Theology is the study of God, and it affects everything we believe, think, feel, and do. Therefore, it’s important to establish a solid theological framework that centers on God. Such a framework produces spiritual depth in the lives of Christian women.
We must also develop a taste for sound doctrine to face life’s challenges. According to John Piper, weak theology doesn’t give us a big enough, strong enough, wise enough, and good enough god to handle life’s realities. Therefore, sound doctrine should be woven into our lives.
Head Level to Heart Level
Theology and doctrine aren’t just academic or intellectual pursuits. They help us know God more deeply and passionately pursue Him. A God-centered theological framework answers why and what we believe about God and His Word. We join modern-day theologians assisted by early church writings to comprehend who God is and how He relates to His creation. We can move from external head-level knowledge to heart-level transformation as we focus more on God’s character. We trust in God’s character every moment of our days, but we’re limited to what He’s revealed about Himself.
God’s position as Creator gives Him authority over our lives. He’s the potter, and we’re the clay. A God-centered theological framework focuses on who God is and that His loving care is sufficient for our every need.
Through Him and For Him
We’re made to know God. Jesus said, “This is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). Christians know God and are growing in their knowledge of Him. We practice theology whenever we think or speak about Him, His will, or His works.
We study the truth about God to know Him better and mature in our faith. Ultimately, we study through Him and for Him. Therefore, if you need spiritual depth, make the effort to study theology and build a solid framework. For further reading, I recommend “Think” by John Piper and “Pilgrim Theology” by Michael Horton.
“so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.- Col. 1:10
Debbie Swindell 