Reflecting God's Nature: The Trinity in Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embarked on a journey to understand the profound complexity of God's nature and how it is reflected in our lives and organizations. We began by diving into the concept of the Trinity, emphasizing that God is relational in His very being—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This foundational truth is essential for grasping the rest of the sermon. We explored how human relationships are designed to image the Trinity, reflecting interdependence, shared purpose, and overflowing love.
We discussed the importance of not relying solely on our impressions and feelings in our relationship with God, as they can be fickle and misleading. Instead, we should focus on the stable and eternal relationships within the Trinity. Jesus knew this about His disciples and emphasized the importance of the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, especially on the night of His crucifixion.
We then moved on to the role of worship in helping us imagine God. Worship, when done right, can powerfully convey the relational nature of God. However, human relationships are even more potent in this regard. Jesus prayed for His disciples to be one, just as He and the Father are one, so that the world may believe. This unity and interdependence are meant to be a living image of the Trinity.
Next, we examined how secular organizations can also reflect the Trinity. Despite being secular, organizations like the U.S. Army or sports teams can display interdependence, shared purpose, and overflowing love. These characteristics are not limited to religious settings but are evident in various aspects of life, showing that all of creation is designed to image God.
We also touched on the importance of understanding the internal relationships within organizations. Just as the Trinity's internal relationships are crucial, the internal dynamics of any organization reveal its true nature. This understanding helps us see how organizations can image God, even if they are not explicitly religious.
Finally, we discussed the role of the church in repairing and restoring these images. Jesus' reconciling work is implemented through the church, which is sent into the world to repair broken relationships and help organizations more accurately reflect the triune God. This mission requires us to be committed and engaged in our organizations, seeking to repair and restore the images of God within them.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Trinity as the Foundation of Our Understanding of God:
Understanding God as the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is essential for grasping the complexity of His nature. This relational aspect of God is foundational and helps us see how our relationships can reflect His nature. By focusing on the Trinity, we can better understand the depth and richness of God's love and interdependence. [06:33]
2. Human Relationships as Images of the Trinity:
Our relationships are designed to reflect the Trinity's interdependence, shared purpose, and overflowing love. Jesus prayed for His disciples to be one, just as He and the Father are one, to show the world the nature of God. This unity and interdependence are crucial for imaging God to others. [31:56]
3. The Role of Worship in Imagining God:
Worship is a powerful tool for helping us imagine God, especially when it emphasizes the relational nature of the Trinity. However, human relationships are even more potent in conveying this image. By focusing on the relationships within the Trinity, we can better understand how to worship and relate to God. [30:37]
4. Secular Organizations Reflecting the Trinity:
Even secular organizations can reflect the characteristics of the Trinity. Organizations like the U.S. Army or sports teams display interdependence, shared purpose, and overflowing love. These examples show that all of creation is designed to image God, regardless of its religious affiliation. [40:36]
5. The Church's Role in Repairing and Restoring Images of God:
The church is called to repair and restore the images of God within organizations. Jesus' reconciling work is implemented through the church, which is sent into the world to repair broken relationships and help organizations more accurately reflect the triune God. This mission requires commitment and engagement in our organizations. [49:11]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [02:40] - Imagining God Through Images
3. [06:33] - Diving into God's Wisdom
4. [10:26] - Types of Worship
5. [14:50] - Complexity in Worship
6. [16:15] - Jesus' Upper Room Teaching
7. [19:39] - Understanding Organizations
8. [24:17] - Internal Relations of Organizations
9. [26:29] - The Risk of Impressions
10. [30:37] - Worship and the Trinity
11. [31:56] - Human Relationships Imaging God
12. [35:11] - Organizations Imaging the Trinity
13. [40:36] - Secular Organizations Reflecting God
14. [41:49] - The Roman Army as an Image
15. [44:12] - Sports Teams as Images
16. [49:11] - The Church's Role in Restoration
17. [51:47] - Reflecting on Next Steps
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 15:9-10 (NIV): "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love."
