The Importance of Theology Proper

It is imperative that we study and meditate on the character of God. If we are to love and glorify God (Matthew 22.37-40), we have to know who He is (Ephesians 1.17). This study ought not be resigned to a passive reading or only something we look at when the church provides an opportunity—it is to be our great passion! As the Apostle Paul says, everything is a loss compared to “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3.8).

When we are at a time of great need, or moments of wonderful joy, we will lean on that which has most fervently occupied our attention. For some of us we may fall back into sinful habits, others may lean on worry, some legalists may rely on Christian works...all of which are a diversion from the life of abiding in Jesus (John 15). Studying the character of God empowers living a life of grace.

A Simple Reminder

"For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him."

—Jesus

"How fortunate I am to sacrifice all for God! But this all is nothing in comparison to what our Savior sacrificed for us, from the crib to the Cross...Oh the grandeur of infinite love! A love which is not known, a love which is unreturned by the majority of men."

—Teresa of the Andes (Chile/1900)

Perceiving According to the Spirit

In a discussion of Jesus’ ministry and mission from Isaiah 61.1-3 and Luke 4.14-21, Consider the parallels with the prophecy of Jesus in Isaiah 11.1-5 and how He perceived things/judged according to the Holy Spirit. Consider also this great 15th Century prayer by Thomas a Kempis.Grant me, O Lord, to know what I ought to know,

to love what I ought to love,

to praise what delights Thee most,

to value what is precious in Thy sight,

to hate what is offensive to Thee.

Do not suffer me to judge according to the sight of my eyes,

nor to pass sentence according to the hearing of the ears of ignorant men;

but to discern with a true judgment between things visible and spiritual,

and above all things always to inquire what is the good pleasure of Thy will.

—Thomas a Kempis (Germany, 15th century)