What is Theology?

Big Idea: Theology = "God thought." It's faith seeking understanding.

Scripture to Read:

• Matthew 22:37 - Love God with your heart, soul, and MIND

• Romans 12:2 - Be transformed by renewing your mind

• Acts 17:11 - The Bereans examined Scripture daily

Reflect:

• When you hear "theology," does it sound intimidating or exciting?

• How much do you use your MIND in your faith vs. just your emotions?

• Could you explain who God is to someone right now?

Action: Write 3-5 sentences about who God is based on what you actually know. Be honest about gaps in your understanding.

Why We Need Theology

Big Idea: Without critical thinking about God, we adopt whatever sounds good instead of what's true.

Scripture to Read:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Test everything; hold fast what is good

• Colossians 2:8 - Don't be taken captive by empty philosophy

• 2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to rightly handle the word of truth

Reflect:

• Do you think critically about what you hear on social media, from friends, even from pastors?

• Have you ever believed something about God that wasn't actually biblical?

• What's one area where you feel uncertain about what you believe?

Action: Pick 3 things you saw online this week. Ask: "Is this biblically true? What Scripture supports it?"

Truth Over Feelings

Big Idea: Truth should always trump feelings. We stand on objective truth, not subjective emotions.

Scripture to Read:

• John 8:31-32 - The truth will set you free

• Jeremiah 17:9 - The heart is deceitful

• Proverbs 3:5-6 - Don't lean on your own understanding

Reflect:

• When have your feelings led you away from what you knew was true?

• In what area of life are you being guided more by emotions than by Scripture?

Action: This week, when you feel something strongly, pause and ask: "What does God's Word say about this?"

The Right Jesus

Big Idea: It's not enough to believe in "Jesus." You need to believe in the RIGHT Jesus.

Scripture to Read:

• 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 - Beware of a different Jesus

• John 1:1-14 - Jesus is God, always has been

• Colossians 1:15-20 - Jesus is the image of the invisible God

Reflect:

• Could you explain who Jesus is—His divinity, His humanity, His work?

• What makes the biblical Jesus different from other religions' versions?

Action: Write out who Jesus is based on Scripture. Include: His nature (fully God, fully man), His work (death and resurrection), His purpose (salvation).

The Three Categories: Dogma, Doctrine, Opinion

DOGMA - Radically Essential (Close-handed beliefs)

These are NON-NEGOTIABLE. You don't compromise.

Examples: Deity of Christ, Trinity, salvation by grace, authority of Scripture

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Jude 1:3

Action: Pick ONE core truth and find 5 verses that support it.

DOCTRINE - Important but Not Essential

These matter but don't determine salvation. Stay within the "fence" of dogma.

Examples: Spiritual gifts, baptism mode, worship style, church government

Scripture: Romans 14:1-12, Ephesians 4:1-6

Action: Identify one doctrine you have strong views on. How can you hold your conviction while showing grace to those who differ?

OPINION - Interesting but Not Important (Open-handed beliefs)

Discuss freely but don't divide over these.

Examples: End times details, creation timeline, minor interpretations

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-17

Action: List 2-3 opinions you hold. Are you treating them as more important than they should be?

How Should We Then Live?

Big Idea: Good theology = Applied theology = Transformation

Scripture to Read:

• James 1:22-25 - Don't just listen; DO

• Matthew 7:24-27 - Build your house on the rock

• 2 Peter 1:3-8 - Knowledge leads to godliness

Reflect:

• What theological truth do you KNOW but haven't APPLIED?

• Based on what you know about God, what needs to change in your life?

Final Actions:

Today:

• Ask God for a hunger to know Him more deeply

• Read one chapter of Scripture before checking your phone tomorrow

This Week:

• Test one sermon or message you hear against Scripture

• Have a conversation about God with someone—ask what they believe and why

This Month:

• Read one theology book (suggestions: "Mere Christianity," "Knowing God," "The Knowledge of the Holy")

• Join or start a Bible study focused on understanding who God is

• Teach one biblical truth to someone else