived from the Greek word 'theos', meaning God, and 'logos', meaning word or logic. Thus, theology is the study of the logic or word of God. This study encompasses various subdivisions such as Christology, pneumatology, and eschatology, each focusing on different aspects of divine revelation.

The distinction between theology and religion is crucial. While religion often falls under the study of human practices and behaviors, theology is concerned with the nature and character of God Himself. This distinction highlights the supernatural orientation of theology, as opposed to the natural orientation of religious studies. A Christian college or university, therefore, should be committed to the premise that the ultimate truth is the truth of God, which serves as the foundation for all other truths.

The term 'systematic' in systematic theology often raises concerns due to a cultural aversion to systems of thought. This aversion is partly due to the influence of existentialism, which denies the existence of essential truth and embraces a chaotic view of reality. However, systematic theology is not about imposing a preconceived philosophical system onto the Scriptures. Instead, it seeks to understand the Scriptures on their own terms, recognizing the unity, coherence, and consistency of God's revelation.

God is not the author of confusion but of order. His revelation in Scripture is unified, coherent, and consistent, reflecting His own character. The task of systematic theology is to explore how the diverse content of Scripture fits together into a meaningful whole. This endeavor is not about forcing Scripture into a human-made system but about discovering the divine system inherent in God's Word. It is a challenging yet rewarding pursuit that reveals the intricate symmetry of divine revelation and how each part of theology impacts every other part.

Key Takeaways:

- Systematic theology is the study of the principal doctrines of the Christian faith, seeking to understand the logic or word of God as revealed in Scripture. It is not merely an academic exercise but a pursuit to comprehend divine revelation. [00:56]

- The distinction between theology and religion is significant. Theology focuses on the nature and character of God, while religion often studies human practices. This highlights the supernatural orientation of theology. [08:07]

- The cultural aversion to systems of thought, influenced by existentialism, challenges the concept of systematic theology. However, systematic theology seeks to understand the Scriptures on their own terms, recognizing the unity and coherence of God's revelation. [12:15]

- God is not the author of confusion but of order. His revelation in Scripture is unified, coherent, and consistent, reflecting His own character. Systematic theology explores how the diverse content of Scripture fits together into a meaningful whole. [18:00]

- The task of systematic theology is to discover the divine system inherent in God's Word, not to impose a human-made system onto the Scriptures. It is a challenging yet rewarding pursuit that reveals the intricate symmetry of divine revelation. [21:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:21] - Introduction to Systematic Theology
- [00:56] - Defining Theology
- [02:04] - The Greek Word 'Logos'
- [03:29] - Subdivisions of Theology
- [04:47] - The Story of the Department of Religion
- [06:04] - Difference Between Religion and Theology
- [08:07] - The Supernatural Orientation of Theology
- [09:10] - The Shift from Theology to Religion
- [10:28] - Aversion to Systematic Thought
- [11:44] - Existentialism and Its Impact
- [13:40] - Relativism and Pluralism
- [14:18] - Misunderstandings of Systematic Theology
- [16:58] - Assumptions of Systematic Theology
- [18:00] - Unity and Coherence in Scripture
- [21:11] - The Task of Systematic Theology
- [22:24] - The Intricate Symmetry of Divine Revelation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Systematic Theology

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
2. 1 Corinthians 14:33 - "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace."
3. Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the term 'logos' mean in the context of John 1:1, and how does it relate to the study of theology? [02:04]

2. How does the sermon distinguish between the study of theology and the study of religion? [08:07]

3. According to the sermon, what are some of the subdivisions of theology, and what do they focus on? [04:01]

4. What cultural influences have contributed to the aversion to systematic theology, as discussed in the sermon? [11:44]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of God being a God of order, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 14:33, influence the approach to systematic theology? [18:00]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that systematic theology is not about imposing a human-made system onto the Scriptures? [21:11]

3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between the unity and diversity of Scripture? [18:37]

