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Theology is defined as the study of God and his relation to the world, especially by analysis of the origins and teachings of an organized religious community. (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary). So, by studying theology we will have a basic knowledge of God and the world's religion as a main reasons to make a decision in trusting God, to love and to obey God's commandments with all of our heart and with all of our soul and with all of our strength (Deuteronomy 6: 5-9; Matthew 22: 37-40).
Studying theology has many benefits. These benefits start with your individual relationship with God, but expand outward into the church and into the world. Theology is the study of God's nature and purpose, and how God influences nature and man. It also studies questions of religion. Studying theology, then, will help us understand the character of God better [Hebrews 6, Romans 1:16-32, Heb 1L3. It will help us understand our own faith and grow in wisdom [James 3:17.] It will help us guard against deception that might sound reasonable at first, but is logically flawed or opposed to the known character of God [Colossians 2:1-5.] It will help us understand what God desires and discipline our lives to obey the will of God [James 1:20, I John 2:17, Psalm 51:17, II Tim 1:7.] In addition to the benefits of knowledge, reasonableness, and understanding that studying theology brings to our own walk with Christ, our understanding Christian theology also helps us strengthen the church. We are better equipped to encourage others, exhort them to stand firm in the faith, and give spiritual advice when we understand the gospel and the revealed nature of God [Titus 1:13-14, Titus 2, I Timothy 4:13, II Timothy 4:2.] We also can help guard the church against false teaching by exposing teachings that are contrary to the gospel [I Timothy 5:20, Gal 1:8-9]. Finally, studying theology aids us in evangelism. A solid understanding of the gospel and character of God allows us to rationally declare the truth [Acts 26:24-26]. A knowledge of theology can help us 'diagnose' unbelievers who have heard the gospel but are still resistant. {Are they mad at God because of a great tragedy or abuse? Are they resisting God due to their pride and love of sin? Are they resisting because they believe scripture baseless and religion superstitious?} A knowledge of theology helps us see the problem areas, and helps us respond to them clearly. Theology also can help us bridge the gap between what they do understand about God, and what they are still misunderstanding [Acts 17:22-23, Acts 18:24-28.] There are limitations to studying theology. No amount of great learning or logic can take the place of faith or our relationship with Christ. Nor does great learning make one's faith 'better' than someone else's. We should not let theological learning displace or replace other needed aspects of our walk with Christ; love, virtue, devoutness, self-control, etc. Furthermore, studying theology does not replace our need to let the Holy Spirit guide us into truth, or our need to be sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Theology is a tool to help us grow in Christ, to strengthen the church, and to help us build confidence and skill in spreading the gospel.
I study theology to expand my own faith, and to learn to become more "at one", in mind and spirit, with our Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. I find that my personal and family life is much improved, as I learn and grow.
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