Embracing Our Relationship with the Triune God
Summary
Today, we gather to reflect on the profound nature of God and our relationship with Him. As we transition into summer, it's a season of change, both in our lives and in our spiritual journey. Change can be both good and bad, but it always brings lessons that we must learn and embrace.
We began by delving into the concept of the Trinity, the three-in-one nature of God. This divine mystery is essential to our faith. God is one in essence but exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This was beautifully illustrated in the baptism of Jesus, where all three persons of the Trinity were manifested simultaneously. Jesus, in His hypostatic union, was baptized, the Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father spoke from heaven, affirming Jesus as His beloved Son.
Paul further develops this theology in 2 Corinthians 13, where he blesses the church with the grace of the Son, the love of the Father, and the power of the Spirit. This triune blessing encapsulates the essence of our relationship with God.
Focusing on the Father, we acknowledge that earthly fathers can fail us in many ways. Some may have been absent, abusive, or simply not present. However, our Heavenly Father is perfect in every way. Jesus teaches us to relate to God as our Father, emphasizing this in the Lord's Prayer. He instructs us to address God as "Our Father," highlighting the intimate and personal relationship we are to have with Him.
God desires to be relatable and approachable. While the Old Testament may depict God as distant, Jesus breaks down these barriers, showing us that we can approach God intimately. Paul reinforces this in Galatians 4:6 and Romans 8:15, where he speaks of the Spirit of adoption that allows us to cry out "Abba, Father." "Abba" is an endearing term akin to "Daddy" or "Papa," signifying a close, personal relationship with God.
No matter how old we get, we are always God's children, and we can always approach Him with the innocence and trust of a child. God is always ready to listen to us, to pause everything and give us His undivided attention. This is the depth of His love and care for us.
The mystery of the Trinity may be beyond our full comprehension, but it teaches us the importance of unity and the relational nature of God. We are created in His image, and through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we can intimately know and relate to Him. God is not distant; He is our Abba, our loving Father who desires a deep, personal relationship with each of us.
As we move forward, let us embrace this relationship, cry out to God, and share our lives with Him. He is our Abba, our Daddy, and He loves us deeply. Remember, God loves you, and so do I. Have a blessed day, and we'll see you on Thursday.
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### Key Takeaways
1. The Trinity: A Divine Mystery
The Trinity is a foundational concept in our faith, representing God as one in essence but existing in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This divine mystery is beautifully illustrated in the baptism of Jesus, where all three persons are manifested simultaneously. Understanding the Trinity helps us grasp the unity and relational nature of God. [06:06]
2. Relating to God as Our Father
Jesus teaches us to address God as "Our Father," emphasizing the intimate and personal relationship we are to have with Him. Despite the failures of earthly fathers, our Heavenly Father is perfect and desires a close relationship with us. This is highlighted in the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus instructs us to pray to our Heavenly Father. [09:20]
3. God's Relatability and Approachability
God is not distant; He desires to be relatable and approachable. Jesus breaks down the barriers that may make God seem distant, showing us that we can approach Him intimately. This is reinforced by Paul in Galatians 4:6 and Romans 8:15, where he speaks of the Spirit of adoption that allows us to cry out "Abba, Father." [10:57]
4. The Endearing Term "Abba"
"Abba" is an endearing term akin to "Daddy" or "Papa," signifying a close, personal relationship with God. No matter how old we get, we are always God's children, and we can always approach Him with the innocence and trust of a child. This term reflects the depth of God's love and care for us. [12:22]
5. The Importance of Unity and Relationship
The mystery of the Trinity teaches us the importance of unity and the relational nature of God. We are created in His image, and through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we can intimately know and relate to Him. God is not distant; He is our Abba, our loving Father who desires a deep, personal relationship with each of us. [15:26]
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### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:06] - Understanding the Trinity
[07:43] - Focusing on the Father
[09:20] - Relating to God as Our Father
[10:57] - God's Relatability and Approachability
[12:22] - The Endearing Term "Abba"
[13:54] - God's Undivided Attention
[15:26] - The Importance of Unity and Relationship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 3:16-17 - "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"
2. 2 Corinthians 13:14 - "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
3. Galatians 4:6 - "Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event in Jesus' life illustrates the presence of all three persons of the Trinity? ([06:06])
