T1L3 The Trinity [Discipleship Class]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
THE HOUSE OF FAITH CHURCH | REPLUM DISCIPLESHIP COURSE
REPLUM INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES | WWW.REPLUM.ORG | WWW.PS127.ORG
LESSON 3: The Trinity
Scripture Focus: Matthew 28:19 “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Why do you think that the doctrine of the Trinity is difficult for people to understand?
Opening Question
GRAVITY: We can measure and predict gravity’s effects with great accuracy, but what it is remains mysterious. Einstein described it as a warping of spacetime, but that’s still a visualization tool. Everyone experiences it, yet most can’t actually understand its nature.
BLACK HOLES: We know black holes exist through their gravitational effects and even have an image of one. Yet, the idea of a singularity—a point where matter is infinitely dense and time-space collapses—is beyond normal human comprehension. It’s real, but it sounds more like science fiction.
THE AIR WE BREATH: 78% Nitrogen; 21% Oxygen; <1% Argon; and half a dozen other trace gases.
When it comes to speaking about God, who is a spirit, or the Holy Spirit, and especially the Trinity, it can be very difficult for us to comprehend how there is ONLY ONE God, but exists in three persons.
Background
The Trinity is one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith. Though the word “Trinity” does not appear in Scripture, the truth of one God revealed in three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is seen throughout the Bible. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, yet there is only one God. This truth is foundational to our worship, salvation, and daily Christian life.
Old Testament Hints to the Trinity
Genesis 1:26 “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’”
Genesis 16:7–13, Exodus 3:2–6, and other places describe the Angel of Yahweh appearing—sometimes speaking as God, sometimes distinct from God. This duality points toward the Son of God being revealed before the incarnation.
Isaiah 48:16 – “Draw near to Me, hear this: From the first I have not spoken in secret, From the time it took place, I was there. So now Lord Yahweh has sent Me, and His Spirit.” Here, the speaker is distinct from both Yahweh and His Spirit—three persons in one verse.
Key Points
1. One God in Three Persons
Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel! Yahweh is our God, Yahweh is one!”
God is not three gods but one God existing eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2. All Three Present at Jesus’ Baptism
Matthew 3:16–17 shows the Son baptized, the Spirit descending, and the Father speaking from heaven.
This moment clearly demonstrates the unity and distinction of the Trinity.
Modalism is a false doctrine that teaches God reveals Himself in three different “modes” or “forms” as different times, thus denying the Trinity. However, this one event in Matthew 3:16-17 (and Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34) proves this teaching to be false.
3. The Great Commission
Matthew 28:19 commands baptism in the singular “name” of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
This reveals one God, yet three persons.
4. Each Person Is Fully God
The Father – 1 Corinthians 8:6
The Son (Jesus) – John 1:1, John 20:28, Colossians 2:9
The Holy Spirit – Acts 5:3–4, Psalm 139:7, 1 Corinthians 2:10
5. The Trinity at Work
In Creation – Genesis 1:1–2, John 1:3
In Salvation – Titus 3:4–6 (Father plans, Son accomplishes, Spirit applies)
Titus 3:4-6 “But when the kindness and affection of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us, not by works which we did in righteousness, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior”
In Christian Life – 2 Corinthians 13:14 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”
6. A Mystery Accepted by Faith
Though the Trinity stretches our understanding, Scripture consistently reveals this truth. We receive it with humility and faith.
Application
In Worship: Remember that to worship God is to honor Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In Prayer: Pray to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Witness: When sharing your faith, explain that Christians worship one God revealed as three persons.
In Daily Life: Rejoice in the Father’s love, the Son’s grace, and the Spirit’s fellowship.
Discussion Questions
· Which aspect of the Trinity do you personally find most challenging to understand? How does faith help us embrace truths that surpass our comprehension?
· The Bible never uses the word “Trinity,” but the doctrine is drawn from Scripture. Why do you think Christians through the centuries have felt it important to use this term?
· How would you explain it to someone struggling with the idea?
· In Genesis 1:26, God says, “Let Us make man in Our image.” What might the use of “Us” and “Our” suggest about God’s nature?
· Isaiah 48:16 speaks of the Lord Yahweh, His Spirit, and the One being sent. How does this verse help us see the unity and distinction within the Godhead?
Memory Verse
Matthew 28:19 “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Prayer Focus
Pray for a deeper understanding of God’s triune nature. Thank the Father for His love, the Son for His saving grace, and the Holy Spirit for His presence and guidance. Ask God to help your group live in fellowship with Him daily.
Comments