The Need for Theology

Why is Theology Important?

(Part III)

 The Need for Theology

Is there a need for theology? If I go to church, read my bible, and love Jesus, isn’t that enough? 

Unfortunately, due to gross misunderstanding and misrepresentation of theology, theology has gotten a bad rap. Theology is often portrayed as something for scholars that seem to be far above the “average” Christian in the pew.

Look at how H. L. Mencken viewed theology, “A theologian is like a blind man in a dark room searching for a black cat which isn’t there - and finding it!” H.L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)

The above quote by Charles H. Spurgeon reads, "I learned when I was a boy that the chief end of man was to glorify God and enjoy Him forever: but I hear now according to the new theology that the chief end of God is to glorify man and to enjoy man forever, yet this is the turning of things upside down. "  This stems from ignoring biblical theology.

Others charge “theology” with being divisive and antithetical to developing unity within the body of Christ. One can certainly point to the myriad of denominations that have developed over so called doctrinal differences. Almost every day a new “flavor” of the month opens up in a community near you as a result of some difference in bible doctrine.

I am here to tell you that theology is definitely needed. Theology is not some abstract theory for the erudite. Theology is simply biblical doctrine recorded in the Scriptures under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Let me give you three reasons why theology and a study of biblical, systematic theology are needed.

Reason One

Theology is needed due to the fact that accurate doctrinal beliefs are essential to the relationship between you as a believer and God.

Biblical theology teaches us about God and His character. It tells us how and in what manner we may approach God and conduct a relationship. Theology informs us as how we are able to come to know and delight in the God of biblical revelation.

Simply having a warm and fuzzy emotional feeling about God is not enough. We must have accurate information and understanding in order to love, serve, obey, and cherish God.

Jeremiah made this point clear when he said,

 “Thus says the LORD: Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the

mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,  but let

him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am

the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth.

For in these things I delight, declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 9:23-24, ESV

emphasis mine)

Theology is needed in order to define and establish a relationship with our God. Theology is not extraneous. God has explained how we may understand Him and how we may know Him.

Reason Two

Theology is needed since truth and experience are related.

We live in an age where many “believers” do not want their experiences hindered, interpreted, or governed by biblical truth. Someone once shouted at me in a rather heated manner during a discussion, “I don’t care what the bible says, I know what I experienced.” Experience seems to “trump” biblical doctrine, or theology more and more these days.

This story has been told more than once but it still demonstrates the fact that experience is governed by truth:

“A , man who falls from the tenth story may shout as he passes each window on the way down, ‘I’m still doing fine,’ and he may very well mean it. However, eventually the facts or the truth of the matter will catch up with his experience.”

The meaning of biblical truth has significant bearing upon experiences. We cannot deny biblical truths in order to validate personal experiences.

Reason Three

Theology is needed because of the proliferating false doctrines and false teachers

How serious is the problem of false teaching? Does the Bible contain many warnings about religious error and false teachers? Should we compromise and overlook differences in doctrine and fellowship people regardless of their errors? How important is spiritual truth? How concerned should we be about false prophets?

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false

teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even

denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift

destruction.  And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the

way of truth will be blasphemed.  And in their greed they will exploit you with

false words.”  (II Peter 2:2-3, ESV)

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith

by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,  through

the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and

require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving

by those who believe and know the truth.” (II Timothy 4:1-2, ESV)

There are so many false teachings and doctrines today that I wonder

if they can be numbered. The “isms” are rampant and are designed to
deceive. We have humanism, secularism, cults, eastern religions, the 

Emergent Church, psychology, and more seeking to erode biblical

teaching and principles. 

         

The answer is not to roll over and play dead or listen to the “siren call

that begs us to play nice.”  The answer is not simply to try to identify

false doctrine and then debate it, but we need to become even more

proficient at understanding biblical doctrine or theology. The answer

isn’t simply to lay down our bibles and throw out anything that is

seemingly divisive or prohibits “unity.” 

         

How does the treasury department train its agents to detect

counterfeit money? They do not have them study counterfeit bills.

They have their agents examine numerous samples of genuine

money. They have them look at it, feel it, and scrutinize it. When the

agents are given counterfeit money the agents immediately recognize

it.

         

When it comes to understanding biblical theology or doctrine we don’t

need to study the false teachings of all the “isms,” we simply need to

study the Scriptures, learn biblical doctrine or theology and when the

counterfeit appears we will know it immediately.