2. How does Paul describe the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in 2 Corinthians 13:14?
3. What term does Paul use in Galatians 4:6 to describe our relationship with God, and what does it signify? ([10:57])
4. According to the sermon, how does Jesus teach us to address God in prayer? ([09:20])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the concept of the Trinity important for understanding the nature of God and our relationship with Him? ([06:06])
2. How does the term "Abba" change our perception of God as a Father? What does it imply about our relationship with Him? ([12:22])
3. In what ways does Jesus' teaching on prayer in the Lord's Prayer help us relate to God more intimately? ([09:20])
4. How does the Spirit of adoption, as mentioned in Galatians 4:6 and Romans 8:15, impact our identity as children of God? ([10:57])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your understanding of the Trinity. How does this understanding affect your daily walk with God? ([06:06])
2. Think about your relationship with your earthly father. How does this relationship influence your perception of God as your Heavenly Father? How can you reconcile any negative experiences with the truth of God's perfect fatherhood? ([07:43])
3. How can you cultivate a more intimate and personal relationship with God, addressing Him as "Abba, Father"? What practical steps can you take this week to deepen this relationship? ([12:22])
4. In what ways can you make God more relatable and approachable in your daily life? How can you break down any barriers that make God seem distant to you? ([10:57])
5. Consider the unity and relational nature of the Trinity. How can you apply these principles of unity and relationship in your interactions with others in your church and community? ([15:26])
6. How can you ensure that you are giving God your undivided attention in your prayer life, just as He gives you His undivided attention? What distractions do you need to minimize to achieve this? ([13:54])
7. Reflect on the idea that no matter how old we get, we are always God's children. How does this truth impact your approach to God in times of need or joy? ([12:22])
Devotional
Day 1: The Trinity: A Divine Mystery
The Trinity is a foundational concept in our faith, representing God as one in essence but existing in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This divine mystery is beautifully illustrated in the baptism of Jesus, where all three persons are manifested simultaneously. Understanding the Trinity helps us grasp the unity and relational nature of God. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in perfect harmony, each playing a unique role in our salvation and spiritual growth.
In 2 Corinthians 13, Paul blesses the church with the grace of the Son, the love of the Father, and the power of the Spirit, encapsulating the essence of our relationship with God. This triune blessing reminds us that our faith is deeply rooted in the unity and relational nature of the Trinity. As we reflect on the Trinity, let us strive to understand and embrace the unity and relational aspects of our faith, knowing that we are created in the image of a triune God who desires a deep, personal relationship with each of us. [06:06]
Isaiah 48:16 (ESV): "Draw near to me, hear this: from the beginning I have not spoken in secret, from the time it came to be I have been there. And now the Lord God has sent me, and his Spirit."
Reflection: How can you see the unity and relational nature of the Trinity reflected in your own relationships with others today?
Day 2: Relating to God as Our Father
Jesus teaches us to address God as "Our Father," emphasizing the intimate and personal relationship we are to have with Him. Despite the failures of earthly fathers, our Heavenly Father is perfect and desires a close relationship with us. This is highlighted in the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus instructs us to pray to our Heavenly Father. By calling God "Our Father," we acknowledge His loving and caring nature, and we are invited to approach Him with the trust and innocence of a child.
Our Heavenly Father is always ready to listen to us, to pause everything and give us His undivided attention. This is the depth of His love and care for us. No matter how old we get, we are always God's children, and we can always approach Him with the innocence and trust of a child. Let us embrace this relationship and share our lives with Him, knowing that He loves us deeply and desires to be intimately involved in our lives. [09:20]
Psalm 103:13 (ESV): "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him."
Reflection: In what ways can you approach God with the innocence and trust of a child today, sharing your heart and concerns with Him?
Day 3: God's Relatability and Approachability
God is not distant; He desires to be relatable and approachable. Jesus breaks down the barriers that may make God seem distant, showing us that we can approach Him intimately. This is reinforced by Paul in Galatians 4:6 and Romans 8:15, where he speaks of the Spirit of adoption that allows us to cry out "Abba, Father." "Abba" is an endearing term akin to "Daddy" or "Papa," signifying a close, personal relationship with God.
Through Jesus, we are invited to experience a deep and personal relationship with God, where we can approach Him with confidence and trust. The Spirit of adoption assures us that we are God's beloved children, and we can cry out to Him in our times of need. Let us take comfort in knowing that God is always near, ready to listen and respond to our prayers with love and compassion. [10:57]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: How can you draw near to God with confidence today, trusting in His love and compassion for you?
