From: A Slice of Infinity [slice@sliceofinfinity.org]
Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 6:39 AM
To: slice-html@lists.rzim.org
Subject: [Slice 1110] Doxology and Devotion (March 9, 2006)



03/9/06
Doxology and Devotion
Alison Thomas

Faithful theology strives to echo the divine Word with unswerving integrity. It is a logos about the theos, a rational discourse about God, consisting of interrelated yet distinct disciplines. For example, historical theology involves observing how issues of faith were stated in the past while systematic theology relates the traditions convincingly to its present-day setting. Christian ethics examines the implications of faith for conduct while apologetics defends it as truth and wisdom.

Due to the vast beauty and intensity of the various disciplines, it is tempting to study theology in order to puff ourselves up with knowledge—to be praised among friends as the one with all the answers. However, as J.I. Packer observes, "[T]heology is for doxology and devotion—that is, the praise of God and the practice of godliness. It should therefore be presented in a way that brings awareness of the divine presence. Theology is at its healthiest when it is consciously under the eye of the God of whom it speaks, and when it is singing to his glory."

The knowledge of divine things to which Christians are called is more than a formal acquaintance with technical terms and theoretical ideas. It is realizing the reality and relevance of those activities of the triune God to which Scripture testifies. In the face of God's truth, we are all dull and apathetic. However, the Holy Spirit unveils our minds and attunes our hearts so that our understanding is illuminated. Like "the man without the Spirit" described in 1 Corinthians 2:14, such awareness is natural to none, no matter how familiar with Christian theology they may be.

Writes Paul, "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" (1 Corinthians 1:9-10).

Paul's commentary in this petition on pursuing the knowledge of God was practical: we grow in wisdom and understanding in order to live a life worthy of the Lord. The primary purpose of theology is doxology and devotion, and a genuine knowledge of God reveals itself in transformed character. May our personal theological studies inspire us first and foremost to offer praise and fidelity to the God of whom we speak.




(1) Packer, J. I., Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs. (Wheaton, Il.: Tyndale House, 1995).


To subscribe to this list send an empty email to: slice-html-subscribe@lists.rzim.org
To unsubscribe from the list send an empty email to: slice-html-unsubscribe@lists.rzim.org
You are subscribed to this list as scott@ourfccb.org
For help email: slice@sliceofinfinity.org

Copyright (c) 2005 Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM)
"A Slice of Infinity" is aimed at reaching into the culture with words of challenge, words of truth, and words of hope. If you know of others who would enjoy receiving "A Slice of Infinity" in their email box each day, tell them they can sign up on our website at http://www.rzim.org/publications/slice.php. If they do not have access to the World Wide Web, please call 1-877-88SLICE (1-877-887-5423).

Copyright notice: "A Slice of Infinity" may be copied and re-transmitted by electronic mail, and individual copies of a particular "A Slice of Infinity" may be printed, provided that such copying, re-transmission, printing, or other use is not for profit or other commercial purpose. However, "A Slice of Infinity" may NOT be reproduced in any form on the World Wide Web or in print media or other media without express written permission. RZIM considers requests to reprint, transmit, or otherwise reproduce "A Slice of Infinity" (or portions thereof) in print, or other media on a case-by-case basis; please contact RZIM at 1-800-448-6766 to submit a request.

Any copying, re-transmission, distribution, printing, or other use of "A Slice of Infinity" must set forth the following credit line, in full, at the conclusion of the portion of A Slice of Infinity that is used:
Copyright(c) 2005
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM).
Reprinted with permission.
A Slice of Infinity is a ministry of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries may withdraw or modify this grant of permission at any time http://www.rzim.org.