         

After all that is why Christ told Timothy and the church through the

apostle Paul, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that

needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  But shun profane

and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (II Timothy

2:15-16, KJV)

To be continued…

Reading James Chapter Three

How did you like chapter three? It wasn’t very long was it? It contained just eighteen verses. I didn’t take long to read those eighteen verses one a day for six days did it? Oh, it wasn’t the length of the chapter that was the challenge, it was the topic? Yes, I know what you mean! For the truly serious and mature believer this is a very difficult and heart rendering chapter. This material is severe which explains why so few people, particularly believers even attempt to control their tongue.

Chapter three is a “self-contained” section that deals with the issues and problems of our tongue. Verse two tells us right away that the power to control our tongue is a mark of a mature man or woman. This of course constitutes a test of true and living faith. Is your faith in Christ real? Then your faith will be reflected in your maturity. That maturity is the ability to control our tongue.

This chapter can be broken down into five sections. Each section should be read and studied until mastered.

Verses 1-2: The Appeal of a Controlled Tongue

James is adamant that real faith will produce inward results. In this case, James insists that a valid faith in Christ will produce self-control.  The self-control that James is alluding to is that of the ability to control our tongue. James makes a strong case for the fact that how we use our tongue reveals our true character.

In verse one those who teach must be able to control their tongue. We must be selective and put the brakes on those who would desire to teach but are not qualified. James is curbing the danger within the church of those who would make reckless statements by revealing that those who teach will have a greater accountability. Those who assume the responsibility of speaking for God will be held to a greater assessment.

In verse two James gives evidence of how easy and in how many ways we can “stumble” into sin by the use of our tongue. Again we can see the significance of controlling our tongue. The ability to control the tongue is a test of Christian character or maturity. Since the tongue seems to be the most difficult part of our body to control, if we have it under control, it follows that we will be able to bring the rest of our body under control. 

Verses 3-6: The Appreciation of a Controlled Tongue

The appeal for a controlled tongue demonstrates the appreciation of effective control of the tongue. James vividly illustrates this point for us. James will use two familiar illustrations to drive home this point.

In verses 3-5a James employs the horse and his bridle and then a ship and its rudder. The idea behind these illustrations is that large things can be easily controlled by evidently little things. A bit in a horse’s mouth is a very little item but a rider can easily control a large horse by the proper use of that little bit. In comparison to the size of a large ship, the rudder is a very small component yet proper use of the rudder guides the ship anywhere the helmsman desires.

The idea is that we appreciate these small items when used to control such large The tongue is such a little part of our body and it controls the rest of our body by what it says.

In verses 5b-6 we see why we appreciate a controlled tongue. A very tiny spark can create a fire that can destroy and entire forest. A small spark can do an immense amount of damage. An uncontrolled tongue as small as it is can do tremendous damage. As a matter of fact if you look at verse six closely you see that the tongue can destroy the entire body. It can actually destroy the entire course of a person’s life.

James is very serious about the uncontrolled tongue. It is not something to take lightly. James states that hell itself is the source of the tongue’s destructive power. There is a deep spiritual dimension here. Gossip, vicious rumors, untruths, lies, destructive doctrine are spawned from hell itself. The sin of an uncontrolled tongue has a connection with the evil spiritual world.  It is so easy for something as small as our tongue to be a huge tool of Satan.

Verses 7-8: The Annoyance of an Uncontrolled Tongue

This section confirms just how great an annoyance the tongue is characterized by. James says it is such an annoyance because the tongue is humanly impossible to control. James supplies the proof of this inability for humans to control their tongue by contrasting the ability mankind has in controlling the animal world.

In verse seven James demonstrates that mankind can control animals. James is not saying that we can domestic all animals. He uses a word that means we can make animals subject to our control for our purpose. James isn’t implying that we can domestic a rhino to live in our home or backyard. However, we can control the animal for certain purposes such as transporting it, relocating it, studying it, and minimizing its destructive power.

In verse eight James sadly contrasts the human inability to control his or her tongue. James uses a present tense verb which means that this is a standing or on-going inability. We cannot bring our tongue under absolute control or subjection for any purpose that we choose. Since the fall of man in the garden, mankind has lost “dominion” or absolute control over himself. James goes further by stating that our tongue is full of poison.