Day 4: The Endearing Term "Abba"
"Abba" is an endearing term akin to "Daddy" or "Papa," signifying a close, personal relationship with God. No matter how old we get, we are always God's children, and we can always approach Him with the innocence and trust of a child. This term reflects the depth of God's love and care for us. By calling God "Abba," we acknowledge His intimate and loving nature, and we are invited to experience a deep and personal relationship with Him.
The Spirit of adoption assures us that we are God's beloved children, and we can cry out to Him in our times of need. Let us embrace this relationship and share our lives with Him, knowing that He loves us deeply and desires to be intimately involved in our lives. As we cry out "Abba, Father," let us remember that we are always His children, and He is always ready to listen and respond to our prayers with love and compassion. [12:22]
Romans 8:15-16 (ESV): "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
Reflection: What does it mean to you to call God "Abba"? How can you embrace this intimate relationship with Him today?
Day 5: The Importance of Unity and Relationship
The mystery of the Trinity teaches us the importance of unity and the relational nature of God. We are created in His image, and through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we can intimately know and relate to Him. God is not distant; He is our Abba, our loving Father who desires a deep, personal relationship with each of us. As we reflect on the Trinity, let us strive to understand and embrace the unity and relational aspects of our faith, knowing that we are created in the image of a triune God who desires a deep, personal relationship with each of us.
The unity of the Trinity serves as a model for our relationships with others. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in perfect harmony, we are called to live in unity and love with one another. Let us seek to build strong, loving relationships with those around us, reflecting the unity and relational nature of the Trinity in our daily lives. [15:26]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How can you reflect the unity and relational nature of the Trinity in your relationships with others today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Life and seasons bring change, in the church, in your life. Some can be good and bad. We need to learn lessons from those, and that's a good thing." [06:06]
2. "Earthly fathers fail. I'm not going to gloss over that. I'm not going to say that's by the way, so do earthly mothers, right? So let's not put women on a higher pedestal either. But when we look at this, the father relates to us as the father, a masculine term, refers to himself as he." [07:43]
3. "God never wants to be distant from us. He wants to be relatable to us. He wants to be relatable to us from you. He wants to be approachable. He wants you in. He wants you to be in his life. He wants you to call him your heavenly father." [10:57]
4. "No matter how old we get, we are to call our heavenly father papa. We are to call him daddy. We're to call him abba. It's an enduring word. I think it's a powerful word. I think it's an intimate word." [12:22]
5. "God's doing the same thing. Let me pause everything in this moment to listen to you, just to be with you. That's how intimate our relationship is with God the father." [13:54]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus is teaching us how to relate to Yahweh, to God himself. Now he is God, but remember because they're three in one, they're three persons. Jesus, even though he's fully divine and man at this time, he's been the pre-incarnate Christ. He is now communicating to the eternal father. He's the eternal son, but here's the eternal father, and the eternal spirit obviously is present too." [09:20]
2. "Paul's breaking down those barriers that say, you know, God's distant, right? And so he says, listen, because you are sons, which I'll refer to Thursday, I'll talk about sons and daughters, God sent the spirit of his son into our hearts, and the spirit of the son who did Jesus said, Jesus sent the holy spirit. So because the spirit of my son, the spirit of Jesus, the spirit, the holy spirit is in you, you can cry out abba father." [12:22]
3. "God is so divine and so powerful and so just awesome in this oneness that he has manifested himself of the same essence, the same substance, the same being of divinity in three persons, and they're all three distinct doing distinct things but all still one. I think it teaches us that the importance of unity, the triunity, God the triune God, and it also gives us a model we can relate to God." [15:26]
4. "We are created in his image. The image that he talked about was their image of the father, son, and holy spirit, the character of God. God created us in such a way, and he's manifested so that we can know him as the triune God through the father, the son, and the spirit. And how can we intimately know him? Intimately we can know him because he's our abba." [15:26]
5. "Make sure you cry out to God, talk to him, pray to him, tell him what's going on in your life. He's your papa, he's your daddy, he's your abba. Let him know, and he's there for you. So I want to encourage you today in this, just love on God. He loves you like a father loves his children." [15:26]
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