May 25, 2008

What We Believe - About God: The Trinity pt. 2
Steve Lane

A. Review

2 Peter 1: 2 - 4 Knowledge of God
epignosis : A special participation and unity with the object known; experiential knowledge.

B. Trinity, Tri-Unity or Three-in-Oneness of God

We believe there is one (1) God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- equal in substance, power and Glory; Creator of the Universe.
Deuteronomy 6: 4
Matthew 28: 19
2 Corinthians 13: 14
Matthew 3: 16
The attributes of God are equally true of all three persons.

Genesis 1: 1 "In the beginning God..." (Elohim)
'im' suffix in Hebrew is plural, but used here in a singular way.

Genesis 1: 2 "The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
ruach which is also used for breath, or even wind.

2 Peter 1: 21
John 1: 1
Genesis 1: 26 God said let Us make man in Our own image.

Matthew 3: 16 - 17 Three distinct activities
Matthew 28: 19

So what we have:
God is three persons
Each person is fully God
There is one God

The Father is God. Romans 1: 7
Jesus is fully God. John 1: 1 - 4
John 20: 28,31
Hebrews 1: 3 - 10
Colossians 2: 9
The Holy Spirit is fully God. Acts 5: 3 - 4
1 Corinthians 2: 10 - 11
The Holy Spirit regenerates us and gives us life. John 3: 5
1 John 3: 9

We can grieve the Holy Spirit. He is our counselor and our comforter.

Danger of separating too much, because the human mind can grasp three...
God is one being -- not three gods
Isaiah 44: 6 - 7
Isaiah 45: 21 - 22

C. Distinct Roles of the Trinity

God the Father spoke... The Word of God carried out the decrees.
John 1: 3
Colossians 1: 16

In redemption:
John 3: 16 Galatians 4: 4
John 6: 38 Hebrews 10: 5 - 7
John 3: 5 - 8
Romans 8: 13 1 Peter 1: 2
Acts 1: 8 1 Corinthians 12: 7 - 11

The persons of the Godhead are equal in Deity, but subordinate in roles.
1 Corinthians 15: 28

The eternal Trinity in relationship is essential to the very nature of God Himself.

D. The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the manifestation of the active presence of God in the world and in the church.
Philippians 2: 1 - 5

He is personal. He lives in you and is your counselor and comforter.
John 14: 16 - 17

Prayer - Romans 8: 26 - 27

1 Corinthians 15: 14