Some of the things that can still affect us in our lives (past & present) include:

We can begin to deal with the problems we bring into our Christian lives from our past by understanding some of the key terms that the Bible uses to describe our relationship in Christ.  

Christ Has Overcome All of Our Problems by God's plan of Salvation:

Open it:

What trips to see friends or family members would you like take in the future?
How do people feel when circumstances force them to cancel a long-anticipated trip?
When have you shown mercy to a person who deserved to be punished?
When you were a child, what are some ways you showed trust in your parents?
How do most people treat their enemies?
What do you consider the greatest example of faith you have ever seen? Why?
What results can difficult circumstances have in a person’s life?
How much do you think people are influenced by what they watch on television?
If you were released from a three-year captivity as a hostage, what would you do during your first week of freedom?
Who are the enemies of the Church today? What do you think is the best defense against cults and other false spiritual teaching?

Explore it:

The Gospel

Romans 1:14-16

          I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

To whom had God called Paul to communicate the gospel? (Romans 1:14-15)

How did Paul feel about what others thought about him and his message? (Romans 1:16)
To whom does God grant salvation? (Romans 1:16)

Grace

Ephesians 2:8-9

          For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Where does salvation come from? (Ephesians 2:8)
Why can no one boast in his own salvation? (Ephesians 2:8-9)

What is the purpose of God’s workmanship? (Ephesians 2:10)

Faith

What is faith? (Hebrews 11)
What does faith help us to comprehend about the creation of the world? (Hebrews 11:3)
What were some of the victories enjoyed by faithful Old Testament believers? (Hebrews 11:32-34)
How does this passage disprove the notion that faith always leads to earthly blessing? (Hebrews 11:35-38)

Regeneration / New Birth

Titus 3:5-8

          he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

What role does the Holy Spirit play in a person’s salvation? (Titus 3:5)

What is the result of being justified by faith? (Titus 3:7)

What did Paul tell Titus to stress? Why? (Titus 3:8)

Justification

Romans 5:1-11

          Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

          Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

What is our relationship with God if we have been justified by faith? (Romans 5:1)

How does Jesus Christ change a person’s standing with God? (Romans 5:2)

For what reasons can a Christian rejoice? (Romans 5:2-3)

How has God demonstrated His love for us? (Romans 5:6-8)

What was our relationship to God when Christ came to die for us? (Romans 5:8)

How did God act to remove the barrier between Himself and all people? (Romans 5:9-10)

For what reasons can a Christian rejoice? (Romans 5:11)

Sanctification

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

          Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.

          Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

What did Paul urge his audience to do? (1 Thessalonians 4:1)

By what authority did Paul give his instructions? (1 Thessalonians 4:2)

How is the Christian’s sexual conduct to be different from that of the non-Christian? (1 Thessalonians 4:4-5)

How did Paul characterize the heathen? (1 Thessalonians 4:5)

When people ignore God’s instructions on behavior, what are they rejecting? (1 Thessalonians 4:8)

What command of God were the Thessalonians known for obeying? (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10)What is the result of living a quiet, respected, and responsible life? (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:16-21
          From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

How did Paul change the way he looked at people? (2 Corinthians 5:16)
What is true about every person in Christ? (2 Corinthians 5:17)
What happened when God sent His Son to earth? (2 Corinthians 5:18)
What does God do with our sins when we are reconciled to Him? (2 Corinthians 5:19)
How is a Christian an ambassador? (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Adoption

Romans 8:13-17

          For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

What happens to the person who lives according to the sinful nature? (Romans 8:13)
By what means can a person find life? (Romans 8:13)
What is true of people who are led by God’s Spirit? (Romans 8:14)

What kind of spirit do God’s children have? (Romans 8:15)
What are the benefits of being a child of God? (Romans 8:15-17)

The Next Two Concerts are very Closely Related.

Propitiation (Propitiation carries the basic idea of appeasement or satisfaction, specifically toward God. Propitiation is a two-part act that involves appeasing the wrath of an offended person and being reconciled to him.)

Romans 1:18
          For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

Romans 3:23
          for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

1 John 4:10
          In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

How many people are under the condemnation of God and deserving of His wrath (Romans 1:18)
How many have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)
How did God provide a propitiation for our sins? (1 John 4:10)

Atonement (Atonement is a reparation for an offense or injury or the reconciliation of God and humankind through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.)

