Purpose of This Study:
To understand the concept of the Holy Trinity, a foundational doctrine of the Christian faith, so that we can trust the role Holy Spirit plays in our everyday lives.
Key Themes:
One True God, Tri-unity, Adorable Godhead
Introduction:
As evangelical Christians, we understand that Jesus is the Messiah that was foretold centuries ago through the Prophet Isaiah, among others, who would come and redeem mankind from our sin and brokenness. The confession (Romans 10:9) compels us to understand the fullness of God through the Son, Jesus, as we read in the scriptures. The concept of "the One True God" is foundational for every Christian's journey of discipleship because the Bible explains that God is 3 distinct persons who are in unity as "One". God the Father, the first expression of the creator we read about in Genesis, expresses one side of the Holy Trinity, while God the Son, Jesus, gives us another vantage point of the redemptive nature of our good God. The third aspect of the Holy Trinity is the Holy Spirit, the very same Holy Spirit that Jesus tells his disciples to "wait for" and expect in John 16.
John 16:5-15 NLT - Jesus speaking
The Work of the Holy Spirit
5 “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. 6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. 7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.
12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’
By understanding the concept of the Holy Trinity, and the Godhead being 3-in-1, we can begin to grasp more clearly the plan that God has had since the fall of man to redeem us, mankind, when we were lost. In the same way that we have accepted God the Father, and Jesus the Son as God, we must also do the same in response to Holy Spirit being God himself as well. Take a moment to discuss some key definitions about the Godhead, and ask Holy Spirit, who reveals all truth, to show you just how much his love for you is real and still needed to follow Jesus as a disciple.
One True God
The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent "I AM," the Creator of heaven and earth and the Redeemer of mankind. He has further revealed Himself as embodying the principles of relationship and association as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Key Scriptures (Read Together):
Deuteronomy 6:4
Isaiah 43:10,11
Matthew 28:19
Luke 3:22
The Adorable Godhead
The terms "Trinity" and "persons" as related to the Godhead, while not found in the Scriptures, are words in harmony with Scripture, whereby we may convey to others our immediate understanding of the doctrine of Christ respecting the Being of God, as distinguished from "gods many and lords many." We therefore may speak with propriety of the Lord our God who is One Lord, as a trinity or as one Being of three persons, and still be absolutely scriptural.
Matthew 28:19
2 Corinthians 13:14
John 14:16-17
Identity and Cooperation in the Godhead
The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are never identical as to Person; nor confused as to relation; nor divided in respect to the Godhead; nor opposed as to cooperation. The Son is in the Father and the Father is in the Son as to relationship. The Son is with the Father and the Father is with the Son, as to fellowship. The Father is not from the Son, but the Son is from the Father, as to authority. The Holy Spirit is from the Father and the Son proceeding, as to nature, relationship, cooperation and authority. Hence, neither Person in the Godhead either exists or works separately or independently of the others.
Matthew 28:16-19 NLT
The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Discussion Questions:
Why is the theology of the Holy Trinity so confusing?
Are there any other examples of something "One" being made up of other things (many in one)?
If the Holy Spirit is God in full, just as the Father and Son are, how should we respond to Him in our daily lives?
How important is it that we understand with deep conviction the Godhead being 3-in-1? How does this understanding affect our daily lives? Explain.
Prayer Points:
Pray for each other that we commit to understanding the Holy Trinity
Pray that Holy Spirit will reveal the truth found in the scriptures about God's plan to send the Holy Spirit to the church for empowerment and guidance.
Pray for a longing to be filled with God's Holy Spirit just as he expected us to be according to Acts 1 & 2.
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