How to do Theology: to Application - Theological Foundations

Summary

This theological foundations video emphasizes the importance of rigorous Bible study for building solid theology and Christian living. It discusses the necessity of understanding the author's intent, the connection between understanding and application, and the integration of theology with Bible reading. The video outlines principles for constructing theology from biblical data, such as the analogy of faith, priority and proportion, and the centrality of the cross, urging viewers to let Scripture interpret Scripture and keep the cross at the core of their theological understanding.

Takeaways

• 📚 **Theological Integration**: Theology is the process of connecting the truth of the Bible to faithful application in everyday life.
• 🔍 **Exegesis Importance**: Exegesis is necessary to put theology on solid biblical ground by understanding the text in its original historical context.
• 🏠 **Bible Study as Foundation**: Rigorous Bible study is like the foundation of a house; it determines the shape and strength of one's theology and Christian living.
• 👥 **Knowing the Text and Authors**: Good exegesis results in knowing the text, empathizing with the human author's intent, and understanding the divine author's mind.
• 🧠 **Understanding to Application**: Theology requires understanding with the mind, embracing the truth with the heart, and living it out in obedience.
• 🔄 **Reciprocity of Learning**: There's a spiraling relationship between exegesis, biblical theology, and lifestyle, where each helps to understand the other.
• ⚖️ **Analogy of Faith**: Each passage should be seen in the context of all of God's revelation, and Scripture should interpret Scripture.
• 📈 **Priority and Proportion**: Some doctrines and ideas in the Bible are more important, and our theology should reflect the Bible's priorities and proportions.
• 👤 **Precept, Principle, Person**: Understanding a biblical command (precept) leads to grasping the underlying principle and reveals the character of God.
• 🚸 **Biblical Ethics**: The Bible connects theological truths with ethical behavior, showing how beliefs should influence actions.
• ✝️ **Centrality of the Cross**: The cross and resurrection are central to the Bible and should be the focus of all theology, influencing all beliefs and practices.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the theological foundations class discussed in the script?

The main focus is to connect the truth of the Bible to faithful application in everyday life through rigorous Bible study and exegesis.

What is exegesis and why is it important?

Exegesis is the process of interpreting the Bible to understand its meaning within its original historical context. It is important because it helps to put theology on solid biblical ground.

What are the 'three knowings' that result from good exegesis?

The 'three knowings' are knowing the text, knowing the human author, and knowing the divine author. This means understanding what the text says, empathizing with the author's intent, and having the same mind as the author.

How does understanding the Bible connect to application in theology?

Understanding the Bible is the first step, but it must be followed by embracing the truth with the heart and living it out in obedience. This involves integrating theology with every part of life.

What is the analogy of faith and how does it apply to studying the Bible?

The analogy of faith is the principle that Scripture interprets Scripture. It involves seeing each passage in the context of all of God's revelation, comparing passages, and ensuring there are no contradictions.

Why is it important to consider priority and proportion in theology?

Some doctrines and ideas in the Bible are more important than others. Keeping the same priority in our theology helps to ensure that we are focusing on what is central and not getting distracted by less important issues.

What does the term 'precept, principle, person' mean in the context of theology?

It refers to understanding a specific command (precept), identifying the underlying principle, and connecting it to the character of God (person). This helps to apply biblical teachings to modern contexts.

Why is it crucial to avoid 'partial Christ's' in theology?

A 'partial Christ' occurs when only a portion of Jesus' teachings is used to fit a certain agenda, ignoring other aspects. This can lead to a distorted view of Jesus and unbalanced theology.

What role does the cross play in theology according to the script?

The cross is the crux and center of the Bible and should be the center of all theology. It is the climax of God's self-revelation and the fullest revelation of God's wisdom, power, and grace.

What are the takeaway points for doing theology as outlined in the script?

The takeaway points include embracing and applying the author's intended meaning, integrating Bible study and theology, using Scripture to interpret Scripture, maintaining the same priorities and proportions as the Scripture, avoiding partial Christ's, and keeping the cross and resurrection at the center of theology.