2. Colossians 1:15-17 (NIV): "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
3. Philippians 1:27-28 (NIV): "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God."
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 15:9-10, what is the relationship between keeping Jesus' commands and remaining in His love?
2. In Colossians 1:15-17, what does it mean that Jesus is the "image of the invisible God" and that "all things were created through him and for him"?
3. How does Philippians 1:27-28 describe the behavior expected of believers in relation to the gospel of Christ?
4. What are the three key characteristics of the Trinity as described in the sermon? ([17:32])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to understand the relational nature of the Trinity when considering our own relationships? ([16:15])
2. How can human relationships serve as images of the Trinity, according to the sermon? ([32:23])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of secular organizations in reflecting the Trinity? ([36:28])
4. How does the church play a role in repairing and restoring the images of God within organizations? ([49:11])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own relationships. How can you better reflect the interdependence, shared purpose, and overflowing love of the Trinity in your family or friendships? ([32:23])
2. Think about your workplace or any secular organization you are part of. How can you contribute to making it a place that reflects the characteristics of the Trinity? ([36:28])
3. In what ways can worship help you imagine and relate to God as the Trinity? How can you incorporate this understanding into your daily worship practices? ([30:37])
4. The sermon mentioned the risk of relying too much on our impressions and feelings in our relationship with God. How can you ensure that your faith is grounded in the stable and eternal relationships within the Trinity? ([26:29])
5. Jesus prayed for His disciples to be one, just as He and the Father are one. How can you foster unity and interdependence within your church community? ([32:48])
6. Identify a broken relationship or a dysfunctional aspect within an organization you are part of. What steps can you take to help repair and restore it to better reflect the triune God? ([49:11])
7. How can you practice the characteristics of the Trinity—interdependence, shared purpose, and overflowing love—in your interactions this week? Be specific about one action you will take. ([17:32])
Devotional
Day 1: The Trinity as the Foundation of Our Understanding of God
Understanding God as the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is essential for grasping the complexity of His nature. This relational aspect of God is foundational and helps us see how our relationships can reflect His nature. By focusing on the Trinity, we can better understand the depth and richness of God's love and interdependence. The Trinity is not just a theological concept but a living reality that shapes our understanding of God and our relationships with others. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect unity, love, and interdependence, providing a model for how we should relate to one another.
In our daily lives, we often rely on our impressions and feelings, which can be fickle and misleading. Instead, we should focus on the stable and eternal relationships within the Trinity. Jesus emphasized the importance of the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, especially on the night of His crucifixion. By understanding and reflecting on the Trinity, we can develop a more profound and stable relationship with God and others. [06:33]
John 17:21 (ESV): "That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."
Reflection: How can you focus more on the stable and eternal relationships within the Trinity rather than relying on your impressions and feelings in your relationship with God?
Day 2: Human Relationships as Images of the Trinity
Our relationships are designed to reflect the Trinity's interdependence, shared purpose, and overflowing love. Jesus prayed for His disciples to be one, just as He and the Father are one, to show the world the nature of God. This unity and interdependence are crucial for imaging God to others. When we cultivate relationships that mirror the Trinity, we demonstrate God's love and unity to the world. Our interactions with family, friends, and even strangers can become a testament to the relational nature of God.
Jesus' prayer for His disciples highlights the importance of unity and interdependence in our relationships. By striving for oneness in our relationships, we can better reflect the nature of God to those around us. This unity is not just about agreement but about a deep, relational connection that mirrors the love and interdependence within the Trinity. As we grow in our relationships, we should seek to embody the characteristics of the Trinity, showing the world a living image of God's nature. [31:56]
Ephesians 4:3-4 (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."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate unity and interdependence in your relationships to better reflect the nature of the Trinity?
