Introduction to Systematic Theology

I am basically doing my homework on this blog to keep a record of it, and share what I am learning with anyone interested. These are my answers to the study questions in the book Bible Doctrine. This stuff's not for everyone, I can tell you that much! But if you are enjoying it, please feel free to comment.
Systematic Theology: Systematic theology is any study that answers the question, "What does the whole Bible teach us today?" about any given topic.
Systematic theology is different from other theological disciplines such as historical theology (a study of how Christians have understood theological topics through various time periods), philosophical theology (study of peoples philosophies of God through observation of the universe), apologetics (defense of the truthfulness of the Christian faith), and others such as Survey of the Old Testament, or New Testament in general. Systematic Theology simply deals directly with a Biblical perspective on major issues. It is a study of what the Bible plainly says, not open to peoples thoughts or feelings on any given subject. This is the study of God's word alone. While the survey of the Bible is also the study of God's word alone, it is not a study of what God's word says about certain subjects. So that is the difference between Systematic Theology and other disciplines.
A doctrine is what the whole Bible teaches us today about some particular topic. It is the result of the process of doing systematic theology with regard to one particular topic.
Why is it important for Christians to study systematic theology?
Matt 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of age."
So the basic reason for studying systematic theology is that it properly enables us to teach both ourselves and others what the whole Bible says, therefore heeding this command.
Another reason, and I see this problem in every Christian, including myself, is that we have a tendency to form our own thoughts and opinions, that to us, seem reasonable and just. Because we are prone to sin, as humans, this can lead to faulty thinking. We can find ourselves going down the wrong path even though we think we're right. It is important to always come back to the Word, even if we don't like what we see. It is the Word of God, like it or not. If we ground our decisions on the Word regardless of wether it makes us feel good, we will ultimately make the right choices and know who God really is.
The more we study what the Bible says, the less we think for ourselves (leading to sin), which might sound crazy to the unsaved, but to those of us who trust in God, we understand that His word, like a parent's word to their child, is final.
The more we study what the Bible says, the more we know about who God really is, rather than basing our knowledge of Him on what we like to believe, or what other's have told us. I don't know about you, but the more I study God's word, the more I realize just how powerful and sovereign God is. The less I think of me, and the more I think of Him. The closer I become to the real God, and let go of my "ideas" of a man-made god. It really can make a huge difference in your walk with God.
I have often heard, and thought myself that the idea of predestination, and our ideas of salvation, don't affect our walk with God, but I have sense realized that they do. I have never known God like I do now. I have never felt closer to Him than I do now. It's because I know what the Bible says about my salvation and God's sovereignty. My approach to everything is different. My outlook on life is different. So much can come of knowing the truth straight out of the Bible rather than just knowing someone's thoughts or feelings. It IS important to know the truth, in every aspect of life. It DOES make a difference.
My next question to answer is what are the 6 attitudes or activities that should accompany our study of systematic theology?
Study with prayer, humility, reason, help from others, collection and understanding of scriptures having to do with our topic, and last but definitely not least, praise and rejoicing!