The Trinity

In this series, we explore the complexities of the Trinity and why it’s important to the Christian faith.

The Trinity: The Mystery of God

There’s mystery in the Trinity, but that’s why God is worthy of our worship.

Talking Points:

  • There is one God who exists eternally in three persons. 
  • Even though the word “Trinity” isn’t in the Bible, the idea of God being three in one is found throughout its pages. 2 Corinthians 13:14, Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 1:2
  • God’s nature is a mystery to us because God is fundamentally different from us. Revelation 4:2-11, Job 11:7
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Describe your current understanding of the trinity. If asked to defend the idea, what would you say today?
  3. Review the definition of “holy”. Why is it important to recognize that God is different from us? Identify some of God’s qualities that differentiate him from us?
  4. Read Colossians 1:15-17. What does this passage say about Jesus and why are they significant?
  5. Read 1 Corinthians 8:6 and 2 Corinthians 13:14. How do these verses reflect the idea of the trinity?
  6. Read Romans 11:33-36. What is the attitude reflected in Paul’s words? How does that attitude challenge you as you look to understand the trinity?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

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The Trinity: God is One

The Bible undeniably teaches the oneness of God. That’s the starting point for the doctrine of the Trinity. 

Talking Points:

  • The Trinity starts with the concept, deeply rooted in the Jewish Scriptures, that there is only one God.  Deuteronomy 6:4
  • “Tri-theism” is a heresy that misses the oneness of God, teaching that there are three distinct gods who work closely together. Isaiah 44:6
  • The existence of only one God helps us make sense of humanity, morality, and eternity. 
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. In your opinion, why is it important to see God as one supreme being? How does believing in multiple gods change the power or essence of just one?
  3. Review the definition of “tri-theism”. Why is this view a problem? How does it minimize God’s attributes?
  4. What religions believe in multiple gods? How do those beliefs impact the view of deity?
  5. Read Deuteronomy 6:4 and Isaiah 44:6. The Jewish people understood that there was only one God. Why does it matter?
  6. Read Psalm 96:1-13. What does this chapter say about the God of the universe? How would this chapter read differently if there were multiple gods to worship?
  7. Read Isaiah 43:10-13. What do these verses say that God has done for us?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

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The Trinity: God Is Three Persons

There is only one God, yet he exists in three persons. Understanding this rightly helps us to worship him in spirit and truth.

Talking Points:

  • The Bible shows God existing in three distinct persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Genesis 1:26, Matthew 3:16-17
  • One common error that denies the Trinity is the fallacy of “modalism” – that there is one God who appears in three different forms. Mark 14:36
  • We relate personally with each member of the Trinity as we discover their unique roles in creation, salvation, and prayer. 
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Read Genesis 1:26. How have you heard the idea of 3 in 1 explained? How was it helpful and how was it confusing?
  3. How would you describe the role of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
  4. Read Matthew 3:16-17. How does this scene reveal the concept of the trinity? How would you describe the role of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
  5. Review the definition of modalism. Why does this idea fall short?
  6. Read Genesis 1:1-2 and John 1:1-3. How did each divine person of the trinity contribute to creation?
  7. Read John 3:16 and 1 Peter 1:2. How does each divine person of the trinity contribute to our salvation?
  8. As you learn about each person of the trinity, how is it impacting the way you worship God?
  9. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

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The Trinity: The Deity Of The Three

The three persons of the trinity are equal, none are created and all are worthy of our worship.

Talking Points:

  • The Holy Spirit has all the attributes of God. The Bible clearly equates the Spirit with God. Hebrews 9:14, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
  • The biblical writers claim that Jesus is fully equal to the Father. Jesus himself makes the same claim. John 1:1-3, Hebrews 1:3, Exodus 3:14-15, John 8:58
  • Some try to resolve the paradox of the Trinity by denying that Jesus is fully God. Romans 8:3-4
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Up to now, have you viewed Jesus and the Holy Spirit differently than God? Explain.
  3. Read Exodus 3:14-15. Why do you think God referred to himself as “I AM”? What was God communicating to Moses through his name?
  4. Read John 1:1-3 and Acts 5:3-4. Why is it important to understand that Jesus and the Spirit are fully God? What are the implications if they aren’t?
  5. How does understanding the complexity of the nature of God influence your worship of him?
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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The Trinity – What the Trinity Teaches Us About Everyday Life

The doctrine of the Trinity is not just an abstract theological theory - it can shape how Christians actually live every day.

Talking Points:

  • The Trinity teaches us to live in humility before God and toward each other. Psalm 99:1-5, John 13:31-32
  • The Trinity teaches us to live in community: loving unreservedly, forgiving freely, living peaceably and serving connectedly. 1 John 4:7-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
  • The Trinity teaches us to live on mission. 1 John 4:14, John 15:26, Acts 1:8
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Reflecting on this series, what have you learned about the Trinity that you didn’t understand in the past? What insights from the series were most impactful to your view of God?
  3. Read Psalm 99:1-5. Define humility in your own words. Why should we have a humble posture towards God?
  4. Read 1 John 4:7-8. What does John mean in this passage? What does it look like to love unreservedly?
  5. Read Colossians 3:12-15. Identify all the actions this passage presents. In what areas do you need to grow more?
  6. Read Acts 1:8. What is the mission of every Christian? How does the Holy Spirit help us to accomplish it?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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