4. What might be the implications of viewing theology as the "queen of the sciences" in today's academic and cultural context? [09:10]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own understanding of theology. How does the distinction between theology and religion challenge or affirm your current perspective? [08:07]

2. Consider the cultural aversion to systematic thought. How might this influence your personal study of Scripture and theology? [11:44]

3. How can you apply the idea that God is not the author of confusion but of order in your daily life and decision-making processes? [18:00]

4. Think about a time when you encountered a seemingly contradictory passage in the Bible. How can the principles of systematic theology help you reconcile such passages? [19:21]

5. Identify an area of your life where you might be imposing your own system of thought onto your understanding of Scripture. How can you approach Scripture with a fresh perspective? [15:41]

6. How can you incorporate the study of different theological subdivisions, like Christology or pneumatology, into your personal Bible study routine? [04:01]

7. Reflect on the idea that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). How does this truth impact your faith and understanding of God's revelation?

Devotional

Day 1: Understanding the Logic of God
Systematic theology is the study of the principal doctrines of the Christian faith, seeking to understand the logic or word of God as revealed in Scripture. It is not merely an academic exercise but a pursuit to comprehend divine revelation. Systematic theology involves delving into the Scriptures to grasp the coherent and organized manner in which God has revealed Himself. This discipline is not about acquiring knowledge for its own sake but about deepening one's relationship with God by understanding His nature and will. By studying the logic of God, believers can align their lives with His divine purposes and grow in their faith. [00:56]

"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." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the study of God's word into your daily routine to better understand His logic and revelation?


Day 2: The Supernatural Orientation of Theology
The distinction between theology and religion is significant. Theology focuses on the nature and character of God, while religion often studies human practices. This highlights the supernatural orientation of theology. Unlike religion, which can be seen as a human endeavor to reach God, theology is about understanding God's self-revelation to humanity. It emphasizes the divine truths that transcend human understanding and invites believers to explore the mysteries of God's character and His interactions with the world. By focusing on theology, Christians are called to look beyond human traditions and practices to the divine truths that shape their faith. [08:07]

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from religious practices to seeking a deeper understanding of God's nature and character today?


Day 3: Embracing the Coherence of God's Revelation
The cultural aversion to systems of thought, influenced by existentialism, challenges the concept of systematic theology. However, systematic theology seeks to understand the Scriptures on their own terms, recognizing the unity and coherence of God's revelation. In a world that often embraces chaos and relativism, systematic theology offers a framework for understanding the consistent and unified message of the Bible. It encourages believers to see the interconnectedness of biblical truths and how they form a cohesive narrative of God's redemptive plan. By embracing this coherence, Christians can find stability and clarity in their faith journey. [12:15]

"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 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you approach your Bible study with a mindset that seeks to understand the unity and coherence of God's revelation?


Day 4: Discovering Divine Order in Scripture
God is not the author of confusion but of order. His revelation in Scripture is unified, coherent, and consistent, reflecting His own character. Systematic theology explores how the diverse content of Scripture fits together into a meaningful whole. This pursuit is not about imposing human logic onto the Bible but about discovering the divine order that God has established. By recognizing the order and consistency in God's Word, believers can gain a deeper appreciation for His wisdom and sovereignty. This understanding can lead to a more profound trust in God's plans and purposes for their lives. [18:00]

"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints." (1 Corinthians 14:33, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's order and consistency, and how can you seek His guidance in those areas today?


Day 5: Unveiling the Divine System in God's Word
The task of systematic theology is to discover the divine system inherent in God's Word, not to impose a human-made system onto the Scriptures. It is a challenging yet rewarding pursuit that reveals the intricate symmetry of divine revelation. By engaging in systematic theology, believers are invited to explore the depths of God's wisdom and the interconnectedness of His truths. This endeavor requires humility and a willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit in understanding the mysteries of God's Word. As believers uncover the divine system, they can experience a more profound sense of awe and wonder at the majesty of God's revelation. [21:11]

"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to approach the study of God's Word with humility and openness to discovering the divine system within it?

