The Trinity: A Humble Conversation Part 2

Last week we began digging into the idea of the Trinity…we learned that, like our cell phone, though we do not understand how it works, we are completely reliant on it–just as it is with the Trinity! We discovered the word trinity does not appear in the Bible, but is a completely Scriptural idea…We defined the Trinity as: One God existing in three divine persons who share one essence….Which, admittedly, is a LOT to unpack! We discussed the idea that God has always existed and always existed in three: God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit…and we dug into several Verses which are listed in last week’s show notes–we recommend going back and reviewing those notes as there was some helpful tools (and a hilarious video, PATRICK!)–and if you missed Part 1, go listen to that now… This week, we are going to dive into some ways the idea of the Trinity might trip us up–some pitfalls to be aware of–especially as we discuss the idea with others…People will offer different metaphors which will always break down….there are actually given names for these misunderstandings…let’s look at a few: Modalism: This is the idea God is one person who manifests himself in three different modes or forms. (Metaphor of water in 3 forms: ice, liquid, vapor or that a woman is a wife, mother, and daughter). This can lead to a denial of the distinct persons within the Trinity and a misunderstanding of their unique roles and relationships. Partialism: This is the belief that each person of the Trinity is only a part of God, and that the three persons together make up the whole God–(Metaphor of a 3-leaf clover). This can lead to a diminished view of God's fullness and a misunderstanding of the complete divinity of each person. Arianism: Rejects the traditional notion of the Trinity and considers Jesus and the Holy Spirit to be a creation of God, and therefore distinct from God. (Metaphor of the sun being a star, light, and heat–the heat and light are creations OF the star). Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses subscribe to this view. Confusion with polytheism: The concept of the Trinity can sometimes be mistaken for polytheism, the belief in multiple gods…Polytheism was common, so this confusion was not surprising…This can lead to a misunderstanding of the uniqueness of Christian monotheism and the singular nature of God. Overemphasis on one person: Sometimes, there can be an overemphasis on one person of the Trinity, often the Son, Jesus Christ, while neglecting the importance and roles of the Father and the Holy Spirit. This can lead to an unbalanced understanding of God and a diminished appreciation for the fullness of the Trinity. Unable to Comprehend: Some people reject the Trinity because they can’t comprehend it. They ignore statements in which Jesus explicitly states it and because all of the analogies break down then they reject this idea They can’t comprehend God is three persons Each person is fully God There is one God They claim that humans have created this idea and they make God a mystery too hard to understand Now let’s take a look at a few passages that show us examples of the Trinity at work in the Bible Baptism of Jesus Matthew 3:16-17 Great Commission Matthew 28:19 baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit 1 Peter 1:2 foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ John 5:45 Moses wrote of me… At the end of the day, we can all agree the Trinity is a complex doctrine, so It's important to simply remember the Trinity is a mystery of the Christian faith, and that human language and concepts can only go so far in explaining it. However, by studying the Scriptures, engaging in theological reflection, and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can grow in our understanding of this essential doctrine…don’t give up!

SAVOR MOMENT: I feel like it has been awhile since we’ve had a dessert recipe, and never a recipe easier than this! So, in honor of the Trinity Part 2, let’s make a THREE Ingredient, super-simple decadent treat! Ready? Grab a friend who isn’t afraid of digging deeper into a theological idea like the Trinity, and whip-up this treat together as you refute modalism! Cookies ‘n’ Cream 3-ingredient Fudge: Ingredients for 25 pieces:

18 oz white chocolate

14 oz sweetened condensed milk

12 sandwich cookies, chopped Preparation:

1 In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate with sweetened condensed milk and melt in the microwave in 15-second increments.

2 Once chocolate is fully melted, add in chopped cookies and stir until combined.

3 Pour chocolate mixture into a parchment paper-lined 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking tin.

4 Chill for 2 hours or until the fudge is firm.

5 Cut into bite-sized pieces. 6 Enjoy!

The Savor Community: Taste and SeeThe Savor Community: Taste and See