“I want to study theology!?
An 18-year-old approached me and told me that I wanted to study theology, and I offered, in response, ten tips, or ten steps, as he would like, to anyone who wants to study theology:
- 1.
- Try to examine your heart before God and make sure that your faith is based solely on the person and work of Jesus Christ.
2. Read the scriptures regularly. Every day, if you can. Try to study the gospels in particular, beginning with the gospel of John, pray and ask the Spirit of God to enlighten your understanding of the Word.
3. Develop a habit of praying and confessing your sins. Seek repentance, forgiveness, and direction in Christ.
4. Develop holiness: beware of the old man and dress up as a new man, with the values of the Christian faith, according to the teaching of Scripture. Be ethical in everything you do. To be honest, truthful, upright, and a good example to everyone who lives with you is a daily and difficult struggle. You will need God’s grace for this.
5. Join a local church. Without a church, the study of theology is empty and meaningless. You can’t think of a member of the body outside the body. The Christian faith is expressed in the Christian community, which is the Church. Become a member of a truly evangelical church and stick to it. He loves the church and serves the church.
6. Get into routine preaching of the word of God and be sure to participate in the worship services of the Lord Jesus Christ. You need it to grow in your faith and your understanding of the scriptures.
7. Ask for counsel from brothers who have more experience in faith, and especially to the pastor of their church.
8. Try to study a lot. I’m talking about school and books. Learn a trade and specialize in it. Become a competent, diligent and excellent professional in what you do.
9. Develop a culture of reading: read good Christian books; read the history of the Church and read good classical literature;
10. When it is a concrete reality in your life; when you’ve been doing this for a few years, then you should think about studying theology at a seminary. Before that, it’s a waste of time.