Day 3: The Role of Worship in Imagining God
Worship is a powerful tool for helping us imagine God, especially when it emphasizes the relational nature of the Trinity. However, human relationships are even more potent in conveying this image. By focusing on the relationships within the Trinity, we can better understand how to worship and relate to God. Worship is not just about singing songs or attending church services; it is about engaging with the relational nature of God and allowing that to transform our lives.
When we worship, we are invited to enter into the relational dynamics of the Trinity. This means that our worship should reflect the love, unity, and interdependence that exist within the Godhead. As we engage in worship, we should be mindful of how our relationships with others can also be an act of worship, reflecting the nature of the Trinity. By doing so, we can create a more holistic and transformative worship experience that goes beyond mere rituals and touches the very heart of God. [30:37]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the relational nature of the Trinity into your worship practices to create a more transformative experience?
Day 4: Secular Organizations Reflecting the Trinity
Even secular organizations can reflect the characteristics of the Trinity. Organizations like the U.S. Army or sports teams display interdependence, shared purpose, and overflowing love. These examples show that all of creation is designed to image God, regardless of its religious affiliation. The principles of interdependence, shared purpose, and love are not confined to religious settings but are evident in various aspects of life, demonstrating that God's design permeates all of creation.
By recognizing the presence of these characteristics in secular organizations, we can see how God's nature is reflected in the world around us. This understanding helps us appreciate the divine design in all aspects of life and encourages us to seek out and nurture these qualities in our own lives and organizations. Whether in our workplaces, communities, or social groups, we can strive to reflect the Trinity's interdependence, shared purpose, and love, bringing a glimpse of God's nature into every sphere of life. [40:36]
Romans 1:20 (ESV): "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse."
Reflection: How can you identify and nurture the characteristics of the Trinity—interdependence, shared purpose, and love—in your workplace or community?
Day 5: The Church's Role in Repairing and Restoring Images of God
The church is called to repair and restore the images of God within organizations. Jesus' reconciling work is implemented through the church, which is sent into the world to repair broken relationships and help organizations more accurately reflect the triune God. This mission requires commitment and engagement in our organizations. The church is not just a place of worship but a community of believers sent into the world to bring healing and restoration.
As members of the church, we are called to be agents of reconciliation, working to repair and restore the images of God in our relationships and organizations. This involves actively seeking out opportunities to mend broken relationships, promote unity, and reflect the nature of the Trinity in all that we do. By doing so, we can help create a world that more accurately reflects the love, unity, and interdependence of the triune God, fulfilling our mission as the body of Christ. [49:11]
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to be an agent of reconciliation in your relationships and organizations, helping to restore the image of God in the world around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Research shows over and over again. Let me give you some examples of this. So for instance, say you're checking out the website of that company. Suppose just 45 minutes ago, you were surfing on the web generally, and you happen to click on a link to a sad story, like of a gorilla dying. 45 minutes later, you turn to the website of the company. Research shows you're going to have much lower impressions, you're going to have a much more negative impression of that organization. You're not even going to be aware of that. But what happens is it's called emotional priming. So the emotions that you experience from that sad story of the gorilla, they taint the whole experience and transfer over onto that organization." [21:09]
2. "It's the U.S. Army. The U.S. Army is built all around interdependence. When you join the Army, how you live, eat, drink, breathe, is dependent on someone else in the Army. And in fact, especially in combat, they instill a deep sense that your life, very life, depends on the soldier next to you. And soldiers who experience that interdependence through the Army in combat will report it is the most powerful spiritual bond they have ever experienced with another human being. That's why they say there are no atheists in a foxhole. It's a spiritual experience. They may not consciously attribute it to God, but the power of that experience ultimately draws its source from the triune interdependence with God." [40:36]
3. "Sports teams are a powerful image of the combination of friendship and shared purpose. Because in sports, you have a very clear shared purpose. Win the championship. Right? And everybody shares that and they become friends with one another. Really great teams become friends with one another. And then when they accomplish that shared purpose it is a powerful image of friendship and shared purpose. That is why I love watching championship celebrations. I don't care what sport it is. It could be like rugby or cricket. I don't even care. I'll still watch the championship celebration because it is this exuberant display of friends hugging one another and shouting and kissing and embracing one another because they have accomplished a shared purpose." [44:12]
