SS Outline 6.22.25

Biblical Theology – Week 5: June 22, 2025
Title: Biblical Theology as a Pastoral Tool – Why Pastors and Churches Should Care

Texts: Luke 24:27; 2 Timothy 3:16–17


I. Introduction:

Why do many well-intentioned sermons end up being moralistic or confusing?

II. What Is Biblical Theology?

• The discipline that helps us understand the progressive unfolding of God’s revelation in redemptive history.
• Historical: Traces God’s acts over time
• Progressive: Builds from promise to fulfillment
• Christ-Centered: Finds its climax in Jesus
• Covenantal: Organizes the Bible’s structure around God’s covenants

III. Why It Matters for Pastoral Ministry
1. It Centers Preaching on Christ, Not Application Alone
2. It Shapes a Gospel Culture
3. It Informs Counseling and Discipleship
4. It Grounds the Church in a Shared Identity
5. It Protects Against False Teaching

IV. Practical Implementation in the Church
A. In Preaching

• Use narrative arcs (creation → fall → redemption → new creation)
• Preach Christ from all Scripture (typology, promise-fulfillment)

B. In Discipleship

• Structure Bible studies around covenants, kingdom, and key themes
• Teach members how to read Scripture in context

C. In Church Culture

• Emphasize corporate identity in the redemptive plan
• Reinforce the gospel through liturgy, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper

D. In Evangelism

• Frame the gospel as the climax of the whole Bible — not just 4 spiritual laws

V. Discussion Questions

• Why is it dangerous to treat the Bible as a collection of unrelated stories?
• How might biblical theology help you counsel someone experiencing suffering?