This chapter is very short and deals with the different in way in which God speaks to us. It is a great lead-in to the next chapter, which is on the Canon of Scripture.
The book of John describes the Word as God and as Christ. So God speaks to us in the person of Jesus Christ. God also speaks through direct decrees, words of personal address to man, and through His prophets who recorded His words. The Bible is a collection of all of these types of ways in which God speaks to us.
God has rarely spoken directly to anyone; as humans we could hardly bear it. When God spoke directly to the Israelites the pleaded with Him to stop because they could not bear his Holiness. At the end of the day we have to take on faith what God has given us and trust that the Bible is His Word to us.
So what is the Word of God? How do we know it is from God and that it is true? Would we be more willing to obey God if He spoke directly to us, and why doesn't He do that?
Monday, December 31, 2007
Chapter 1--Overview of Systematic Theology
We are implored and commanded by God to grow in our faith and knowledge. Additionally, the Word of God must be central to our lives--not an afterthought or a giving to God of the leftovers of our time. He must be central, and get the first and best of what we have which includes our time. I would argue that it takes much more discipline to spend effective time with God that it does to give generously of our financial resources. There are so many things vying for our time and before you know it the day is over and we are exhausted at night and don't have much to give God at that time. This is why the study of Theology is so important--it brings us face to face with God and what He commands. Additionally we are strengthened by the spirit and we grow in knowledge and love for God the more time we spend with Him. Lastly, we are more equipped to defend our faith and reach the nations with the Gospel as God directs us.
Here are some verses that show why study of ST and the Bible is important:
1) These are not just idle words; they are your very life. (Deut 32: 47)
2) So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Col. 2: 6-8)
3) I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (Psalm 119:16)
4) And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God...(Col 1:10)
5) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (1 Pet 3:15)
6) Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Tim 4:2)
7) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...(Matt. 28: 19)
8) Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops (Prov 3:9)
What other verses or thoughts do you have on the study of ST and of the Bible in general?
Here are some verses that show why study of ST and the Bible is important:
1) These are not just idle words; they are your very life. (Deut 32: 47)
2) So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Col. 2: 6-8)
3) I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (Psalm 119:16)
4) And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God...(Col 1:10)
5) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (1 Pet 3:15)
6) Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Tim 4:2)
7) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...(Matt. 28: 19)
8) Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops (Prov 3:9)
What other verses or thoughts do you have on the study of ST and of the Bible in general?
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Systematic Theology Study 2008
Welcome to the online forum for study and discussion of Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology...I look forward to hearing your thoughts and insights as we seek to become deeper and stronger men of God.
We will start our study next week on Monday, December 31st. Each week will run Monday through Sunday. At this pace we will almost complete the book during the course of the year. At the end of each chapter there are summary questions to answer. We should all post our answers to these questions to the blog by Wednesday of the week of study and spend the remainder of the week in discussion/debate and further exploration of the topic.
Email or call me if anyone has questions about navigating the site (512-663-2423).
Drew
We will start our study next week on Monday, December 31st. Each week will run Monday through Sunday. At this pace we will almost complete the book during the course of the year. At the end of each chapter there are summary questions to answer. We should all post our answers to these questions to the blog by Wednesday of the week of study and spend the remainder of the week in discussion/debate and further exploration of the topic.
Email or call me if anyone has questions about navigating the site (512-663-2423).
Drew
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