Exploring the Mystery of the Trinity
Summary
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Election Park Baptist Church, where God is on the move. Today, we gather to explore the profound mystery of the Trinity and to partake in the Lord's Supper. Let's begin with a word of prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day and for Your many blessings. We seek Your goodwill and alignment in our lives. May we encounter You, the true living God, as we unfold the mystery of the Trinity today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As we gather, I want to remind you of our Vision Conference happening today from 4 to 8 PM. We need a few extra hands for setup, so if you can come in around 3 or 3:15, it would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you need childcare, please let me know so we can make arrangements. Now, let's turn our focus to the Word of God.
Today, we delve into the doctrine of the Trinity. The song "Holy, Holy, Holy" beautifully encapsulates this doctrine, teaching us about the holiness and the triune nature of God. If you have never come to the Father through Jesus the Son, today is the day to make that decision. God is not just a distant figure; He is our Heavenly Father who loves us deeply. He is not a "sugar daddy" but a loving Father who wants the best for us. We can crawl into His lap and share our joys and sorrows with Him.
As we prepare for the Lord's Supper, let's ensure our hearts are right with God. If there's any lingering unforgiveness, extend that forgiveness now. On the night He was betrayed, Jesus took the bread and the cup, symbolizing His body and blood given for us. This act reminds us of the new covenant and the forgiveness of our sins. Let's partake in this sacred act with sincere hearts.
We are starting a new sermon series on the Trinity. Over the next three weeks, we will explore the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is a mystery that no one can fully explain, but it is a core doctrine of our faith. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible gives us glimpses of this triune God. In Genesis, we see the Spirit of God hovering over the waters, and in John 1:1, we learn that Jesus, the Word, was with God from the beginning.
The clearest picture of the Trinity is at the baptism of Jesus, where the Father speaks, the Spirit descends like a dove, and Jesus is present. Paul also reminds us of the Trinity in his letters, emphasizing the grace of Jesus, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
God presents Himself as a Father, not because He is masculine, but to take a headship position over us. A good father provides, protects, and wants the best for his children. Even Jesus taught us to pray to our Heavenly Father. In Galatians 4:6 and Romans 8:15, Paul uses the term "Abba," an intimate term meaning "Daddy" or "Papa," to describe our relationship with God.
The Holy Spirit adopts us into God's family, allowing us to call Him "Abba." This adoption is sealed by the blood of Jesus and cannot be undone. We are children of God, loved with an agape love—a selfless love that seeks our best. This love is lavished upon us, making us His children.
As we conclude, remember that the Trinity is a mystery, but it is okay not to have everything figured out. God is bigger than us, and there is always more to learn and grow in our relationship with Him. Embrace the mystery and seek to know God more intimately.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Trinity is a Core Doctrine: The Trinity is a foundational belief that distinguishes Christianity from other monotheistic religions. It is a mystery that we cannot fully comprehend, but it is essential to our faith. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible gives us glimpses of this triune God. [18:29]
2. God as Our Heavenly Father: God presents Himself as a Father to take a headship position over us. A good father provides, protects, and wants the best for his children. Even Jesus taught us to pray to our Heavenly Father, emphasizing the intimate relationship we can have with Him. [01:22:55]
3. The Holy Spirit's Role in Adoption: The Holy Spirit adopts us into God's family, allowing us to call Him "Abba," an intimate term meaning "Daddy" or "Papa." This adoption is sealed by the blood of Jesus and cannot be undone. We are children of God, loved with an agape love—a selfless love that seeks our best. [01:24:11]
4. The Mystery of the Trinity: The Trinity is a mystery that no one can fully explain, but it is a core doctrine of our faith. The clearest picture of the Trinity is at the baptism of Jesus, where the Father speaks, the Spirit descends like a dove, and Jesus is present. Embrace the mystery and seek to know God more intimately. [01:06:01]
5. Living as Children of God: As children of God, we are called to live in a relationship with Him, recognizing His love and provision. This relationship is marked by intimacy and trust, knowing that God always wants what is best for us. Embrace this relationship and seek to grow in your understanding of God's love and character. [01:15:19]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[18:29] - Opening Prayer and Announcements
[19:09] - Vision Conference Details
[19:50] - Childcare and Participation
[20:35] - Operation Christmas Child
[21:02] - Graduation Party Invitation
[21:36] - Wedding Invitation
[22:42] - Greeting and Missionary Moment
[25:07] - Prayer for Davis Family
[39:53] - Prayer and Worship
[41:20] - Giving and Generosity
[46:58] - Preparing for the Lord's Supper
[48:48] - Self-Examination and Communion
[52:37] - The New Covenant
[56:12] - Introduction to the Trinity
[57:35] - The Mystery of the Trinity
[59:00] - God's Nature and Attributes
[01:01:48] - Evidence of the Trinity in Scripture
[01:03:08] - The Spirit in Creation
[01:04:39] - Jesus as the Word
[01:06:01] - The Baptism of Jesus
[01:07:34] - Paul's Salutation
[01:08:49] - God as Father
[01:10:22] - The Role of a Good Father
[01:11:42] - The Lord's Prayer
[01:13:04] - Abba, Father
[01:14:09] - Adoption into God's Family
[01:15:19] - The Love of the Father
[01:16:35] - Agape Love
[01:18:03] - God's Provision and Discipline
[01:19:35] - The Nature of God
[01:20:39] - Embracing the Mystery
[01:21:09] - Knowing God Intimately
[01:22:07] - Invitation to Know God
[01:28:01] - Invitation to Receive Christ
[01:29:21] - Farewell to Kim
[01:30:02] - Welcoming Timothy
[01:31:05] - Benevolent Offering
[01:31:37] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:2, 26-27 (NIV)
> "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters... Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness...'"
