SS Outline 4.27.25

Biblical vs. Systematic Theology – Comparing approaches and their importance.

Objective: To understand the distinct roles of biblical and systematic theology, how they complement each other, and why both are essential for the health of the church’s doctrine, preaching, and discipleship.

• When you think of theology, what comes to mind? A textbook? A preacher? A seminary?”

Comparing Biblical and Systematic Theology
A. Defining the Terms
Biblical Theology:

• Traces the progressive unfolding of God’s revelation in redemptive history.
• Focuses on how each part of Scripture fits within the grand narrative.
• Luke 24:27 – “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them the things concerning Himself.”

Systematic Theology:

• Arranges biblical truths topically (God, man, sin, Christ, salvation, etc.).
• Answers the question: “What does the whole Bible teach about ___?”
• Titus 1:9 – “Hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught...”

B. Strengths and Emphases
Biblical Theology Strengths:

• Shows Christ as the center of Scripture.
• Preserves the storyline and context.
• Guards against proof-texting.

Systematic Theology Strengths:

• Provides doctrinal clarity.
• Equips the church to answer theological and ethical questions.
• Helps define orthodoxy.
• Sproul: “Everyone’s a theologian—the question is, are you a good one or a bad one?”


C. How They Work Together

• Biblical theology gives the narrative flow
• Systematic theology gives the theological framework.

Application

• Why do we need both biblical and systematic theology in our churches?
• How might neglecting one of these lead to error?
• How can we encourage biblical theology and doctrinal clarity (systematic theology) in our teaching and discipleship?
• How does 2 Tim 3:16-17 support both theological approaches?

This week, as you read Scripture, ask:

• How does this passage fit into the larger story of redemption? (Biblical Theology)
• What does this passage teach about God or man? (Systematic Theology)

Next Time (May 25): We’ll dig deeper into how we interpret Scripture rightly—exegesis and theological method.