Bible Doctrine Workbook

Study Questions and Practical Exercises for Learning the Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith

Brianna Smith, Erik Thoennes, Wayne A. Grudem

• Publisher: Zondervan Academic
• Year: 2022
• ISBN:
  9780310136187
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Theology

Deepen Your Comprehension of Life's Most Important Theological Questions.

How do we know the Bible is God's Word? What is sin and where did it come from? How is Jesus fully God and fully man? What are spiritual gifts? When and how will Christ return? If you've asked questions like these, then systematic theology is no abstract term. It's an approach to finding answers every Christian needs to know.

The Bible Doctrine Workbook accompanies Wayne Grudem's highly regarded Bible Doctrine, Second Edition. Following the textbook's structure, the Workbook features review material and exercises for every chapter, and all major areas of Christian doctrine are covered, including the Word of God, Humanity, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Future.

Sections in each workbook chapter include:

• Opening Prayer: oriented around the content of the chapter to help prepare reader's hearts as they get ready to study and reflect.
• Chapter Review: questions to help the reader identify and interact with key concepts.
• Thinking Critically: questions for readers to consider on how the content should influence their beliefs and actions.
• Personal Engagement: practical application questions that connect theology to daily life.

The Workbook maintains the clear writing, friendly tone, and frequent applications to life found in the textbook. Students will benefit from this hands-on engagement with the important teachings in Bible Doctrine.

CHAPTER 1

Introduction to Systematic Theology

OPENING PRAYER

Lord, open my heart and my mind so that I may discern what is true. Thank you that you are a God of order, clarity, and reason, and that your Word and your ways make sense and lead to life. Teach me from the study of your Word, and allow your Spirit to transform my life through this study for your glory and honor. Amen.

CHAPTER REVIEW

1. What is systematic theology? Restate the definition in Biblical Doctrine in your own words.

[Your Response Here]

2. How is systematic theology different from biblical, historical, and philosophical theology?

[Your Response Here]

3. Draw a line to connect each following question with the proper category of study:

What does the Bible teach about prayer? How does the teaching regarding prayer develop in the Bible? What does Paul teach about prayer? What do the Psalms teach about prayer? How did fourth century Christians pray?

Biblical theology Old Testament theology Historical theology New Testament theology Systematic theology

4. Why does systematic theology use terms that are not found in Scripture?

[Your Response Here]

5. Fill in the blank: The adjective systematic in systematic __________ should be understood to mean something like “___________ organized by ________.”

6. According to Dr. Grudem, the opposite of “systematic” in systematic theology is: (circle the correct answer/s)

a. Randomly arranged

b. Clear

c. Disorganized

d. Ordered

7. What is the difference between how most Christians do systematic theology and the more formal study of systematic theology found in this book?

[Your Response Here]

8. Why should someone change their mind regarding a particular doctrine? Circle the correct answer.

a. A teacher/pastor/mentor told them to

b. Based upon a particularly compelling sermon or argument

c. Because the Bible teaches differently than their former belief

d. Based solely upon a dream or vision

9. How does Dr. Grudem define doctrine? Rewrite the definition in your own words.

[Your Response Here]

10. What is the distinction between a major and minor doctrine? Give a few examples of each.

[Your Response Here]

11. How does systematic theology help us to address future controversies?

[Your Response Here]

12. What is the relationship between spiritual growth and systematic theology?

[Your Response Here]

BIBLICAL ENGAGEMENT

13. Dr. Grudem says that “most Christians actually do systematic theology many times a week” as they make statements about what the Bible says. What are some true systematic statements about the Bible that you know or regularly say? For example, “The Bible says that Jesus is coming again.” List references to back up your statements.

[Your Response Here]

14. In Psalm 119:18, the psalmist prays, “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” Why might the psalmist feel he must pray this way as he engages with God’s Word? Feel free to use other passages to support your answer.

[Your Response Here]

PERSONAL APPLICATION

15. Have you considered what God wants you to believe and to know? How can you grow your understanding of what these things might be?

[Your Response Here]

16. What kind of personal value is there in studying systematic theology? Have you experienced such value in your own life?

[Your Response Here]

17. Considering the information found in this chapter, how would you like to grow in your own study or practice of systematic theology? Spend some time asking the Lord to help you engage in this practice.

[Your Response Here]

18. Which doctrine discussed in this book are you most interested in learning more about? Write out some questions you hope are addressed in this book.

[Your Response Here]

19. Having read the reasons Christians should study theology, do you find any reason particularly compelling or convicting? Invite the Spirit to work in your heart based on this reflection.

[Your Response Here]

20. Dr. Grudem states we should study systematic theology with prayer, humility, reason, help from others, by collecting and understanding all the relevant passages of Scripture, and with rejoicing and praise. Which of these do you currently find most difficult to practice? Prayerfully brainstorm some ways to grow in this area.

[Your Response Here]

PART 1

The Doctrine
of the Word of God

CHAPTER 2

The Authority and Inerrancy of the Bible

OPENING PRAYER

Lord, teach me to submit to your Word as my authority because it comes from you (Ps. 119:4) and to know that “every word of God proves true” (Prov. 30:5). You are perfect, so of course your words are perfect also. Your Word brings comfort but also conviction; it brings peace but also exposes our foolishness and sin. You are good, and all you command is good and life giving. Please give me a reverence for your Word so that the knowledge I gain will lead to my obedience to it. Amen.

CHAPTER REVIEW

1. What does Grudem state as the four characteristics of Scripture?

a.

b.

c.

d.

2. Define the authority of Scripture:

[Your Response Here]

3. What does the Bible claim when it uses phrases like “Thus says the Lo...

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Ebook Instructions
• Contents
• A Note to the Reader
• 1. Introduction to Systematic Theology
• Part 1: The Doctrine of the Word of God
• Part 2: The Doctrine of God
• Part 3: The Doctrine of Man
• Part 4: The Doctrine of Christ
• Part 5: The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption
• Part 6: The Doctrine of the Church
• Part 7: The Doctrine of the Future