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Theology in Community
Doing theology—or studying Scripture theologically—involves both disciplined study and vibrant spirituality. These are not separate paths but a unified journey walked in the presence of the living God. It begins by becoming a disciple of Jesus—learning from Him, imitating Him, and depending on Him.
Christ is our Prophet, Priest, and King—the one sent by God to save. We prayerfully lean on the Holy Spirit for illumination, reading the Bible with submissive faith, meditating on its divine words.
God matures His people through this process—through trials, obedience, and the faithful study of particular books like Psalms or Romans, all within the life of the local church. The growing theologian isn’t a lone academic but a faithful churchman, one who listens to historic confessions, catechisms, and the wisdom of the past, applying it to modern life with clarity and conviction.
Want to sharpen your personal Bible reading habits? Check out
Seven Keys to Reading and Studying the Bible Better.
Studying Scripture Theologically in All of Life
The maturing theologian digs deeply into the doctrines of Scripture—not to puff up knowledge, but to grow in faith, love, and truth. He prayerfully considers themes, analyzes texts, compares passages, and continually asks:
“What is the meaning, intention, and application of these truths?”
In the development of systematic theology, every branch is needed—biblical, ethical, historical, redemptive-historical. The use of commentaries, dictionaries, and confessional resources helps rightly handle God’s Word.
For a deeper dive into interpreting Scripture faithfully, see our article on
Hermeneutics: The Art and Science of Biblical Interpretation.
Ultimately, this work is for the conversion of sinners, the maturation of the saints, and the glorification of Christ’s church.
About the Author
This post is adapted with permission from
Crossway.org.
It was written by Dr. Joel Beeke, co-author with Paul Smalley of
Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 1: Revelation and God.
Call to Action
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📚 For Further Study
- Hermeneutics: The Art and Science of Biblical Interpretation
- Seven Keys to Reading and Studying the Bible Better
These resources will help you grow in your understanding of Scripture and how to handle it faithfully.
This post originally appeared at Crossway.org and is used with permission.
Joel R. Beeke (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) has written over one hundred books. He is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, a pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as well as the editor of Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, the editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, the president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society.
