Systematic Theology #1 Introduction

August 16, 2026

What Every Christian Needs to Know About Systematic Theology

Surprisingly, most Christians are already practicing systematic theology without even knowing it. Whenever someone makes a statement about salvation or God's nature, they are drawing on organized biblical thinking. The question is: are they doing it carefully, or are they cutting corners?

This lesson introduces a 52-week systematic theology study designed to transform how believers engage with Scripture. The speaker walks through what systematic theology actually is, defining it as the process of collecting relevant biblical passages on specific subjects and summarizing their teachings into clear beliefs. It is organized, careful, and deeply practical, not merely abstract.

Because books like Romans and Ephesians naturally pair doctrine with daily living, Larry argues that separating belief from behavior misses God's intent entirely. He also tackles the problem of lazy theology, where people pull isolated verses out of context to support whatever they already believe.

The study is grounded in four key principles, covering everything from careful interpretation to fair treatment of all relevant Scripture. (The example about church members knowing their bylaws better than the Bible genuinely stings.) Ultimately, the speaker reframes the Great Commission itself as a call to theological education, not just evangelism.