Summary

Systematic theology doesn’t always get a good press, even in the church! Many people think of it as a distraction from the Bible and from loving and serving Jesus Christ. Indeed, there’s a caricature of systematic theology as the imposition on Scripture of ‘Greek’ philosophical categories, which are supposed to corrupt the simple truth of God’s Word. This is a shame (to say the least) because doing systematic theology well can be an edifying and God-honouring help in interpreting the Bible and equipping believers to know, love and serve God.

There are great resources in systematic theology for Christian life and Christian ministry. But, with a variety of systematic theology ‘options’ available, and many a massive tome to discourage potential readers, how can we best get oriented for this task? The six theological ‘keys’ to Scripture presented in this book are a great starting-point, and – in dependence on our forebears in the faith and with the Holy Spirit’s help – they should also help to keep us ‘on track’ as faithful readers of the Bible and followers of Christ.

Aims of study

• To understand what ‘systematic theology’ is, and why it is important for knowing God and living the Christian life.
• To answer objections to systematic theology that are common among evangelical Christians.
• To see how systematic theology and biblical theology are two complementary and mutually-enlightening ways to bring together and present biblical teaching.
• To recognise various ‘dialectics’ in Scripture, and see how they can help us to appreciate God’s truth in its fullness.
• To introduce the six theological ‘keys’ to Scripture, and understand something of their use for Bible readers.

Starter questions

Read this quote from the great English evangelical preacher Charles Simeon (1759-1836):

• What concerns do you think might lie behind a view like this one?
• Before reading the introduction to KMKG, what was your impression of ‘theology’? What about ‘systematic’ theology?

Questions to review understanding and for discussion

• What are the potential problems that might result from thinking, ‘We don’t need theology. We just need the Bible’? (p. 3)
• Do we need systematic as well as biblical theology? What is the relationship between these two? (p. 5)
• How can we have our theology better conformed to God’s theology? (p. 9)
• What does Brash mean by a ‘dialectic’? Give examples from Scripture. How can biblical ‘dialectics’ help us better to understand God’s truth? (pp. 12-13)
• What does Brash mean when he says that the six theological keys are to be used like a ‘compass’? (p. 12) Or like ‘guard rails’ in ten-pin bowling? (p. 11)

Bible passage: Matthew 22:34-40

• Here, Jesus talks about loving God with our minds. What do these verses hint at about the place of (systematic) theology in the Christian life, both positively (why we might need it) and negatively (why we must be careful to keep it in its right place and proportion)?

Suggested application questions

Can you think of a time when systematic theology has helped you in knowing God or in living the Christian life?

Which of the six theological keys in this book sounds most interesting to you? Why? (p. 14)

How could you incorporate more of a theo-logical approach to Scripture alongside a chrono-logical approach in (a) your Bible reading; (b) [if appropriate] your Bible teaching? What potential benefits can you foresee?

For further study

I recommend for further reading Kelly Kapic’s excellent volume A Little Book for New Theologians: How and Why to Study Theology (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2012). Kapic is especially strong in showing the inseparable connection between theology and life. The book really is ‘little’ – only 120 pages and pocket-size – and would be an excellent add-on for someone in your group who wanted to take their study a bit deeper, or indeed for you as a group leader.