Embracing Divine Union: The Trinity's Invitation to Intimacy

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing the dynamic interplay within the Trinity as a model for our own spiritual lives. The Trinity, composed of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, exemplifies a perfect union of love, fellowship, and shared experiences. This divine relationship is not static but is characterized by an eternal exchange of love and joy, which we are invited to partake in through our relationship with God.

The essence of our spiritual journey is not about receiving explicit instructions from God for every decision but about developing a character that reflects His nature. God guides us in a way that fosters autonomy and maturity, allowing us to make decisions and learn from our experiences. This process is akin to a parent guiding a child, not by dictating every action but by nurturing the child's ability to make wise choices independently.

Our relationship with God begins with understanding the Trinity, where the glory shared among the divine persons is a model for our own relationships. Jesus, in His high priestly prayer, invites us into this divine fellowship, urging us to experience the same intimacy and unity that He shares with the Father. This unity is not about losing our individuality but about embracing a shared life that transcends our personal limitations.

Intimacy with God involves sharing in His experiences, which is the foundation of true communion. This shared life is not limited to verbal communication but extends to a deep, spiritual connection that transforms our everyday experiences. As we grow in this relationship, we move from mere conversation to communion and ultimately to union with God, where our lives are so intertwined with His that we can say, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."

The journey towards this divine union involves a crucifixion of our old selves, where we let go of our self-centered desires and embrace the life of Christ. This transformation is not about escaping the world but about engaging with it in a way that reflects the kingdom of God. Our work, relationships, and daily activities become arenas where God's presence is manifested, and His kingdom is realized.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Guidance and Our Autonomy: God guides us in a way that develops our character and autonomy, allowing us to make decisions and learn from our experiences. This process is akin to a parent nurturing a child's ability to make wise choices independently. [00:20]

- The Trinity as a Model for Relationships: The Trinity exemplifies a perfect union of love and fellowship, inviting us to experience the same intimacy and unity in our relationships with God and others. This unity is about embracing a shared life that transcends personal limitations. [02:52]

- Intimacy Through Shared Experiences: Intimacy with God involves sharing in His experiences, which is the foundation of true communion. This shared life transforms our everyday experiences, moving us from conversation to communion and ultimately to union with God. [08:57]

- Transformation Through Crucifixion: Our journey towards divine union involves a crucifixion of our old selves, where we let go of self-centered desires and embrace the life of Christ. This transformation engages us with the world in a way that reflects the kingdom of God. [20:43]

- Living in the Kingdom of God: Our work, relationships, and daily activities become arenas where God's presence is manifested, and His kingdom is realized. This life is greater than anything that can happen to us in this world and is rooted in the eternal reality of the Trinity. [22:23]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - Introduction to E. Stanley Jones
- [00:37] - God's Guidance and Our Autonomy
- [01:32] - The Distance and Nearness of God
- [02:52] - The Trinity as a Model for Life
- [03:22] - Eternal Life and Living
- [04:08] - The Glory of Jesus with the Father
- [05:14] - The Kingdom of God and the Trinity
- [06:27] - The Value of Experiences
- [08:57] - Intimacy Through Shared Experiences
- [11:00] - Intimacy and Vulnerability
- [13:19] - Safety in the Kingdom of God
- [16:39] - Unity and Oneness in the Trinity
- [20:43] - Transformation Through Crucifixion
- [22:23] - Living in the Kingdom of God
- [34:39] - The Eternal Light of God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 17:3-5
2. Galatians 2:20
3. Genesis 1:26

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 17:3-5, what does Jesus describe as eternal life, and how does He relate this to His relationship with the Father?
2. According to Galatians 2:20, what does Paul mean when he says, "I am crucified with Christ"? How does this relate to the concept of living in Christ?
3. How does Genesis 1:26 describe humanity's role in creation, and how might this relate to the sermon’s discussion on sharing in God's life? [30:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon describe the Trinity as a model for our relationships, and what implications does this have for how we interact with others? [02:52]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of intimacy with God, and how does this differ from simply having conversations with Him? [08:57]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our daily activities can become arenas where God's presence is manifested? How does this relate to the idea of living in the Kingdom of God? [22:23]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. How can you move from mere conversation to deeper communion with Him? What practical steps can you take this week to foster this intimacy? [08:57]
2. Consider a decision you need to make soon. How can you apply the concept of God guiding you towards autonomy and maturity in this decision-making process? [00:37]
3. Think about your relationships with others. How can you model the unity and love exemplified by the Trinity in these relationships? What specific actions can you take to foster this unity? [02:52]
4. Identify an area of your life where you feel self-centered desires are holding you back. How can you embrace the life of Christ in this area and what changes might this require? [20:43]
5. Reflect on your work or daily activities. How can you recognize and manifest God's presence in these areas? What changes in perspective or action might this involve? [22:23]
6. Consider a personal limitation you face. How can embracing a shared life with God help you transcend this limitation? What steps can you take to invite God into this aspect of your life? [02:52]
7. How can you actively engage with the world in a way that reflects the Kingdom of God? Identify one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate God's kingdom in your community. [20:43]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Guidance and Our Autonomy
God's guidance in our lives is not about dictating every decision we make but about nurturing our ability to make wise choices independently. This process is similar to how a parent guides a child, fostering autonomy and maturity. As we grow in our relationship with God, we learn to reflect His nature in our character, making decisions that align with His will. This journey involves learning from our experiences and developing a deeper understanding of God's desires for us. By embracing this guidance, we become more attuned to His presence in our lives and more capable of living out His purposes. [00:20]

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made. How did you seek God's guidance in that decision, and what did you learn from the experience?


