Bible Bridges: FINAL INSTALLMENT - "Forming a Biblical Theology"

This is my last installment in the Bible Bridges series. While I could say much more about how to study the Bible, and even delve into deeper questions relating to hermeneutics, it is time to build traction on application. To that end, I have started a new series I call the Personal Syllabus for Ongoing Growth.

This new series could arguably be spliced into the Bible Bridges. That is because that series attempted to refine the reader's Bible interpretation methods and hermeneutic, both of which certainly engage application. Hermeneutics is more focused on the theory. Because my goal of this blog are to inculcate a strategy for constructing a biblical worldview, I did not want to get lost in excess of theory.

Simply put: this blog is not an academic treatise on hermeneutics. I have attempted to introduce some concepts to spur on greater awareness of how and why thoughtful Bible study can be done and even improved. I am satisfied that my introduction of hermeneutics and Bible study methods suffice for the greater goal of this blog.

Thus, as the journey progresses and increasing confidence is gained in the precision and accuracy of interpreting portions of Scripture, the growing Christian should be putting together a picture of a thoroughgoing biblical theology. I will warn the read that the taxonomy of biblical theology as a formal system of theological study is its own can of worms. Again, I desire to help build a biblical worldview. For the sake of that goal, I think Pastor Mark Dever's definition from the 9 Marks of a Healthy Church is clear enough:

Biblical theology is sound doctrine; it is right thoughts about God; it is belief that accords with Scripture.

I would define a thoroughgoing biblical theology as that discipline in which a believer continually realigns their pre-suppositions and assumptions with regular, careful inspection of the truth claims of the Bible in their literary and theological context. In turn, such inspection inculcates increasing surrender to God's clear ends affirmed in Scripture, whether individually or collectively; temporally or eternally. It is thoroughgoing in that it is broad and deep: there is a sufficient grasp of doctrine to the degree that the believer yields to sin less and less, and embraces God's will more and more in all areas of life. Moreover, the Christian understands they are part of the collective people of God and not ignorant of the final destination of God's people. In this way, our belief is actualized as we let go of this world and embrace the kingdom of God.

It is the rigorous application of Romans 12:1-2:

Romans 12:1–2 (NLT)

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. ² Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

So this is the end of the road for Bible Bridges, but by no means the final word on the Word. I ask you to ponder anew what things you believe God wishes to change in your thinking, your attitudes, your priorities, and your actions. Join me on the path of inspecting our lives in light of Scripture and the Spirit of God who illuminates our way to the conclusion of the ultimate journey!

Personal Syllabus Part 2: "Systematically Putting Off the Ol' Man"

As I try to put together a personal syllabus for ongoing growth, it occurred to me that I should formalize some important outcomes in my life. I think that anyone could apply this process upon which I am preparing to embark. However, the details of one's plan will be unique: no one should adopt my personal syllabus, but instead, if one finds this helpful, one should take the concepts and discipline and apply them to their own journey.

A new friend commented on my previous post that the plan itself should be essentially determined by the Lord. On that point I heartily agree. Prayerful reflection on the Bible certainly will provide a path for growth and renewal.

Christians are called to put off the old man and put on the new. I suggest the big picture can and must incorporate both such activities as part of a developing discipleship. The syllabus concept I am proposing for myself (and anyone else who wishes to be so disciplined) is to identify areas that God seems to be prompting growth. It's merely a tool to reflect on questions I may have or things I need to address in my life. My series called Bible Bridges proposed ways in which penetrating Bible study could be enhanced. This personal syllabus project is now applying in detail what is gleaned from deep Bible reflection.

Within the powerful gospel of Christ being applied to our lives (where God's grace enables what we ourselves cannot do), the concept of putting off and putting on is a touchstone in the New Testament. This is one of many word pictures used in Scripture describing how God's grace transforms the believer:

Ephesians 4:17–24 (NET)

^4:17 So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ^4:18 They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts. ^4:19 Because they are callous, they have given themselves over to indecency for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. ^4:20 But you did not learn about Christ like this, ^4:21 if indeed you heard about him and were taught in him, just as the truth is in Jesus. ^4:22 You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, ^4:23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ^4:24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.

1. That which should be put off. These are things belonging to the old man, which are worldly. Moreover, some things that may be neutral can still inhibit growth (see Hebrews 12:1ff). Quite likely there are also beliefs I have that are not fully aligned to the truth of Scripture. All of these things should be decreasing as I mature.
2. That which should be put on. Naturally, these are the good works that God has ordained for me (see Ephesians 2:8-10). Right attitudes and actions are outcomes of the gospel applied. Moreover, expounding on the truths of Scripture add to a personally grasped biblical theology. Having a growing superstructure of biblical doctrines and a systematic theology prepares the believer for the challenges that come to us in a troubled and evil world.

As this summer unfolds, I will try to identify things that need to be put off and to be put on. I hope to be transparent about this, though let's be honest and admit up front: some things God reveals about us in His Word are terrifying and ugly. I know there are thought patterns that I need to yield, and no doubt I still hold to partial error or ignorance. Yet God is faithful and provides grace. You are welcome to join me on this journey. Feel free to share your own syllabus with others and graciously support the brethren.

Personal Syllabus for Ongoing Growth

Vacations are usually very nice. Having just returned from a week in Wisconsin celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, this diversion was exceptionally sweet. The problem I find is in returning back to the routine. My schedule is simply not aligned with the life that I left behind for a short respite. All my lazy inclinations overwhelm my good intentions.

As a child I hated to see the back to school signs. It meant an end to carefree summers and a return to semesters filled with tasks.

Yet by the time I made it to college I saw it a bit differently. That first day of class when the syllabus was distributed, once I got over the initial shock, I got a bit excited for all that would be accomplished. I'm generally very task oriented. By the time I started seminary it was even exciting to see the list of books, papers, and projects that would be assigned.

The sad truth: I accomplish far more things when held accountable. I'm sure it's true for most of us. Few people are that self-motivated to complete goals without outside supervision or reporting. When we pay money for a college class, we feel compelled to do our best to complete the assignments and get the promised grades.

It occurred to me that I could write a personal syllabus for ongoing growth as an adult. Certainly from a Christian's perspective, studying the Bible consistently is easier when on a schedule. I still have many books still unread. And I still have more to learn about using my Macbook Pro. And I also listen to iTunes lectures often while driving to work. On top of that, I still want to write more on this blog on biblical theological concepts and practical things that fellow believers may find useful. With such a varied menu of things to accomplish in life, a personal syllabus laid out similarly to college courses do it would keep me a bit more on target.

Obviously, it's simply for my own good. Personal growth is an essential quality for all of us. I just wonder if I will take the time to identify all the things I feel I should tackle. If I do, how much should I include? How detailed should it be? This is something I'll have to ponder during the summer....perhaps by August I'll have my personal syllabus in place and will get to work on my academic plan. Let's see how this goes!