Talk

Practical Theology: Maintaining Course in Life

Aaron Coe
July, 14, 2024

Aaron Coe joins us as we ask the question, “How can we have a practical theology that helps us maintain the course of our lives?” Nobody purposely derails their life, but when trials, questions, and tensions arise, we can find ourselves drifting off the path toward Jesus.

Key Takeaway

Many things in this world will try to disorient us, but our call is to orient ourselves back to who is at the center of it all: Jesus.

If we focus on one thing, and that thing isn't the right thing, we will get off track. So how do we stay on track? How can we understand and read the Bible on our own to maintain our course in life?

Theology—Theo/God + Logos/Belief

Theology is simply "God belief." What do we believe about God and who He says He is?

Theology—what we believe about God.

Every person can engage in theology. God has given every person the ability to understand the Word of God for themselves.

Mankind's Role in the World

(Leadership/Human Agency)

Beginnings

God's Intention

Genesis 1-2

Key Words: subdue, order, organize, creativity

Revolt

Sins Effect

Genesis 3

Key Words: confusion, chaos, curse

People

God's Covenant

Genesis 4-Malachi

Key Words: unique, order, action

Savior

God's Ultimate Solution

Matthew-John

Key Words: servant, less, dependant, sacrificing

Church

God's Mission

Acts-Revelation 20

Key Words: persevere, mission, humility

Forever

God's Promise

Revelation 21-22

Key Words: reigns, nations, no curse, reward

Because the world is cursed and chaotic, every human being has a unique role in bringing order and creativity to the whole world, with a posture of humility and service, and persevere until the end of their life (time), at which time, God will reign forever, and every human that followed God will get their eternal reward.

If people want to avoid Jesus in the conversation, it's not a well-rounded theology.

The Savior is right at the center. Taking him out of the equation leads us to a place where we're following the antichrist—the things that are against Christ.

We must consider the whole counsel of God's Word.

"If we want to stay on the true course, we have to use God's Word."
Aaron Coe

Discussion Questions

  1. Who or what has had your focus lately?

  2. Are you intimidated by the word "theology"? How did Aaron's breakdown of the word help you redefine your perception of this word?

  3. Have you been relying on outside sources for your theology? If yes, how?

  4. How was the breakdown of Scripture that Aaron included helpful to your understanding of the text?

  5. Is Jesus at the center of your life right now? Why or why not?

  6. How can you make Jesus the center of your life again if He isn't currently?

  7. What are some tangible steps you can take toward making Scripture a priority?

Scripture References

1Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
4You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
5They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.
6We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.

Aaron Coe
Aaron Coe
Founder and CEO of Future City Now