Verses 9-12:         The Absence of a fully controlled Tongue

James does speak to the fact that even thought the tongue is dangerous and cannot be fully or absolutely controlled it can be used for good. James tells us that the tongue can praise God and yet condemn our fellow man. James is addressing the inconsistency of our tongue. James is showing by the use of the double application of our tongue the very depth of the moral perversity and the tongue’s reprehensibleness. James shows us the inconsistency or the absence of a fully controlled tongue by reporting the inconsistency, rebuking the inconsistency and representing the inconsistency.

In verses nine through first part of ten James states that with our tongue we offer praise to God yet we curse men who have been made in the image of God. We use our tongue to speak blessings on occasion and then pronounce curses or damnation on others. The emphasis is on the same mouth. James does this to show the perversity of not controlling the tongue.

In the second part of verse ten James rebukes this behavior. Note however that James rebuke is delivered gently and with great affection. James is grieved that such an absence of control exists. Here James is dealing with the shame in the sinner who is guilty of the absence of control.

In verses eleven and twelve James condemns this absence by illustrating from nature how incongruent it is for a tongue to bless and curse. James asks point blank can fresh water and salt water come from the same spring. Of course the answer is no. James demonstrates that nature is consistent with itself. James is insisting that the mouth be consistent in its behavior with the heart toward God and toward man.

Verses 13-18:       The Advantage of a controlled Tongue

There is no connecting particle between the last paragraph and this paragraph. Some would say there is no connection in thought. However there seems to a “loose connection.” Many scholars think that this paragraph resumes the thoughts in verses one and two. If this is the case then this paragraph can be understood as being addressed directly to those who teach in the body. Even if this is the case, if this paragraph is directed at teachers, there is nothing in it that cannot be equally applied to all believers.

In verse thirteen James begins with a probing question; “Who is wise and understanding among you?” He is challenging believers to self-examination since most believers “think” they are wise and have understanding. Do you have moral insight and skill in deciding practical issues of conduct and doctrine in the body? If you do then demonstrate by a holy life and by controlling your tongue. The verb calls for an effective demonstration. In other words, don’t tell me you are wise and have great understanding or insight, show me. Now before someone gets excited let me state right here and now this is not a reference to that inane and ridiculous statement that is often attributed to Francis of Assisi. James is stating that it is not orthodoxy (right preaching) but it is orthopraxis (right living) which is the mark of true wisdom.

In verses fourteen through sixteen James demonstrates the type of behavior that is not indicative of true Christ-like wisdom; envy, boasting and selfish ambition.

In verses fifteen James identifies where this type of “wisdom” comes from; it comes from the earth, it is unspiritual and from Satan. This type of behavior does not come from one who truly knows God.

In verse sixteen James identifies the product of such ungodly and Satanic “wisdom.” This type of behavior produces disorder and evil practices.

In verses seventeen and eighteen James relates to us the characteristics and fruit of God-given wisdom. James lists some seven characteristics God-given wisdom. This wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, impartial and sincere.

Fathers Child

First, let me say thank you for your wonderful comments! You have been so kind and gracious.

Second, between loosing your comments, trying to get them back, and some other things I didn't get a "What Does the Bible Say?" finished for today.

Third, I am pleased to announced I am listening to the new Jerry Hanlon CD called "Fathers Child" produced by UAR Record Productions. This CD is special to me because the 13th track is a poem I wrote called "This Ole Book" that Jerry graciously included on this CD. This is a great country gospel album dedicated to Jerry's good friend John Lusher, who wrote several songs on this CD.

I don't know when it will be on line on Jerry's page or when you can order through your Christian book/music store. Let me encourage you to pick up a copy!

I Am So Sorry!

I just erased the last 50 of your wonderful, gracious, and blessed comments. I did not mean to do this. I was in my dashboard trying to get rid of some spam and some very disturbing comments and I misunderstood what I was doing and accidentally erased your comments. Please forgive me. They were so good and meant a lot to me. I am just sick.

That New Church Smell!

What if…

Let’s say it is time to by a car in the New-car Consumer household. This is an exciting time for Mr. New-car Consumer, he really loves new cars! The new designs and technology call to him the way drugs call to an addict. Needless to say this was not an event that thrilled Mrs. New-car Consumer. As a matter of fact, when new car buying time came around she barely tolerated it. Don’t get me wrong, she wasn’t upset nor did it cause marital strife, she just didn’t care. “Whatever” was fine with her. Once every now and then she would comment on the color of the car.