2. John 1:1 (NIV)
> "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
3. Matthew 3:16-17 (NIV)
> "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.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Genesis 1:2 reveal about the presence of the Holy Spirit during creation?
2. How does John 1:1 describe the relationship between Jesus (the Word) and God?
3. In Matthew 3:16-17, what are the three distinct actions or appearances that demonstrate the Trinity during Jesus' baptism?
4. According to the sermon, what are some attributes of a good father that God exemplifies? [01:10:22]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of the Trinity, as seen in Genesis 1:26-27, challenge or enhance your understanding of God’s nature?
2. What significance does John 1:1 hold in affirming the divinity of Jesus and His eternal existence with God?
3. How does the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:16-17 provide a clear picture of the Trinity, and why is this event significant for understanding the nature of God? [01:06:01]
4. How does the sermon’s explanation of God as a loving Father who provides, protects, and wants the best for His children impact your view of your relationship with God? [01:10:22]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s provision or protection in your life. How did this experience shape your understanding of God as a loving Father? [01:10:22]
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of having a sincere heart when partaking in the Lord's Supper. How can you prepare your heart to ensure it is right with God before participating in this sacred act? [48:48]
3. The concept of the Trinity is described as a mystery that we cannot fully comprehend. How can embracing this mystery help you grow in your faith and relationship with God? [56:12]
4. The Holy Spirit adopts us into God’s family, allowing us to call Him "Abba, Father." How does this intimate relationship with God influence your daily life and prayers? [01:13:04]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of forgiveness before taking the Lord's Supper. Is there someone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from? How can you take steps towards reconciliation this week? [48:48]
6. How can you actively seek to know God more intimately, as encouraged in the sermon? What specific practices or habits can you incorporate into your daily routine to deepen your relationship with Him? [01:21:09]
7. Reflect on the idea that God’s love for us is agape—selfless and seeking our best. How can you demonstrate this type of love in your relationships with others this week? [01:16:35]
Devotional
Day 1: The Trinity is a Core Doctrine
The Trinity is a foundational belief that distinguishes Christianity from other monotheistic religions. It is a mystery that we cannot fully comprehend, but it is essential to our faith. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible gives us glimpses of this triune God. The clearest picture of the Trinity is at the baptism of Jesus, where the Father speaks, the Spirit descends like a dove, and Jesus is present. Embrace the mystery and seek to know God more intimately. [18:29]
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 does the mystery of the Trinity deepen your understanding of God’s nature and character? Spend some time today reflecting on the different ways you have experienced the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in your life.
Day 2: God as Our Heavenly Father
God presents Himself as a Father to take a headship position over us. A good father provides, protects, and wants the best for his children. Even Jesus taught us to pray to our Heavenly Father, emphasizing the intimate relationship we can have with Him. This relationship is marked by intimacy and trust, knowing that God always wants what is best for us. Embrace this relationship and seek to grow in your understanding of God's love and character. [01:22:55]
Psalm 103:13-14 (ESV): "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust."
Reflection: In what ways do you see God acting as a loving Father in your life? Take a moment to thank Him for His provision and protection, and consider how you can deepen your trust in Him today.
Day 3: The Holy Spirit's Role in Adoption
The Holy Spirit adopts us into God's family, allowing us to call Him "Abba," an intimate term meaning "Daddy" or "Papa." This adoption is sealed by the blood of Jesus and cannot be undone. We are children of God, loved with an agape love—a selfless love that seeks our best. This love is lavished upon us, making us His children. [01:24:11]
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
Reflection: How does knowing you are adopted into God’s family by the Holy Spirit change the way you view yourself and others? Reflect on the significance of being called a child of God and how it impacts your daily life.