Why did John write this letter? (1 John 2:1)
For whom is Jesus an atoning sacrifice? (1 John 2:2)
What test is there to know if a person truly knows God? (1 John 2:3-4)

What did John say he was giving to his readers? (1 John 2:7-8)
 

Do you know for certain that you are saved? (See: John 3:16; John 5:24; 1 John 5:11-13)
What were you like before you became a Christian?
Why was your position hopeless before becoming a Christian?
When did you receive the gift of new life?
How would you describe God’s grace to you?

With what do you need to trust God even though you can’t see what the future holds?
What area of your life do you need to turn over to God’s mighty power? How will you?

What changes have you been resisting in your life that you are now willing to allow your loving heavenly Father to complete?

Does learning more about the various concepts related to salvation give you new insights into all that God has done to accomplish your salvation? 

       

Soteriology:         "The doctrine of salvation, must be the grandest theme in the Scriptures. It embraces all of time as well as eternity past and future. It relates in one way or another to all of mankind, without exception. It even has ramifications in the sphere of the angels. It is the theme of both the Old and New Testaments. It is personal, national, and cosmic. And it centers on the greatest Person, our Lord Jesus Christ." [1]         According to the broadest meaning as used in Scripture, the term salvation encompasses the total work of God by which He seeks to rescue man from the ruin, doom, and power of sin and bestows upon him the wealth of His grace encompassing eternal life, provision for abundant life now, and eternal glory (Ephesians 1:3-8; 2:4-10; 1 Peter 1:3-5; John 3:16, 36; 10:10).         The gospel, grace, faith, the new birth, justification, sanctification, reconciliation, adoption, propitiation and atonement are all different aspects that relate to our salvation and their study helps us to understand what God had to do in order to save us.

Growing in Christ

Part 6: Christ’s Suffering and Atoning Death

Key Passages:

Isaiah 52:13-53:10; 1 Peter 1:18-23; Romans 3:21-26; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Open It:
What kinds of human suffering are particularly abhorrent and difficult for you to watch?
What personal experience can you relate about the suffering of the innocent?
How do people pass on their beliefs and traditions to others?
What do you think is important to pass on from one generation to the next?

Notice How Isaiah Prophesied What Christ Would Endure For You And Me.

Isaiah 52:13-53:10
        {13} Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind— so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths because of him; for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.

        {1} He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

        {7} He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. (ESV)

Explore It:

How did God, through Isaiah’s prophecy, characterize the actions of the coming Servant? (Isaiah 52:13)
What opposite reactions would people have to the Messiah before and after His suffering? (Isaiah 52:14-15)
What was unbelievable about the message of God’s chosen deliverance? (Isaiah 53:1-3)
What would actually be happening when people were assuming that God was punishing Jesus? (Isaiah 53:4)
What would the wounds of the Messiah accomplish for all believers? (Isaiah 53:5)
In what way did Isaiah illustrate people’s sinfulness? (Isaiah 53:6)
What has God done with the sin of each human being? (Isaiah 53:6)
How did Isaiah say that the Messiah would respond to mistreatment and suffering? (Isaiah 53:7)
What earthly heritage would remain for the Messiah? (Isaiah 53:8)
In what way would the Messiah’s death not fit the deeds of His life? (Isaiah 53:9)
What was God’s will in relation to the life of His Son? (Isaiah 53:10)
What "satisfaction" did God promise would follow the suffering of the Messiah? (Isaiah 53:11)
Why did Isaiah say that the Messiah would be exalted and "divide the spoils"? (Isaiah 53:12)

The disciples experienced first-hand what Jesus went through for our redemption:

1 Peter 1:18-23
        knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;  (ESV)

Explore It:

With what are believers redeemed from their sins? (1 Peter 1:18-19)
When was Christ chosen and revealed? Why? (1 Peter 1:20)
What did these readers believe? (1 Peter 1:21)
How had these Christians purified themselves? (1 Peter 1:22)
What did Peter urge his readers to do? (1 Peter 1:22)
How had these believers been born again? (1 Peter 1:23)

The only solution for sin and death that has come because of the fall, is the atoning life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Romans 3:21-26
        But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (ESV)

Explore It:

What new righteousness has been made known? (Romans 3:21)
What previous indication was there about the existence of the new righteousness? (Romans 3:21)
What is the source of our righteousness? (Romans 3:22)
How does a person obtain righteousness? (Romans 3:22)
What heritage do you share with every person who has ever lived? (Romans 3:23)
What justifies us in God’s sight? (Romans 3:24)
What is the cost or price of justification with God? (Romans 3:24)
What did God do to provide a means of justification and forgiveness for every person? (Romans 3:25)
How does providing Christ Jesus as a sacrifice demonstrate the justice of God? (Romans 3:25-26)

There is only one true gospel! Any thing else that is called the gospel is man-made religion and has its basis in the fall.

