Paul's Practical Theology

Paul has been accused of teaching faith only because he wrote some technical papers on the basis of salvation that are rich in history and proofs. Peter refers to those who twist Pauls writing to their own destruction.

Faith only twists Paul's writings in many destructive ways, there is no doubt in my mind about that.

One simple way to discern is to compare Paul's technical statements with his practical statements in Acts.

If Paul took his own writings to mean he had no obligation to live his life a certain way, he would not have made the practical statements.

Consider Acts 24, where he talks about living his life to attain eternal life.

Act 24:15  And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 

Act 24:16  And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. 

Paul worked at living his life to have a clean consciounce when Christ returns. He did not want to be included with the unjust.

Other practical statements can be found in his letters,

1Co 9:27  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 

It was possible for a man of faith to be cast away if he did not exercise himself to God's will. Of course, they say that anyone of real faith would exercise themself to do right.

Paul was a man of deep faith but knew he had to stay on top of these areas of his life. Faith wasn't enough without discipline of himself.