Your Word is a Lamp: 1st & 2nd Samuel

Would you bear with me for a moment as I review the four types of theology we talked about on Sunday? They are:

• Systematic Theology
• Historical Theology
• Practical/Pastoral Theology 
• Biblical Theology 

You might be asking, “Why are these important to know?” I’m so glad you asked! As we study the Scripture seriously, intensely, and exegetically (studying Scripture accurately and in its proper context), we develop these theologies that start to become the framework which help us understand God, ourselves, and our lives. 

We see these theologies all come into play in 1 & 2 Samuel. Among many examples I could choose from, let’s look at God being holy, which is part of our systematic theological understanding of Him. To be holy means to be pure and set apart from ordinary things. God is totally holy, perfect in all He does and in every way. God in His holiness, then, deserves to be honored, worshiped, and obeyed. But this can’t just be a mental understanding. 

There are many practical applications of this, which drives our theology to be practical and pastoral. For example, when Saul did not honor God, when he didn’t fully obey what God had called him to do in 1 Sam. 15, it had a profound impact personally on Saul. By not listening to God and doing what was right in his own eyes, Saul ultimately lost his kingship. This was not good because Saul was supposed to be the one who led Israel in righteousness and not just act as their protector. Therefore God wanted a king who would want what God wanted, a king who would desire God Himself, and honor Him rightly. You could say God wanted a king who would love Him. He found that in David, and even testified that David was a man after His own heart (1 Sam 13:14). God delighted in David so much that He made a covenant with David (2 Sam 7) that David would always have a descendant upon his throne, which was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. Now we can know God and have a way of our sins being forgiven in Christ so that we can honor God as holy. And, having Christ in us means we are separated unto God, devoted to Him, and can have a heart for Him, too. Surely, theology now becomes something living and life-giving within us because we have Christ. That’s “Coat Hanger Theology” in a nutshell. All of this must drive us to hang our lives on Christ, the One who hung on the cross for us. 

Gratefully,
Pastor Andy 

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