Theology?

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“If our theology does not quicken the conscience and soften the heart, it actually hardens both; if it does not encourage the commitment of faith, it reinforces the detachment of unbelief; if it fails to promote humility, it inevitably feeds pride.” - J. I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness, page 15

I have often questioned why I study theology. Is it a noble quest for knowledge of the God who died for me, or is it the ignoble feeding of my overblown ego? Or is it a little of both?

I have thought of several good reasons I have to study theology. I want to know God better. I want to follow God’s will for my life more closely and be a moral person. I want to be better able to communicate the truth to others that I come in contact with. I want to be able to answer legitimate questions from myself or others.

There are some bad reasons as well. I want to show others how smart I am. I want to be able to one-up those who disagree with me. I am truly a mixed bag of motives in everything I do.

The ultimate reason why I study theology is that my own mixed motives and sins make me desperate to know of God’s love for me. I must have something outside of me to help, if I am going to be helped at all. I need Christ’s sacrifice freely given for me and His life fully lived for me. I need to better understand His payment for my sins and His provision for my righteousness. He is my only hope.

Comments

Steve Martin said…
Great quote from Packer.

I'm with you, J.K. ....my motives are definitely a mixed bag.

Thanks be to God that He can use all of it...for His purposes.
April 06, 2010
J. K. Jones said…
Amen, Steve.
April 07, 2010
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