4. "Well, let me ask you, does nature have any awareness of the Trinity or of God or does a building itself even conscious of God? Is it artwork or even an infant profess any allegiance to Jesus? No. Images do not need to be even conscious or aware to serve their function as images. They don't even need to believe who they're imaging to. They can still image the ultimate source. And so too with secular organizations. That secular organizations also are meant to share in this imaging function of the Triune God." [37:20]
5. "If you want to get to know an individual, sure, pay attention to how that individual makes sense. It makes you feel. But really, what you need to go deeper into is, what are the relationships of that individual, their internal relationships in their family, family of origin, their spouse, their kids? That will reveal who that person truly is. Or their friendships, the quality and nature of their friendships." [24:17]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The real code that you should use to figure out these relationships, it's H-W-T-T-R-T-E-O. How would the Trinity relate to each other? That's actually the genetic code that should govern our behavior and our actions and even our structure of our family, our friendship, and our church. Because we were designed in our human relationships to image the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and how they relate to one another." [35:11]
2. "The relationships within the Trinity. And he will describe some of the key characteristics. of this relationship. Three in particular stand out. The first is there's great interdependence within the Trinity. In fact, we see this in this passage already in John, in the passage where Jesus says, do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? We are completely interdependent, interdependence. A second key characteristic will be the sense that there's a shared purpose between the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Again, we see this in the passage from John 13, where Jesus says, the words that I say to you, I do not speak on my own authority, on my own purposes, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. We completely share the same purpose. A third characteristic that Jesus will go throughout, again, drawing in the Holy Spirit at multiple times, is overflowing love. Overflowing love between the Father and the Son and the Spirit recurs over and over in this teaching." [17:32]
3. "Jesus recognizes that the world, human beings, they need some image. They need the, so that if you describe God as Father, Son, and Spirit, human beings may be like, well, what is that like? And they need the image to see how they're like, oh, the Father and the Son and the Spirit. They're like that. They're like that image. And that's what Jesus is saying, is that the human relationships are meant to be that image so that people can say, oh, I get it." [33:10]
4. "And it was God's purpose and his design for relationships to serve as those images so that, that in fact is the purpose of the design, the genetic code, if you will, that God has for these key relationships of family, of friend, and of church. They were meant to image to the world, oh, God is like that." [34:23]
5. "Jesus' purpose was to reconcile to himself all of these things basically to restore all of these images to serve their proper function as imaging and pointing to him that's what it means for him to reconcile all things to restore all of these images back to their connection to Jesus pointing to the triune relationships and notice then Jesus says he is the head that Jesus is the head of the body the church so how will this reconciling work be implemented in the work." [49:11]
6. "And this is why Jesus wanted that night to take his disciples off from their own impressions and feelings and commitments and desires and give them visibility into the internal relations of God, the true source of it all. This is why, in this passage, Jesus says, as the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. That it's this relationship that is actually the basis of our subjective experiences. But he doesn't say, look, as you have experienced my love, so I have loved you. Or as you have loved me, so I have loved you. Jesus says, no, it goes back to the Trinity. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now abide in my love. Now you are welcome into this love that overflows out to you." [29:12]
7. "And so the church is saying, well, what does that mean? How are we supposed to image God? How is our life supposed to match the gospel of Christ? He says, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind striving side by side for the faith And this is a clear sign to them of their destruction of your salvation and that from God. You've studied this passage, we studied this as a church in our river retreat and Brad has preached on this. You will know Paul is drawing out an image here. This is the image of the Roman army, how the Roman army would lock shields side by side and advance upon their opponents. And then when that happened, when the Roman army formed up like that, it was a sure sign of victory and destruction for the opposition. And this passage works because Paul is appealing to his listeners and say, God is like that." [41:49]
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