Me? A Theologian?

The title "theologian" is a title that is highly misunderstood by most people today.  Most people think of somebody who has those three special letters following their name.  A theologian is usually assumed to be an older, wiser, and a more learned individual than they.  Herman Witsius (pronounced "V-itsius), a famed Dutch pastor and theologian, wrote an essay in 1675 entitled, "On the Character of a True Theologian." I was assigned to read it for my theology class at school.  Witsius showed me what a true theologian is.  And it is not what we think of one as.  This is his definition: “One who is imbued with a substantial knowledge of divine things derived from the teaching of God Himself.”  Imbued is quite a powerful and challenging word in this context.  Imbue means to permeate, to spread throughout.  I surely could be filled with much more knowledge of God and His word than I am.  He goes on to say that a theologian also lives out that which he knows.  I believe this is the most important step in the process of becoming a theologian.  As James says we are to be doers of the Word, not only hearers of the Word.  What good is it if we simply learn what to do but never do it?  A boy can be taught how to hit a baseball but he will never do so unless he swings the bat himself. 

 All Christians are called to be theologians; students of the Word who not only learn what the Bible says but also apply it in their daily lives out of love for the Father and Son.  I think the word “theologian” scares people too.  It can be intimidating.  People think that they will never reach the status of “theologian” in their lifetime.  They believe you have to go to school and get a masters degree and those three special letters.  But according to Witsius's definition, you don't have to have a masters or doctorate in theology to be a theologian.  A theologian is a humble, diligent, and willing student of the Word.  

That is my prayer for us all; that we would seek to be theologians "rightly handling the word of truth," like Apollos in Acts 18, who was "an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures."  Don't let this title scare you.  Run after it.  But let us be careful not to attain this for ourselves but for the glory God, giving thanks to Him for His gift of knowledge and understanding.

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit."  Philippians 4:23