Quotes

"There's going to be an introduction to systematic theology, and what systematic theology is about is a systematic study of the principle doctrines of the Christian faith. And what I want to do today in our first lesson is give a brief introduction to this science of systematic theology and begin with some basic definitions." [00:58:04]

"Well, in the term 'theology' the main part of the word is the Greek word theos, which means God, so that the study of theology is the study of the word, or the idea, or the concept, or the logic of God Himself. Now, when we use the term 'theology' in the discipline of theology, it's a very, very broad term." [03:11:02]

"Classically, the study of religion is pegged in the academic world under the broader context of either sociology or anthropology because religion is a study of how human beings behave in a certain environment with their cultic practices -- that is, how they worship, how they pray, and what their religious life is all about on earth -- that is, it's a study of human practices; whereas the study of theology is the study of God." [07:14:28]

"A Christian college or university is one that is committed to the premise that the ultimate truth is the truth of God, and He is the foundation and source of all other truth; and everything else we learn, whether it's economics or philosophy or biology or mathematics, has to be understood in light of the overarching reality of the character of God." [08:28:08]

"We live in a time where there is a widespread aversion, or allergy, to systems -- not to inanimate systems. We still respect and honor the importance of computer systems, file alarm systems, electrical circuitry systems. We understand such important things as those kinds of systems, but when you think about a system of thought or a system of understanding one's whole life and world in a coherent manner, there is where people tend to choke at the word 'systemic' or 'systematic'." [10:28:08]

"Existentialism is a philosophy of existence, and they say, 'Oh. What does that mean?' Well, it really is a way of looking at human experience in a way that presupposes that there's no such thing as essential truth, only particular, discreet, distinctive existence -- not essence, but existence. By definition existentialism abhors some generic system of reality." [11:54:27]

"Now, that has made a very strong impact on theology, and we encounter it every day, even in the seminaries. In a certain sense, the art of systematic theology is rapidly becoming a lost and forgotten discipline, and some are saying even in the seminary, 'Good riddance!' to systematic theology. Systematic theology gets a bad rap, not only because of the impact of existential thought and of relativism and pluralism, but also because some people understand systematic theology to be this: that somebody develops a philosophical system." [14:08:48]

"The idea of systematic theology, originally, was based on certain assumptions, and here are the assumptions: First, that God has revealed Himself, not only in nature, but through the writings of the prophets and the apostles, and that the Bible is the Word of God. It is theology par excellence. It is the full logos of the theos. It is the divine Word of God." [16:30:38]

"And the second assumption is that when God reveals Himself, He reveals Himself according to His own character and according to His own nature, and as the Scriptures tell us, God is not the author of confusion. God is the God who creates an orderly cosmos. He's not the author of chaos. God is not the author of confusion because God is not confused. He is never confused." [17:11:28]

"The Word of God is written over many centuries, by many authors, concerning a host of different topics, but within that diversity of information and content that we find in Scripture -- where here it talks about future things, here it talks about an atonement, here it talks about an incarnation, here it talks about the judgment of God, there the mercy of God, here the wrath of God -- all these different topics, nevertheless, have their unity in God Himself and in God's mind." [18:21:17]

"Now, when we are engaged in the task of systematic theology, what that means is we come to the whole scope of the Scriptures, and we are trying to look at every piece of that book that God has given to us and ask the question, 'How does it all fit together?' so that the system that we are seeking for is not a system we bring to the Bible and force the Bible, squeeze it into conformity to it, but rather we want to come to the Scripture and learn the system that it's in there." [20:32:58]

"One of the things that never ceases to amaze me -- I mean it overwhelms me at times -- is the tiny detailed, specific, intricate symmetry of the whole scope of divine revelation. And one of the things that's even frustrating as a teacher is I'll be teaching in a narrow scope of theology in the seminary, say on the cross, and somebody over here will raise a question in the middle of class about the virgin birth, and they want to know how do those two fit together?" [22:09:28]

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Transcript
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