1 Corinthians 15:1-11
        Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. (ESV)

Explore It:

How can a Christian avoid believing the gospel in vain? (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)
Why is it important to "hold firmly to the word"? (1 Corinthians 15:2)
Why did Paul pass on what he had received? (1 Corinthians 15:3)
How did Christ’s life fulfill the Scriptures? (1 Corinthians 15:3)
What are the key points of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)
To whom did Christ appear after His resurrection? (1 Corinthians 15:5-8)
Why did Paul emphasize the facts of Christ’s resurrection? (1 Corinthians 15:5-8)
Why did Paul describe himself as one "abnormally born"? (1 Corinthians 15:8)
Why did Paul feel unworthy to be called an apostle? (1 Corinthians 15:9)
For what reason was Paul able to call himself an apostle? (1 Corinthians 15:10)
On what did Paul’s apostleship rest? (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Get It:
Why do you think some people tend to despise those who suffer?
How important is it to be attractive in order to be held in high regard?
What are the different ways in which a person might attract a following?

How do people judge if another person's life was successful?
Why was it necessary for a righteous servant to be the bearer of sins?
What great spiritual treasures were gained for us by the death of Jesus Christ?
What sufferings of Jesus (such as those in Luke 23:1-56) were foretold in Isaiah 53?
How would you describe, in your own words, the importance of the gospel to your life?
What has God’s grace accomplished in you?
In what one area of your life have you been stubborn about allowing God’s grace to work?
What are the implications of the fact that the truth of the gospel is of first importance to God?
What difference does it make that Christ’s death and resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecy?

Apply It:
What one goal for your relationship with God can you work on in the coming weeks by contemplating His sacrifice for you?
What are the main points to share when you tell someone the gospel?
How can you plan to answer the next person who questions you about Jesus’ humiliation and suffering?
What evidence could you use to persuade others this week about the truth of the gospel?
How could you rely on God’s grace in your efforts to tell your friends about Christ?

Do we have to work hard at living the Christian life, or is it all God's responsibility to change us?

Hebrews 13:8 says,
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

        "Yesterday is settled!"
To be saved, to have become a Christian, means that I am forgiven. More than that, God has looked at me and called me "righteous." Just. Perfect. Me. With all my faults and flaws. (Romans 5:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:21; John 3:14)
        "Tomorrow is secure!"
To be saved, to have become a Christian, means that God is going to see that I step into heaven changed. I will be like Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:50-51; 2 Corinthians 5:5; Revelation 21:4-5; 1 John 3:2-4)
        "Today is getting better!"
To be saved, to have become a Christian, means that God and I are working together to clean up my life. Now. In the present. (John 17:15-17; Philippians 2:12-13; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:25-32)

Growing in Christ

Part 7: From Condemnation to Forgiveness

Key Passages:

Isaiah 59:1-13; John 16:4-16; Ephesians 4:17-32; Matthew 6:14-15; Romans 12:2

As Christians, we are called to be more Christ-like. Jesus himself sacrificed his life on the cross in order to forgive all of us for our sins. Christ wants us to forgive ourselves and forgive each other for our sins. We do that when we demonstrate the grace that God has so generously given us.

Open It:
How would you characterize someone you have known who exhibits inner peace?
If you had a choice, would you rather renovate an old house or build a new one? Why?
What are some habits or rituals you go through every morning to get ready for the day?
In what way can a conscience be both good and frustrating?
Do you prefer wearing old, comfortable clothing or dressy outfits? Why?

