How Theology Has Helped Me
I just wanted to share some ways that theology has actually helped me.
You may think “how does theology help anyone?” This is a question I used to ask myself for a long time. I think many hear the word “theology” and it causes people to go into seizures and seek the nearest window to jump out of. To some, it reminds them of years of dead, lifeless, sermons they heard in church. Some see theology as a problem because they believe that how to live the Christian life is just based on your life experiences and not on the Holy Word of God.
I used to think theology was just a conglomeration of what we believe as Christians, but it’s so much more than that! When right doctrine and theology is mixed with the power of the Holy Spirit, it can empower a believer and bring understanding to a great many questions. Theology and doctrine apart from the Holy Spirit is dangerous in that it only brings knowledge. Knowledge without a heart humbled by the Holy Spirit is a heart full of pride and self-exaltation.
Luke 18:
18) And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19)And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20)You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” 21)And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” 22)When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 23) But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 24)Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25)For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26)Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27)But he said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
Here’s an example of a young man who knew the scriptures but they were in his head, but not in his heart. This young ruler was an example of knowledge without the power of the Holy Spirit. He was rich and educated in the scriptures, but that knowledge. Many times these are the hardest folks to convince they need an encounter with God. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to help these people cause they know everything but they know nothing.
For many years I knew a lot of things, but looking back, I didn’t know as much as I thought I did. I had to go through a very painful process over many years to get that thinking out of my head. I am so thankful that God didn’t give up on me, despite how prideful and arrogant I was!
The Holy Spirit is essential in any study of theology. He helps us to apply theology in a practical way so we have understanding beyond being able to quote some scriptures. I have been able to encourage others and be encouraged in my own life cause He has allowed me to take what I am learning and use it in different situations I have been faced with. Theology is so much more powerful when you can apply it in your daily life.
Kevin
