Here are some common words/phrases included in describing the contemporary children’s Sunday school class: fun, exciting, relevant Bible lessons, engaging, loving environment, energetic worship, hands-on activities, faith-building,…etc. All descriptions that may be appropriate—to a greater or lesser extent—and definitely welcoming to many a parent and child.
But I wonder how many descriptions include some reference to “serious theological study.” Not for children? Think again. Here is a wonderful article by Pastor Jared Wilson titled, “Theological Study Is for Everyone.” (And yes, I think “everyone” applies to children and youth, too.) He gives three reasons why this is so. Here are some excerpts from the article:
- First, theological study of God is commanded. Having a mind lovingly dedicated to God is required most notably in the great commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37). Loving God with all of our minds certainly means more than theological study, but it certainly does not mean less than that.
- Second, the theological study of God is vital to salvation. Now, of course, I do not mean that intellectual pursuit merits salvation. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone (Eph. 2:8) totally apart from any works of our own (Rom. 3:28), which includes any intellectual exertion.
…The exercise of faith is predicated on information…
…Our continued growth in the grace of God, our perseverance as saints, is vitally connected to our pursuit of the knowledge of God’s character and God’s works as revealed in God’s Word…
- Third, the study of God authenticates and fuels worship…True Christians are those who believe in the triune God of the holy Scriptures and have placed their trust by the real Spirit in the real Savior—Jesus
…We are changed deeply in heart and, therefore, our behavior when we seek deeply after the things of God with our brains. The Bible says so: “Do not be conformed to this world,” Paul writes. “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). The transformation begins with a renewing of our minds. As John Piper has said, “The theological mind exists to throw logs into the furnace of our affections for Christ.”
(“Theological Study Is for Everyone” at www.ligonier.org)
I highly recommend that everyone read the entire article!
(Image courtesy of adamr at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.)
