⬛️ Chapter 5: I Believe in the Trinity
(By Men's Group Leader Thomas)

The doctrine of the Trinity is a fundamental belief in Christianity, affirming that God exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—yet remains one God. Although the word "Trinity" does not appear in Scripture, the concept is clearly illustrated throughout the Bible.

Biblical Foundations of the Trinity
The Bible presents God as one while also revealing the three persons of the Trinity. In Genesis 1:26-27, God speaks in the plural, saying, "Let us make human beings in our image," but then shifts to singular pronouns, indicating both plurality and unity. A significant New Testament example occurs during Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:16-17), where all three persons of the Trinity are distinctly present—Jesus being baptized, the Holy Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father speaking from heaven. Additionally, the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) commands baptism "in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit," underscoring the triune nature of God.

One God, Three Persons
Though God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4, Romans 3:30), He exists as three distinct persons, each fully God. The Father is recognized as God in passages like Matthew 6:9, where Jesus teaches His disciples to pray to "Our Father in heaven." The Son is affirmed as fully divine in Colossians 2:9: "In Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body." The Holy Spirit is also God, as seen in Ephesians 4:30, which warns against grieving Him, confirming His personal nature. Unlike human distinctions, the Trinity refers to one divine being sharing the same essence but existing in three persons.

Practical Implications of the Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity has profound implications for Christian faith and practice.
1. Christianity's Uniqueness – No other religion embraces a triune God, setting Christianity apart from other monotheistic faiths.
2. Relational Aspects of God – The Trinity illustrates divine relationships: the Son submits to the Father, the Father loves the Son, and the Holy Spirit carries out the Son’s work among believers.
3. God’s Glory – The Trinity exemplifies self-giving love, as each person glorifies the others.
4. Understanding the Gospel – The Father sent the Son to redeem humanity, and the Holy Spirit applies salvation to believers, making the Trinity essential to Christian doctrine.
5. Christian Growth – The Holy Spirit sanctifies believers, enabling spiritual transformation and continued faithfulness.

Challenges in Understanding the Trinity
The Trinity is a complex doctrine that surpasses human comprehension. While various analogies attempt to explain it, none fully capture its mystery. Scripture acknowledges that human knowledge is limited (1 Corinthians 13:9, 12), requiring faith to accept what cannot be entirely understood. However, the Trinity is vital—if Christ were not fully God, His death could not atone for sins, rendering faith meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:17-19).
Though we cannot fully grasp the Trinity now, we trust in God's revelation and anticipate greater understanding in eternity. Until then, we walk by faith, embracing the mystery of the triune God.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Explain how the Great Commission passage of Matthew 28:19 highlights the critical roles of each person of the Trinity.
How does the Bible teach that salvation is a work of the Trinity?
What does 1 Corinthians 13:12 tell us, specifically as we try to grasp the doctrine of the Trinity?

⬛️ Chapter 5: I Believe in the Trinity
(By Pastor Joshua)

✅Biblical Foundations of the Trinity

📖 Key Verse: Matthew 28:19
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

📌 Discussion:

1. How does Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16-17) reveal the Trinity?
2. Why is it significant that the Great Commission commands baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

💡 Fill-in-the-Blanks:

• In Genesis 1:26, God says, "Let ___ make man in ___ image," hinting at the Trinity.

✅One God, Three Persons

📖 Key Verse: Deuteronomy 6:4
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one."

📌 Discussion:

1. How does the Bible affirm that God is one while also revealing three persons?
2. What does Colossians 2:9 teach us about Jesus’ divine nature?

💡 Fill-in-the-Blanks:

• The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share the same divine __________ but exist as three persons. 

✅Practical Implications of the Trinity

📖 Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 13:14
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

📌 Discussion:

1. How does the Trinity reflect God’s relational nature?
2. Why is understanding the Trinity essential for grasping the gospel message?

💡 Fill-in-the-Blanks:

• The Father __________ the Son, and the Spirit carries out the Son’s work among believers. 

✅Challenges in Understanding the Trinity

📖 Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:12
"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

📌 Discussion:

1. Why is it difficult for humans to fully understand the Trinity?
2. How does 1 Corinthians 13:12 encourage us to trust in God's revelation despite our limited understanding?

💡 Fill-in-the-Blanks:

• Though we cannot fully understand the Trinity now, we will know __________ in eternity.