Explore It:

Guilt: Isaiah 59:1-13
        Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies; your tongue mutters wickedness. No one enters suit justly; no one goes to law honestly; they rely on empty pleas, they speak lies, they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity. They hatch adders’ eggs; they weave the spider’s web; he who eats their eggs dies, and from one that is crushed a viper is hatched. Their webs will not serve as clothing; men will not cover themselves with what they make. Their works are works of iniquity, and deeds of violence are in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their highways. The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths; they have made their roads crooked; no one who treads on them knows peace. Therefore justice is far from us, and righteousness does not overtake us; we hope for light, and behold, darkness, and for brightness, but we walk in gloom. We grope for the wall like the blind; we grope like those who have no eyes; we stumble at noon as in the twilight, among those in full vigor we are like dead men. We all growl like bears; we moan and moan like doves; we hope for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far from us. For our transgressions are multiplied before you, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and we know our iniquities: transgressing, and denying the LORD, and turning back from following our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart lying words. (ESV)

What was the cause of Israel’s separation from God? (Isaiah 59:1-2)
What specific sins did God charge against His people? (Isaiah 59:3-4)
How were the people of Israel compared to spiders and snakes? (Isaiah 59:5-6)
What prevented God’s sinful people from knowing His peace? (Isaiah 59:7-8)
To what did Isaiah liken the people in their separation from God? (Isaiah 59:9-11)
What confession did Isaiah make on behalf of Israel? (Isaiah 59:12-13)

Conviction: John 16:4-16

        But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” (ESV)

Where did Jesus tell His disciples He was going? (John 16:5)
What hadn’t the disciples asked Jesus? (John 16:5)
How did Jesus’ disciples feel about His leaving? (John 16:6)
Why was it for His disciples’ benefit that Jesus was leaving? (John 16:7)
What would the Counselor do for the world when He came? (John 16:8-11)
What did Jesus say about the prince of this world? (John 16:11)
What would the Spirit of truth do for Jesus’ disciples when He came? (John 16:12-14)
In what way would the Spirit bring Jesus glory? (John 16:14-15)

Forgiveness: Ephesians 4:17-32
        Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (ESV)

In what way were Ephesian believers instructed not to live as Gentiles? (Ephesians 4:17-19)
How did Paul contrast the Ephesian Christians with the Gentiles? (Ephesians 4:20-21)
In what way does God want Christians to change? (Ephesians 4:22-24)
What kinds of desires do worldly people have? (Ephesians 4:22)
How should Christians begin living? (Ephesians 4:23-24)
How should believers speak to one another? (Ephesians 4:29)
How can the Holy Spirit be hurt? (Ephesians 4:29-30)
Of what five vices are believers to rid themselves? (Ephesians 4:31)
What positive commands did Paul give the Ephesians? (Ephesians 4:32)

Forgiveness Is The Key To Living God’s Love!

Ephesians 4:30-32

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (ESV)

This is a command, not something we consider doing when the time is right. Paul says, Do it! We must allow the Lord to help us to forgive and forget!

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. "But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." (NASB)

Get It:
How does sin separate us from God?
Why do you think that people who rebel against God have no peace? 
What situations have you known in which moral people are persecuted?
Why do most people feel guilty when they commit a sin?
How is the Holy Spirit convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment?
What role do Christians and the church play in prodding the conscience of the world?
How does the Holy Spirit teach believers?
About what truth is the Holy Spirit presently teaching you?
What evidence do you see that your life is controlled by the Holy Spirit?

Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive?

Do you feel your sins are forgiven?

Apply It:
How can you seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in reaching people who are dead in their sins?
About what spiritual truths will you ask the Holy Spirit to teach you?
What would be the first step for you in changing an old pattern of behavior?
What can you do this week to make your Christian living more consistent?

We must remember who we are in Christ!

It is because of what he has done for us that makes forgiving and forgetting possible. If you are constantly reminded of a past wrong, remember Romans 12:2. Every time you think about the situation, quote Romans 12:2 to yourself until your thoughts change and pass from your mind.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV)

Growing in Christ

Part 8: The Love of God

Key Passages:

1 John 4:7-13; Philippians 2:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13; 1 Corinthians 13

Love starts with God.

The love of God was demonstrated by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to make it possible for us to be forgiven and to become children of God. As children of God, we will also be growing in the love of God—loving as God loves.

