Using Theology to Affect Our Thinking (Part 1 of 2)

Introduction: The Purpose of Theology in Christian Living

The goal of this two-part series is to understand how theology is useful to affect our thinking. We can use theology to change the way we think about circumstances of life, sin, temptation, current events, relationships, marriage, singleness, and workplace environments. As we change the way we think, we change the way we act, behaving as Christians consistent with our theology.

This message counters easy believism—the idea that Christianity requires nothing beyond attending church and professing faith. Scripture commands regular Christian education, growing in knowledge of theology.

Common Objections to Theological Study

Three genuine concerns may arise when hearing "use theology to affect our thinking," calling for diligence in studying God's Word and applying its principles:

1. Doesn't knowledge puff up, but love edifies? Why not focus on love instead?
2. I'm not a theologian—just an average Christian. Shouldn't I leave theology to professors and seminary students?
3. Aren't you promoting intellectualism? Christianity is a heart relationship, not about what you know but who you know.

We will address these as we proceed.

What Is Theology?

Theology comes from two Greek words: theos (God) and logos (words or messages). Literally, it means words or messages about God—the study of God, the science of God.

More specifically, from a biblical perspective, theology is anything known about God: revelations in Scripture about who God is, what God is, what God has done, or what God does.

To summarize: Theology is knowing something about God that changes the way we live. Learning something new about God improves how we live.

Note the distinction: This is not systematic theology (like Grudem's), which organizes principles accessibly but can be gleaned from Scripture alone. We focus on biblical theology—diving into Scripture to know God, comparing thoughts against that knowledge to change our lives.

Example: Trinitarianism and Submission in Marriage

Consider a wife's submission to her husband (Ephesians 5), a difficult principle since the Fall. How does theology of God as Trinity affect this?

One God exists as three co-equal, co-eternal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—not three gods, but one being. (Trinitarianism)

The Son, equal in essence to the Father, willingly submits—not under compulsion, but following the Father's directives focused on the gospel. Wives represent Christ in marriage, submitting willingly without compromising nature, just as the Son does the Father.

1. The Believer's Salvation Is Theological

How you became a Christian is theological. Salvation is the biblical doctrine of eternal life: All are sinful, deserving God's wrath, justly condemned to hell eternally. Yet through faith in Christ—real, active faith producing repentance and obedience to His Word—we receive eternal life.

John 17:3 — "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."

Eternal life is knowing God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit's work in salvation. We cannot grasp this without the Spirit's regeneration. Salvation is theology. As Dr. James White says, if you are a Christian, you are a theologian.

Two principles birthed this study:

• Pastor Sean's refutation of "so heavenly-minded you're no earthly good," emphasizing transcendent knowledge of God, theology, and our position in Christ (Colossians).
• Pastor Tim's teaching on Romans 8:5-8: A mind set on the flesh (sinful humanity) is hostile to God; a mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:5-8 — The mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God... but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.

Biblical peace: So satisfied with God that you are content in every circumstance. Set your mind on theology for life and peace.

2. The Believer's Success Is Theological

This is not a "theological get-rich-quick scheme." Success is transcendently valuable.

Joshua 1:8 — "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

Meditate (hagah): Keep on your mind frequently to commit to memory. The Law stays in your mouth through constant meditation—day and night, routinized and rigorous. Speak God's Law convictingly, exposing sin, as a schoolmaster to Christ (counter-cultural today).

Danger: It reveals you as a sinner needing grace. But the effect? You do what is written, prospering in God's purpose (salach: God's intent accomplished, not material gain).

Isaiah 55:11 — "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Success (sakal): Insight giving advantage. Theology provides success in parenting, marriage (God's intended design), singleness, work—advantages unbelievers lack.

Salvation gives the Holy Spirit's power, but without theology, we have Corinthian chaos. Theology united with the Spirit's power equips us. React biblically: Put off the old self, put on the new—created in Christ for good works (diligently).

Romans 12:1-2 — "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Presenting Our Bodies as Living Sacrifices

Paul appeals to us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship. We understand our duty as Christians is to worship God continually, even when no one is watching, even without musical crescendos. Do this always.

The question arises: How do I present my body? How do I live so my life is a constant, holy sacrifice to God? Don't do things the way the world does—don't be conformed to this world. The world provides a fantastic example of what not to do. Movements in churches push easy believism, mimicking the world to make people comfortable. But Christianity is war. We haven't arrived at total rest; it's active, proactive work in gaining theology.

Instead, be transformed by the renewal of your mind. This leads to total life transformation through changing how we think. Only by renewing our minds regularly can we react appropriately in circumstances. Any Christian can act righteous; it's easy. Reacting righteously is hard. In testing, when pressure comes through suffering, endurance proves genuineness. Theology speaks to us as God's words: "I am with you."

For example, in marriage, when harsh words shock you, theology reminds the wife to love and respect her husband, the husband to deal patiently. Saturate your mind with theology so God's Word doesn't depart from your mouth. Speak in biblical vocabulary to spouses, friends, ministry partners, the world—minds set on the Spirit, not the flesh. Counteract reactions with biblical theology. Look beyond spoken words to the real desire: intimacy. Spouses cry out clumsily for needs because sanctification is incomplete. Discern what's genuine.

Discerning God's Will Through Renewed Minds

Renewing the mind with theology grants discernment of God's will: What is good, acceptable, perfect? How do I decide? Revolutionize life choices theologically. Scripture doesn't specify your next job; no extrabiblical revelation comes. Know God's will by making theological decisions.

For instance, in politics, choosing between bad candidates like Nero or Caligula, vote from theology, leaving without selling your soul for silver. Make spiritually beneficial choices. A job violating your conscience is wrong. React to circumstances theologically.

Consider 1 Thessalonians 4 on grief: We grieve with hope, unlike those without, anticipating Christ and loved ones. Even the dead rising is theological.

The Believer's Satisfaction is Theological

Salvation, success, and satisfaction are theological. Satisfaction with God amid circumstances avoids burnout in ministry—not just preaching fire and brimstone, but home fellowships, children's ministry, youth, weaker members who are indispensable. Pastors, deacons, attendees all need ministry. Don't grow weary in church life, marriage, parenting. Pour theology in to avoid frustration. Theology carries us meaningfully through life.

Psalm 143:5-6
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.

The psalmist meditates, ponders, recites God's works—creation, what He has done. The result: obsessive thirst for God. Like dehydration after illness, craving water over sugary drinks, theology creates thirst satisfied only by God.

Psalm 119
Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word.

Affect thinking with God's Word for satisfaction in Him. The woman at the well had a theology problem; Jesus offered living water.

Addressing Objections to Theology

Doesn't knowledge puff up, but love edify? From 1 Corinthians 8:1 on food sacrificed to idols and Christian liberty—that knowledge can puff up. But knowledge of God with love humbles.

Isaiah 66:1-2
Heaven is my throne, earth is my footstool. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit.

Job 38

Right knowledge humbles. "I'm not a theologian; leave it to professors." There's sophisticated theology and basic theology. Every Christian is a theologian, from children's ministry to seminary.

"Isn't this intellectualism? Christianity is heart, relationship." The Bible unites heart and mind. Treasure God's Word in your heart to avoid sin. Theology means value and affection for God—love Him, who He is, what He does. Eternal life is knowing God and Christ.