Developing a Deeper Understanding of Theological Concepts Theologically
Theological Understanding and Spiritual Growth
Developing a deeper understanding of theological concepts is a vital aspect of Christian spiritual growth. The apostle Paul prays that the Ephesian believers may be "strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth" of God's love [2]. This comprehension is not merely intellectual but is deeply connected to spiritual maturity and a personal relationship with Christ.
The biblical basis for this concept is rooted in several passages. In Ephesians 3:4, Paul mentions "the mystery of Christ," indicating that understanding this mystery is crucial for believers [1]. Similarly, in Colossians 1:9-10, Paul prays for his readers to have a deeper understanding of God's will, which leads to a life pleasing to God [4]. The Psalmist also seeks understanding, asking God to "make me to understand the way of thy precepts" so that he may meditate on God's wondrous works [6].
Theological understanding is closely tied to the heart's condition. According to Proverbs 4:23, "the issues of life are out of" the heart, emphasizing the importance of the heart's purity and orientation towards God [3]. John Gill notes that "the heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge," indicating that those with spiritual understanding will continue to seek more knowledge of Christ and His grace [7].
The process of gaining theological understanding involves several key elements. Firstly, it requires diligent seeking and meditation on Scripture. As Jamieson, Fausset & Brown suggest, "meditate CAREFULLY upon" Scripture, just as Isaac meditated in the field (Genesis 24:63), is essential for spiritual nourishment [10]. Secondly, it involves a deepening relationship with Christ, as understanding is linked to knowing God intimately (Romans 1:21) [8]. Lastly, it is facilitated by God's grace, as the Psalmist acknowledges that understanding is a gift from God (Psalm 119:32, 25) [5, 6].
Different Christian traditions emphasize various aspects of this process. For instance, the Presbyterian tradition, as represented by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, highlights the importance of careful meditation on Scripture and the connection between understanding and a life pleasing to God [9, 10]. The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as seen in John Gill's commentary, stresses the role of God's grace in granting understanding and the importance of seeking knowledge with a heart that has understanding [5, 6, 7].
Sources
- Ephesians “Ephesians 3:4 (LEB) — so that you may be able when you read to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ”
- Ephesians “may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, -- Ephesians 3:18”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Heart, The — Issues of life are out of -- Pr 4:23. God Tries. -- 1Ch 29:17; Jer 12:3. Knows. -- Ps 44:21; Jer 20:12. Searched. -- 1Ch 28:9; Jer 17:10. Understands the thoughts of. -- 1Ch 28:9; Ps 139:2. Ponders. -- Pr 21:2; 24:12. Influences. -- 1Sa 10:26; Ezr 6:22; 7:27; Pr 21:1; Jer 20:9. Creates a new. -- Ps 51:10; Eze 36:26. Prepares. -- 1Ch 29:18; Pr 16:1. Opens. -- Ac 16:14. Enlightens. -- 2Co 4:6; Eph 1:18. Strengthens. -- Ps 27:14. Establishes. -- Ps 112:8; 1Th 3:13. Should be Prepared to God. -- 1Sa 7:3. Given to God. -- Pr 23:26. Perfect with God. -- 1Ki 8:”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 1:9: 1:9-10 Paul prays that God would grant his readers deeper understanding of the Good News and its full expression in their lives. Spiritual growth yields a clearer and deeper comprehension of Christian truth and conduct that pleases the Lord, through which a believer will have the endurance and patience to stand firm against evil (1:11).”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:32: Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law,.... A spiritual understanding; an understanding of the law, the perfection, purity, holiness, and spirituality of it; an understanding of the Gospel, and of Christ and the things of Christ; from whom grace and strength are to be had for the due observance of the law, as in his hands; which understanding must be given, and is a gift of pure, free, rich grace, to such who have it; though they cannot keep the law perfectly, as no mere man can, yet will keep it spiritually, from a principle of love and gratitude, and with”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:25: Make me to understand the way of thy precepts,.... The meaning of them, to have a more comprehensive, clear, and distinct knowledge of them; and to be led into the way they direct unto, and walk therein; so shall I talk of thy wondrous works; the works of creation, providence, redemption, and grace; with more knowledge and understanding, with more spirit and cheerfulness, with more readiness and liberty, more to his own satisfaction, and for the good of others: or, "meditate on thy wondrous works" (z); being in the ways of God, and freed from the distractions of t”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 15:14: The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge,.... He that has in his heart an understanding of divine and spiritual things, of the Gospel and of the truths of it, will seek earnestly and diligently in the use of proper means after more knowledge; as he will desire to know more of Christ, his person, offices, and grace, he will follow on to know him, and not be content with the present degree of knowledge he has attained unto; he will hear and read the word, and pray and meditate, in order to come to a more perfect knowledge of the son of God, and of t”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:21: 1:21 To know God in Scripture usually means to have an intimate, saving relationship with him (see 2 Cor 5:16; Gal 4:9; Phil 3:8, 10). Here, however, they knew God means that people knew about God. All people have some understanding of God through creation, yet they do not do what is right based on that knowledge. Rather than learn more about God, they worship gods of their own making.”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 3:4: understand my knowledge--"perceive my understanding" [ALFORD], or "intelligence." "When ye read," implies that, deep as are the mysteries of this Epistle, the way for all to understand them is to read it (Ti2 3:15-16). By perceiving his understanding of the mysteries, they, too, will be enabled to understand. the mystery of Christ--The "mystery" is Christ Himself, once hidden, but now revealed (Col 1:27).”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:15: Meditate--Greek, "Meditate CAREFULLY upon" (Psa 1:2; Psa 119:15; compare "Isaac," Gen 24:63). these things-- (Ti1 4:12-14). As food would not nourish without digestion, which assimilates the food to the substance of the body, so spiritual food, in order to benefit us, needs to be appropriated by prayerful meditation. give thyself wholly to--literally, "BE in these things"; let them engross thee wholly; be wholly absorbed in them. Entire self-dedication, as in other pursuits, so especially in religion, is the secret of proficiency. There are chan”