The Bible emphasizes the central role that love plays in our lives: 

Open It:
Which do you think is a more powerful motivator—love, fear, or hate? Why?
What popular figure alive today or from history used hate to motivate people?
When have you been motivated by love?
How much of a peacemaker are you?
If you could make a surprise visit to a dear friend or relative, whom would you select?
How can you express love to someone when you can’t see or talk to the person?

1 John 4:7-13
        Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.

Word Study         The word propitiation carries the basic idea of appeasement or satisfaction, specifically toward God. Propitiation is a two-part act that involves appeasing the wrath of an offended person and being reconciled to him.

Explore It:
What were the readers of 1 John encouraged to do? (1 John 4:7)
What is the relationship between loving and knowing God? (1 John 4:7-8)
How did God show His love? (1 John 4:9)
Why did God send His Son? (1 John 4:9)
What is love? (1 John 4:10)
Why should Christians love one another? (1 John 4:11)
What is the result of loving one another? (1 John 4:12)
How can believers know that they live in God and God lives in them? (1 John 4:13)

Philippians 2:1-11
        So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

        Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Explore It:
What four qualities mark unity with Christ? (Philippians 2:1)
How can Christians show their unity in Christ in practical ways? (Philippians 2:2)
What did Paul say about self-centeredness? (Philippians 2:3-4)
What did Paul exhort believers to have? (Philippians 2:5)
What did Christ set aside when He became a man? (Philippians 2:6-8)
How did Jesus limit Himself? (Philippians 2:6-8)
How was Christ fully God and fully man at the same time? (Philippians 2:6-8)
How is Christ the best example of humility and unselfishness for us? (Philippians 2:6-8)
Why did Christ take on the limitations of being human even though He was of the same nature as God? (Philippians 2:7)
How did God exalt Jesus? (Philippians 2:9)
How did Christ win sovereignty over all people and over everything? (Philippians 2:10)
What confession will every person make? (Philippians 2:11)

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
        Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Explore it:
What was Paul hoping for? (1 Thessalonians 3:11)
What did Paul ask the Lord to do? (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)
What did Paul pray would grow and prosper among the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)
How should we prepare for Christ’s return to earth? (1 Thessalonians 3:13)

1 Corinthians 13:1-13
        If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
        4  Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
        8  Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
        13  So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Explore It:
What makes speaking in tongues, faith, generosity, and even martyrdom worthless? (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
How could a person use spiritual gifts in a useless manner? (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
What do we gain if we don’t have love? (1 Corinthians 13:3)
Why is love important? (1 Corinthians 13:3)
What qualities does love have? (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
Why will prophecy, tongues, and knowledge pass away? (1 Corinthians 13:8-9)
How will we be different when we see Christ? (1 Corinthians 13:10-12)
What is our spiritual imperfection like? (1 Corinthians 13:11)
How do adults and children act and reason differently? (1 Corinthians 13:11)
How will our knowledge of God change when we see Christ? (1 Corinthians 13:12)
What is the greatest of all gifts? (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Get It:
How can we demonstrate our love for God?
What example has Jesus set for us to follow?
How should God’s love motivate you to love others?
How do you know that God lives in you?
What does it mean to live in God?
How can we demonstrate our love for others?
How does your life show that you count on Christ?
How do petty quarrels hold you back in your Christian walk?
How does Christ’s example of humility challenge our natural self-centeredness?
How would you define and evaluate the depth of a person’s faith?
How would you define and evaluate the depth of a person’s love?
What are the characteristics of someone who is standing firm in the Lord?

Apply It:
Who is someone that you have a difficult time getting along with that you need to ask God to help you love this week?
What fear will you ask God to help you overcome?
What specific steps will you take this week to demonstrate your love for another believer?
What practical steps can you take this week to show humility in your relationships?
What preparations can you make this week to get ready for Christ’s return?
For the sake of unity in Christ, what petty squabbles should you clear up right away? How?

We show our Love for God by loving others.

What do these ideas mean to you?

Put on Love - Colossians 3:14
Abound in Love - Philippians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 3:12
Continue in Love - Hebrews 13:1; 1 Timothy 2:15
Be fervent in Love - 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 4:8

2 Corinthians 5:14-15
        For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

The love of God has to grow inside us. We will experience more and more of God’s love as we grow closer to Christ in our daily walk.

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.

Grace, love, and fellowship with one another comes from God in Christ Jesus through the Holy Spirit's indwelling.

