Why Theology Matters: Knowing and Living Our Faith

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and training in righteousness..." – 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

Theology Is for Every Christian

Theology isn't just for scholars; it's essential for every believer. Scripture calls us to know the Lord through feeling and truth. We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). God warns in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Understanding God rightly begins with what He reveals in His Word. Proverbs 2:6 says, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Theology is not speculation—it is receiving what God has made known.

We Are Shaped by What We Take In

Our beliefs about God shape how we live, and what we consume daily shapes us. The world pulls us toward distraction and self, while the Word draws us to Christ and truth. Romans 12:2 urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for searching the Scriptures daily. Sound theology isn't optional—it forms our faith and protects us from the world's pull.

Theology Leads to Worship and Maturity

Theology is not just cold knowledge; it leads to life and worship. John 17:3 says eternal life is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:8 declares, "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Good theology draws us nearer to Christ, strengthens faith, and guards against error. As Hebrews 5:14 teaches, maturity comes through regular practice in discerning good from evil.

The Joyful Calling to Know Christ

Theology matters—for every child of God. Our joyful calling is to grow in truth, stand against error, and confess Christ. Let us be people of the Word—anchored in Scripture, shaped by Christ's cross, and zealous to proclaim the riches of His grace in truth and love (Ephesians 4:15). For to know Christ is not only eternal life (John 17:3)—it is eternal joy. Theology matters because Christ matters.

Hymn

LSB 578: Thy Strong Word

I do recommend reading through this whole hymn and meditating on it.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Lord God, You have given us Your Word to teach, correct, and guide us. Please instill a deep hunger to know You more through Scripture so we may grow in faith, resist error, and joyfully serve You. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.