Why All Christians Should Study Systematic Theology

In chapter one of Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem suggests five reasons why Christians (not just academics or pastors, but all Christians) would benefit from studying systematic theology:

1. Jesus commands his followers to teach all nations about what he has commanded them. In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus tells his disciples (including us today) to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them his words. In order to teach others what Jesus has said in the Bible we must learn for ourselves what the Bible says by collecting and summarizing what the Bile says (27).
2. Studying systematic theology will help give biblical instruction and biblical answers truthfully and effectively for our benefit and the benefit of others. Proper systematic theology derives its conclusions straight from the biblical text. Knowing what Bible verses pertain to a subject and how those verses can be summarized as a conclusion will help us learn and grow, but also it will help us teach and grow alongside of others.
3. Studying systematic theology will help us discover where we are wrong. Human beings are not perfect and our judgments are often affected by sin and selfish motivation. Systematic theology allows us to compare our words, thoughts, and deeds with those of God as revealed by his holy Word, the Bible; thus, our errors are exposed, we become free from lies, and may further seek the truth of God.
4. Studying systematic theology trains and equips us for thinking theologically and biblically. When issues arise in our lives, our churches, and our communities, even if we have not thought through this issue specifically we will be familiar with biblical truths that should inform our conclusions and responses.
5. Studying systematic theology aids Christian growth and maturity. If you put garbage in, you will get garbage out. Don’t put garbage in your life. Think instead about the magnificence of God and the awesome things he is doing (Philippians 4:7-9). Thinking about God and what his plan to redeem creation means will unavoidably give depth to our life as Christ-followers. The apostle Paul makes this point, arguing that greater knowledge of who God is will change the way we live, “…the teaching which accords with godliness…” (1 Timothy 6:3) and “…for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness…” (Titus 1:1).