Growing in Christ
Part 9: Overcoming the Lie!

Key Passages:

2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Ephesians 2:1-10; Ephesians 6:10-20

We can only ever hope to be victorious in this life through the power of God living in us through the Holy Spirit!

Open It:
When have you seen someone change in a significant way?
What about you is most difficult for your acquaintances to understand or accept?
When have you shown mercy to a person who deserved to be punished?
How do you feel when you wear a brand-new suit or outfit?
What do you do with your worn-out clothing?

According to the Apostle Paul, a great change takes place in the life of one who is a Christian: 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (NIV)

In Christ - You are a New Creation:

2 Corinthians 5:14-21
        For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
        From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Explore It:
What motivated Paul? (2 Corinthians 5:14)
Why did Christ die for everyone? (2 Corinthians 5:15)
How did Paul change the way he looked at people? (2 Corinthians 5:16)
What is true about every person in Christ? (2 Corinthians 5:17)
What does God do with our sins when we are reconciled to Him? (2 Corinthians 5:19)
How is a Christian an ambassador? (2 Corinthians 5:20)

A Christian is described as sitting with Christ in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 2:1-10

        And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Explore It:
How are both Jew and Gentile alike? (Ephesians 2:1-3)
Why did God make those who were dead alive with Christ? (Ephesians 2:4-5)
What position has God given Christians in Christ by His divine power? (Ephesians 2:6)
What is the means of salvation? (Ephesians 2:8)
Why can no one boast in his own salvation? (Ephesians 2:8-9)
What is the purpose of God’s workmanship? (Ephesians 2:10)

We Must Put On the Armor of God:

Ephesians 6:10-20
        Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Explore It:
Who is our battle against and how do we prepare for the battle? (Ephesians 6:11-12)
What mandate does God give all Christians? (Ephesians 6:14)
What last pieces of armor did Paul tell all Christians to take up? (Ephesians 6:18)
Which pieces of armor are defensive and which ones are offensive?
Where is your spiritual armor weak? How might Satan take advantage of this?
What is the most important step that you can take right now to make yourself a better equipped and more effective soldier for spiritual battle?

Scriptures to Remember:

2 Timothy 1:7
        For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
        For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Get It:
Why was it necessary for Christ to die in order for us to be reconciled to God?
How did God make His reconciliation with you?
How can you personally be involved in the ministry of reconciliation?
What difference does it make that Christians are counted as Christ’s ambassadors?
What aspect of your Christian life do you want to practice more consistently?

Apply It:
With whom can you share the news of God’s mercy?
What would be the first step for you in changing an old pattern of behavior?
What can you do this week to make your Christian living more consistent?

Have you put on God's armor today?

Growing in Christ
Part 10: Faith Is the Victory

Key Passages:

Romans 4:20-25; Hebrews 11:1-13

Faith is our victory!

Open It:
What are some of the many religious acts and practices people perform in an attempt to please God?
How much faith do you put in the promises people make to you?

If you were able to listen to your own funeral eulogy (Tom Sawyer style), how would you like to hear yourself described?
When you were a child, what are some ways you showed trust in your parents?
What do you consider the greatest example of faith you have ever seen? Why?

Why is faith our victory? Because it is the key to defeating the enemies of this world and possessing the promises of God. 1 John 5:4 says, "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." ESV

Faith is a gift from God:

Ephesians 2:8
        For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

God's intention for us has always been that we do good works helping other people. Works do not earn us right standing with God. Works are not done to gain praise from people. Good works are done because faith in Christ has made us new creatures whose very nature is to do God's works.

Faith in God is the basis for our peace:

 John 14:1
        “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

Romans 15:13
        May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

2 Peter 1:1-2
        Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Faith is necessary to receive God's blessing.

John 5:24
        Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

We are saved by faith:

Galatians 3:11
        Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”

The Law of Moses cannot impart life, but faith can and does. The role of the Law is to lead us to Christ, but it cannot justify us. Christ became a curse for us on the cross in order to bring the blessing of Abraham to all persons. We walk with Christ in the freedom of faith to fulfill the intention of the Law and to be the kind of people God has been working to create since He first created people. (See: The Law of Christ)

We must live by faith:

Acts 27:25
        So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.

