The Trinity: Sermon Guide

The following blog post contains notes and application questions from our August 19, 2018 message, The 7: The Trinity. This message is part of our series, "The 7." See other messages in this series.

Summary

A.W. Tozer said, “The most important thing about you is what you think about when you think about God.” What do you think about? A lion? An ocean and stars? An old man? Jesus? If it doesn’t include The Trinity—we don’t have an accurate view of God.

Key Takeaways

Watermark’s Belief Statement – The Trinity

We believe that there is one God, that the Father and the Son and the Spirit are each God, and that the Father and the Son and the Spirit are each a distinct person (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; see also 1 Corinthians 8:6, Colossians 2:9, Acts 5:3-4).

What is the Trinity?

• The Trinity is the answer of “what” and “who” is God: What? God. Who? Father, Son, and Spirit.
• Three words that help explain the Trinity: Unity, Equality, & Distinction.
• Unity – there is only one God (monotheism).
• Equality – they are each God (they are equal in rank).
• Distinction – They are three distinct persons (though equal in rank, each has a different role).

What the Trinity is not:

• He is not three Gods (polytheism – there are multiple God’s).
• He is not a hierarchical organizational chart (subordinationism – one of the persons are lesser than the other).
• He is not one God playing three different roles (modalism – God operates in different modes).
• Why does this matter? The world was created with diversity and unity, and without the Trinity, there is no salvation.

What do we do because of the Trinity?

• Seek God through spiritual disciplines (reading is illuminated when you know the author).
• Pursue relationships (love requires someone to give itself to).
• Pursue unity (relationships are not found but forged).
• Use your life to serve (giving up your rights to serve others is at the heart of the universe).
• Marvel at God (God will never disappoint; you don’t want a God you perfectly understand).

The Trinity is a word used to describe God. If we misunderstand The Trinity, we end up inaccurately describing God, and we risk making Him in our image. The Trinity has implications for how we pursue relationships and seek out God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

• When you think about God, what comes to mind? Read through the suggested Scripture study below and meditate on what Scripture has to say about God.
• “If we misunderstand the Trinity, we end up inaccurately describing God, and we risk making God in our own image.” What in your life—work, family, kids, friends, money, hobbies, etc.—are you most likely to turn into a god and worship?
• Pick one of the five things we do because of the Trinity and spend time this next week doing it. Share with your community group what you picked, how you did it, and what you learned/were reminded about the Trinity in doing so.

Mentioned or Recommended Resources

• Suggested Scripture Study: Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12; 1 Corinthians 6:8; Galatians 3:20; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 1:1-14; Acts 5:3-4; John 14:26, 15:26; Ephesians 4:5-6; Matthew 28:19; Ephesians 1:3-14; 1 Peter 1:2; Genesis 1:26; 1 John 4:7-8; Genesis 2:24; Philippians 2:3-11; 2 Corinthians 13:14
• What We Believe At Watermark
• Real Truth. Real Quick: What is the Trinity?
• Sermon: Who is the Trinity, and Why It Matters
• Equipping Webinar: The Trinity with Dr. Scott Horrell