Let’s say it is time to find a New Car Dealership for Mr. New-car Consumer. Let’s take a sneak peak and see how he does this. How would you go about finding a dealership?

First, he finds one that advertises itself as the most friendly dealership in town. Friendly is important to him, after all one could never enjoy a dealership where no one greets you or talks to you. (Forget the fact that the dealership doesn’t deal ethically)

Second, he wants his dealership to have hip, exciting, and contemporary music piped throughout the dealership. The music prepares him for the new car buying experience. He has been to dealers who have that same old elevator-driven music that may have lyrics you can understand and actually hear but is boring and it puts you to sleep. Yawn! (Forget the fact that the dealership doesn’t deal ethically)

Third, the dealership Mr. New Car Consumer is looking for on the strip must have flags, banners and flashing lights. After all Mr. New Car Consumer reasons, if there is a lot of activity and flash, something must be going on! (Forget the fact that the dealership doesn’t deal ethically)

Fourth, it is important to Mrs. New Car Consumer that the dealership have something for the kids. The entire new car buying experience can be a long and tiring experience. She has had those kids all day along and all week long. This is her one time out of the house and she needs a place to drop her kids so she can experience the new car purchase without the hindrance of fidgeting kids. (Forget the fact that the dealership doesn’t deal ethically)

Fifth, it is important that the new car dealership is very relevant and up to date with the latest in technology, gadgets, surveys, polls, and happenings. It is important to Mr. New Car Consumer that his dealership is relational, missional, relevant, and can meet all his felt needs. (Forget the fact that the dealership doesn’t deal ethically)

Sixth, it is also important to Mr. New-Car Consumer that the dealership he chooses puts no pressure on him to become involved or to be active in any of the dealerships programs. Even if those programs are well worth it and even if they can benefit the community. After all, Mr. New-Car Consumer is too busy with his career, providing a living, raising a family, and pursing his own interests to want to become hooked up with a dealership that pushes you into car maintenance classes, how to protect your car, tips on extending the life of your car, the latest add-ons to your car, and etc. The dealership must respect his right to not be involved. (Forget the fact that the dealership doesn’t deal ethically)

Well that about covers it doesn’t it? Mr. New-Car Consumer has employed all the latest intell and data to choose the right dealership. It is friendly, it has exciting hip music, it shows all the signs of being the happening place in town, it has toys and games for the kids, the dealership is very relevant and update on the latest movement in the new car buying program, and it agrees not to push any other classes, activities, or service functions that would cause Mr. New-Car buyer to become involved. (All the while forgetting the fact that the dealership does not deal ethically)

Do I have to ask if you would buy a car from this dealership? You certainly would not. As a smart, informed, and accountable individual you would have done a little more  “homework”

This, however, is exactly how the majority of people today “shop” for a church. They shop as a consumer. They look to see what the church as to offer them and how the church can meet their needs.

The average believer wants friendly, flashing, exciting, relevant, kid-oriented programs, with loud cool music and no pressure to become involved or vested. The teaching and preaching ministry is rarely a concern to the average consumer-oriented “believer.” At best the average consumer-oriented believer wants a speaker that is funny, interesting, holds their attention, never steps on their toes, and knows the value of brevity.

The first thing that should be examined when one is looking for a church is the teaching and preaching ministry. Is the teaching sound? Is it expositional? How to Sermons may make you feel good, make more money, be a better citizen, or tickle your fancy, but does it build you up in the most holy faith? Does the teaching and preaching ministry exalt the Lord Jesus Christ? Does the teaching and preaching edify believers causing growth and service? Does the teaching and preaching ministry evangelize the lost? Do the congregants live out the biblical message from the pulpit?

Are all those other things wrong? Can you have a biblical teaching and preaching ministry and still be friendly, exciting, and active, have good music, minister to children, and hold you accountable? Yes! However, those ministries are truly far and few in between. They are not the norm.

The teaching is more important than any other program in the church. Look to the word first. The early believers and disciples devoted themselves not to the apostles’ music, programs, or dynamic personalities but to the apostle’s doctrine.

How do you choose a church?

Will You Help Me Choose?

Please help me decide on which banner to place at the top of my page. Which do you like?

What is the Work of Your Life?

"May the living God, who is the portion and rest of the saints, make these our carnal minds so spiritual, and our earthly hearts so heavenly, that loving him, and delighting in him, may be the work of our lives."

--Richard Baxter