Romans 4:20-25
        No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

 Explore It:

What did Abraham believe about God that convinced him God could keep His promise? (Romans 4:20-21)
How does Abraham’s righteousness by faith apply to us? (Romans 4:23-24)
Whom has God provided as a worthy object of our faith? (Romans 4:24-25)

Hebrews 11:1-13
        Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

        {4} By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

        {8} By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.

        {13} These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

Study Note:          Hebrews 11:1-13: History is the story of God's saving presence leading people to faith and providing testimony which encourages us to persevere in our faith.         Faith involves absolute confidence in God's historical saving acts. The nature of faith leads to deep involvement in the historical world not isolation and escape into a life of meditation.         The roll call of faith illustrates the nature of belief in God. Faith is action based on certainty without physical evidence. Faith pleases God. Knowledge of God comes only through faith, since God is invisible. Faith is the human action which God counts as righteousness to wipe out all sin charged against us. Faith trusts God's promises even when they appear impossible. Faith reaches out to the eternal reward God has promised. Faith obeys God even when the divine demand appears unreasonable. Faith fears no human, only God. Faith identifies with God's people no matter how disadvantaged they are. Faith perseveres even when no reward is in sight. The faith of all Israel's heroes found its goal and reward in Christ and His atoning work. (Disciple's Study Bible)

Explore It:
What is faith? (Hebrews 11:1)
What does faith help us to comprehend about the creation of the world? (Hebrews 11:3)
How did Abel demonstrate faith? (Hebrews 11:4)
What was unusual about Enoch? (Hebrews 11:5)
What role does faith play in approaching and pleasing God? (Hebrews 11:6)
How does God view us once we come to faith? (Hebrews 11:13)

Get It:

What is righteousness?
What is true faith?
Why is it impossible to be saved by following God’s laws?
What customs and religious habits can give people a false sense of righteousness?
What causes many people to think that works are more important than faith for pleasing God?
What is fair or unfair about the fact that all people, including very wicked people, can inherit God’s promises by putting their faith in God?
In what ways do people act as if they must earn God’s love?
What must a person do to have his or her sins completely forgiven?
What promise are you waiting for God to fulfill in your life?
How does God’s relationship with Abraham help you understand His workings in your life?

According to this passage, what is the only way we can please God with our lives?
What prompts committed followers of Christ to continue to exercise faith even when He never seems to "come through" for them?
Why do you think God sometimes leaves us in the dark about His will?
What are some examples from your life of both trusting God and doubting Him?
In what concrete ways can we demonstrate the truth that we are "aliens and strangers" on earth? (Hebrews 11:13)

Apply It:

How can you pray this week to reaffirm your faith in God and not in works?
What promise of God do you need to trust in this week?
With what do you need to trust God even though you can’t see what the future holds? How can you show this trust? 

What is one way you can remind yourself to live as an alien and stranger at work and in your community?

We always need to remember the Apostle Paul's words in Romans 12:1-2.
        "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (ESV)

Word Focus: "Transform" (Greek. metamorphoo) (Romans 12:2; Matthew 17:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18) The Greek word means “to change form,” as does the English derivative metamorphosis.

When we become the new creation God intended for us to be, we overcome the results of "the Fall". Once we are saved, God begins the transformation of our entire being. The union is restored between God and man. We can now live with the complete assurance that Christ is living His life in us. We can know for certain that He will come again and we will be with Him for eternity.

When a person becomes a new creation, it affects everything about them. Every area of their life. Now we have a choice! We can live as new creations or, as carnal Christians who waver back and forth, following after the false beliefs of this world. Powerless and defeated. Or, we can be renewed by the transformation of our mind. You can continue to live the way you always have or, you can let Jesus Christ transform your life today! 

Which do you choose?

Growing in Christ
Appendix 1: Understanding the Trinity!

Key Passages:

Isaiah 40:9-31; John 1:1-18; John 14:15-27

Biblical Essentials on the Trinity

Virtually all Christians acknowledge that there is no single passage of Scripture that is given to defending or explaining the doctrine of the Trinity, as such. Yet Christians of all stripes also agree—indeed, they insist—that Scripture does, in fact, teach this doctrine. Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant—all heartily confess the Trinity. So just what are the biblical essentials that make this doctrine so obvious? That is the question we take up in this section.