Day 4: The Mystery of the Trinity
The Trinity is a mystery that no one can fully explain, but it is a core doctrine of our faith. The clearest picture of the Trinity is at the baptism of Jesus, where the Father speaks, the Spirit descends like a dove, and Jesus is present. Embrace the mystery and seek to know God more intimately. [01:06:01]
1 Corinthians 2:10-11 (ESV): "These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."
Reflection: What aspects of the Trinity do you find most mysterious or challenging to understand? Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal more of Himself to you, and be open to the ways He might deepen your understanding.
Day 5: Living as Children of God
As children of God, we are called to live in a relationship with Him, recognizing His love and provision. This relationship is marked by intimacy and trust, knowing that God always wants what is best for us. Embrace this relationship and seek to grow in your understanding of God's love and character. [01:15:19]
1 John 3:1 (ESV): "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."
Reflection: How can you live more fully as a child of God today? Identify one specific area in your life where you can trust God more deeply and take a step of faith in that area.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "So, as we look at this today, it may be something you're saying, I don't get this triune God. I don't understand it. It's confusing, and that's okay. But what I want you to relate to is that we can't sit there and put God in modes. He is all those things to you. I will also say this, you will find in the scriptures, and I believe the song Seanetta was playing, I think it was Jehovah Jireh, I think, or anyway. So, God has different titles, too. You know, God is love. God is our provider. God is our refuge. But that doesn't mean that God is our provider. God is our refuge. God is our provider. God is our refuge. That's just an attribute of God." [57:35]
2. "God is God alone. He's not a statue where we can go worship. He's not some idol. He's not some God that's far off. He's personable, and he relates to us in all three of these unique ways. And as we go through this sermon series, you're going to relate to God in his being the Father. Then we're going to relate to God being the Son, not as an offspring, but he came to be human and dwell among us and relate to us. And then the Spirit is God's presence being able to indwell all of his people. God does all those things at one time for us." [59:00]
3. "If you have never come to the Father through Jesus the Son, even though I've not preached on Jesus yet in this sermon series, if you need Jesus to come into your life so that the Holy Spirit can adopt you, so that you can call on the Father as a child of God, let me tell you how you do that today. You come forward and say, I don't have this figured out, but I want to know God. I want to have Him as my Heavenly Father. I want to know what it's like to live in that relationship. I want to know what it's like to be forgiven. I want to know what this redemption's about. And then this journey begins." [01:22:55]
4. "God lavishes this love upon us. He welcomes us as children so that we can love him, and I think here, look, it says we become children of God, and the Father loves us because we belong to him. We are his. He is ours, and we are his, and back and forth, we belong to him. So the conclusion today, this is a big word, hypostasius union. Probably never heard that, but if you get out a theology book, I'll spell it for you. All right, you ready? H-Y-P-O-S-T-A-S-I-S." [01:18:03]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The union of the Trinity is that God loves us, he has a divine nature, and he's three in one. And so as we do this, we can marvel in the mystery. And I want you just today to really think about this. It's okay not to have something figured out. It's okay. It's okay to say God's bigger than us. Because he is. All right, and just if you think you got figured out, all this God stuff, you don't. There's always more to learn. There's always more to grow. There's always more to seek in the Father." [01:19:35]
2. "The first person in the trinity is God the father. Even Jesus taught us to reference him as such. You guys are going to know this. Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. And give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Amen. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Jesus taught us to pray to our father, our heavenly father." [01:11:42]
3. "The Holy Spirit's job is to adopt you by the way if any of you have ever been adopted I hope you were grateful that you were adopted I hope if you've ever been orphaned that you realize what a privilege it is for us that may have never experienced that we need to understand that we are orphans that God then brings us out of our sin through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit makes us family that gives us the right to call him the Father in this relationship that we have we've been adopted into this family the adoption paper is sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ it cannot be undone and the Holy Spirit makes sure that you are sealed so that you are part of the family of God when you receive Jesus Christ is that awesome and then you can relate to the father in this intimate way as Abba because you're his child." [01:14:09]
4. "The Trinity is a mystery. There's not a single person in here that can fully explain and understand the Trinity. None of us. You can say, I got it all figured out, Pastor Chris. And that right there tells me you don't have it figured out, all right? So it is just one of those oak trees that you just cannot get your hands totally around. How in the world can something be one but three? Because we've all learned that the only way you can get to three is three plus zero or two plus one. And so the math doesn't add up. But I've learned this. Anybody in here a veteran and have disability? Okay, so a lot of you. Listen, if you've ever done that with the military, they have funky math." [56:12]
5. "Paul ends the letter in 2nd Corinthians 13, 13. Now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, that's the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And if you're Southern Maryland, it's y'all, right? So may the Holy Spirit, may God's, the Son of Jesus be, and His grace be upon you, and may the love of the Father be with you always. So Paul is reminding us of this vision of the triune God, this theology of the triune God, so we can try to say, oh, there's no trinity, because I've actually run into people that try to tell me there's no trinity." [01:07:34]
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