Day 2: The Trinity as a Model for Relationships
The Trinity, composed of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, serves as a model for our relationships with God and others. This divine relationship exemplifies a perfect union of love, fellowship, and shared experiences. We are invited to partake in this unity, experiencing the same intimacy and connection that Jesus shares with the Father. This unity does not mean losing our individuality but embracing a shared life that transcends personal limitations. By understanding the Trinity, we can cultivate relationships that reflect this divine fellowship, fostering love and unity in our interactions with others. [02:52]

"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a relationship in your life that could benefit from greater unity. How can you model the love and fellowship of the Trinity in that relationship today?


Day 3: Intimacy Through Shared Experiences
Intimacy with God involves sharing in His experiences, which is the foundation of true communion. This shared life transforms our everyday experiences, moving us from mere conversation to communion and ultimately to union with God. As we grow in this relationship, our lives become intertwined with His, allowing us to experience His presence in all aspects of our lives. This intimacy is not limited to verbal communication but extends to a deep, spiritual connection that shapes our thoughts, actions, and interactions with the world around us. [08:57]

"That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:3, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience where you felt God's presence. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of communion with Him in your daily life?


Day 4: Transformation Through Crucifixion
Our journey towards divine union involves a crucifixion of our old selves, where we let go of self-centered desires and embrace the life of Christ. This transformation is not about escaping the world but engaging with it in a way that reflects the kingdom of God. By crucifying our old selves, we open ourselves to the transformative power of Christ, allowing His life to be manifested in us. This process requires a willingness to let go of our own desires and embrace the life that God has for us, leading to a deeper connection with Him and a more meaningful engagement with the world. [20:43]

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a self-centered desire that you need to let go of. How can you embrace the life of Christ in this area of your life today?


Day 5: Living in the Kingdom of God
Our work, relationships, and daily activities become arenas where God's presence is manifested, and His kingdom is realized. This life is greater than anything that can happen to us in this world and is rooted in the eternal reality of the Trinity. By living in the kingdom of God, we engage with the world in a way that reflects His presence and purposes. This involves recognizing the divine in the ordinary and allowing God's presence to transform our everyday experiences. As we live in the kingdom, we become agents of His love and grace, bringing His light to the world around us. [22:23]

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you manifest God's presence in your work or daily activities today? What specific actions can you take to reflect His kingdom in your interactions with others?

Quotes

"Obviously God must guide us in a way that will develop spontaneity in us. The development of character rather than direction in this that and the other matter must be the primary purpose of the Father. He will guide us but he won't override us." [00:00:23]

"The Trinity is the model of life with God. I want to read you a few words from Jesus's great high priestly prayer in John chapter 17. After telling in the discussion if you wish with his Father, after saying, 'This is eternal life that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.'" [00:02:52]

"Now Jesus says, 'I have glorified you on the earth, having accomplished the work which you have given me to do. Now glorify thou me together with thyself with the glory which I had with you before the world was.' And I would like to think with me about that now." [00:03:44]

"The greatness of the persons that make up the Trinity is the ultimate and eternal reality. It is the kingdom of God before there was an earth, and it is a matter of the persons that make up the Trinity being in love with one another and adoring one another." [00:05:14]

"Intimacy is a matter of shared experiences. That's what intimacy is. To be intimate with God is to share his experiences, and conversation that we've been talking about is the first level of shared experience. It doesn't have to be verbalized in the way we might think of it ordinarily." [00:08:57]

"That they all may be one even as thou, Father, art in me and I in thee, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that thou did send me. That's the future. That's where we're headed, and Jesus has prayed for us who are his apprentices in kingdom living." [00:10:23]

"Now, well let's start with the crucified bit, okay? Let's say that Jesus was not crucified so that we would not have to be crucified, but he was crucified so that we could be crucified with him, and he invites us to join him on the cross, and our union with him goes through that stage of being crucified." [00:20:43]

"The kingdom of God is first of all the Trinity itself. If you hear someone saying, as is often said especially in scholarly circles, that Jesus brought the kingdom of God to earth, you should say to them he is a little late. The kingdom of God is from everlasting to everlasting." [00:22:23]

"Now, if they don't understand who they are and they don't understand what kind of world they're in, then they'll grow old and they will think this is the end and someone will retire them and give them a watch or just let them disappear into the sunset. And they think that's it." [00:33:49]

"There shall no longer be any night, and they shall not have the need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God shall illumine them. That's what our lives are about, and that is forever." [00:34:39]

"When the progression is complete we say truly it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me and the mystery of Paul's statement which is coming out of his own experience with all of this is expressed in that language also, for me to live is Christ." [00:35:02]

"Something comes into our own energies and capacities and expands them. We are laid hold of by something greater than ourselves. We can face things, create things, accomplish things that in our own strength would have been impossible. The Holy Spirit seems to mix and mingle his powers with our own." [00:36:23]

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Transcript
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