BASIC DOCTRINEGrowing in Whom you love.

Week 1

Thursday, February 28, 13

BASIC DOCTRINE

Week 1: What is doctrine and why does it matter?

Week 2: Who loves us?

Week 3: How are we loved?

Week 4: Why are we loved?

Thursday, February 28, 13

WHAT IS DOCTRINE?

Doctrine is the formal principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief.

Doctrine follows our theology.

Thursday, February 28, 13

WHAT IS THEOLOGY?

Theology is “the study of God, his attributes, and his relationship with man and the universe.”

The Doubleday Dictionary for Home, School, and Office.

Theology is faith seeking understanding

Thursday, February 28, 13

WHAT IS THEOLOGY?

One begins with faith as ultimately a mysterious gift of grace, which, however, does not mean the person has no role in having it. But faith is more than simply choosing to believe something, and it is certainly more than a poor substitute for having good reason. Faith is being grasped by someone - Someone! - who calls and claims one’s life.

Who Needs Theology? - Grenz and Olson

Thursday, February 28, 13

FIVE TYPESFolk Theology - Unreflective faith in a tradition

Lay Theology - First steps to develop a well-founded, coherent whole by questioning traditions and doctrine

Ministerial Theology - Reflective faith as practiced by trained ministers and teachers

Professional Theology - Professional reflection and development of theology for the equipping of others

Academic Theology - Highly speculative, virtually philosophical theology many times disconnected from the church and Christian living

Thursday, February 28, 13

WHAT IS THEOLOGY?

FolkLay

Min

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Profe

ssio

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Academ

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Thursday, February 28, 13

PROCESS OF DOCTRINE

God

Man Bible

Tradition Reason Emotions Experience General Revelation

Doctrine

Thursday, February 28, 13

WHY IS DOCTRINE IMPORTANT?

God’s command

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20

Thursday, February 28, 13

WHY IS DOCTRINE IMPORTANT?

God’s command

Overcomes wrong ideas

Empowers us to make better decisions

Helps us grow as Christians

Thursday, February 28, 13

WHY IS DOCTRINE IMPORTANT?

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Timothy 6:3-6

Thursday, February 28, 13

HOW TO APPROACH DOCTRINE

With prayer

With humility

With reason

With help from others

With the full council of Scripture

With life change

Thursday, February 28, 13

SUMMARY

Our study of doctrine is a study of God and His character

Our study of doctrine should lead to unity around Christ

Our study of doctrine should build confidence in following Christ in a fallen world

Our study of doctrine should help develop Christlikeness in our life

Thursday, February 28, 13