Though you won’t find the word Trinity in the Bible, the concept is biblical. This doctrine emerges when all of Scripture is surveyed and three essential elements come together. First, there’s only one God. Second, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons. Third, each of these persons is fully God.

Element #1: From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible clearly affirms monotheism—that there is only one God. Every morning the faithful Jew would repeat a prayer known as the Shema: “Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Isaiah also speaks with clarity that there is no God but one (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6; 45:5; 1 Corinthians 8:4). Jesus too affirms this belief when explaining the greatest commandment (Mark 12:29).

Element #2: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are clearly distinguished from each other by the way they interact with one other in personal ways. For example, at Jesus’s baptism, as the Holy Spirit descends on the Son, the Father says, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased” (Luke 3:22).

Element #3: All three persons of the Trinity are fully God. The Father is repeatedly called God (1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Peter 1:3). Paul writes, “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). The Son is called God on numerous occasions (John 1:1; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13–15; Hebrews 1:8; 2 Peter 1:1). For instance, Thomas boldly calls Jesus, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). Finally, in the inception of the church, Ananias and Sapphira dropped dead after lying to the Holy Spirit since they had “not lied to people but to God” (Acts 5:1–4).

Therefore, if there is only one God, and if the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons, and if all are affirmed to be fully God, then the only explanation that makes sense of all the biblical data is the Trinity.

(From: CSB Apologetics Study Bible for Students)

Discussion Questions:

In this short study on the Trinity, we’ve looked the roles of the Father, the Son and the Spirit. This tri-unity of God raises many questions. Here are just a few of them.

I don’t see the word ‘trinity’ in the Bible. Should we use it?

Trinity isn’t a Bible word – it comes from the Latin term ‘Trinitas’, meaning triad or three. Like a bunch of other theological terms (omnipotence, omniscience, divinity) it sums up a concept found in Scripture. The word itself is just a useful tool. What is important is the concept it represents.

Isn’t ‘one God in three persons’ just a flat out contradiction?

The statement is certainly mysterious. We should gladly admit that the Trinity can’t be fully comprehended. (By the way, would anyone want to worship a God who could be fully understood?).

Can analogies help us understand the Trinity?

We use analogies to simplify the complicated. We say that one (complicated) thing is like another (simpler) thing. Employing this method, you’ve probably heard that the Trinity is like… 

a shamrock (one stem with three leafs),
three states of matter (solid, liquid and steam),
or three parts of an egg (shell, white and yoke)!
While these analogies might appear helpful, but they can be problematic.

Take the ‘three states of matter’ analogy. It gives the impression that God changes from one form to another. Just as ice changes to liquid then steam, so God the Father becomes God the Son, who later becomes God the Spirit. This is actually an age-old heresy known as “modalism” – the idea that God presents himself in different ‘modes’ at different times in history.

Also misleading are the shamrock and egg analogies. These offer the illusion that each person of the Trinity is only one third of the whole. In fact, the Bible teaches that each person of the Trinity is fully divine in their own right (see Colossians 2:9), even if the one God comprises the three persons together.

So to answer the question, analogies are limited. However, it is an interesting fact that we see so many ‘triads’ in creation!

Where is the biblical evidence that Jesus (God the Son) was/is divine?

Many Bible statements unambiguously affirm Jesus’ deity. In John’s gospel alone Jesus is described as being “the Word” who “was God” (John 1:1); as being “one” with the Father (John 10:30); and confesses him as “Lord” and “God” (John 20:28). Paul describes Jesus as the one in whom the whole fullness of deity dwells (Colossians 2:9), while Peter gives him the titles, “our God and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1).

In addition to such statements, we see Jesus doing things that only God can do. Jesus creates and sustains the cosmos (Colossians 1:16). He forgives sins (Mark 2:7), raises the dead and is the final judge of humankind (John 11:25; John 5:25, 28, 29).

Is the Holy Spirit a mere force, or a person with a mind and will?

It’s crystal clear from Scripture that the Holy Spirit is a person. For one thing, personal pronouns are repeatedly used of the Spirit, such as he, him, himself and I. The Holy Spirit can be lied to (Acts 5:3,5) and grieved (Ephesians 4:30) – something that cannot be true of impersonal forces.

How can we know the Spirit is divine?

Acts 5 gives one of the clearest proof-texts. In two parallel statements Ananias is said to lie to the “Holy Spirit” and to “God” (Acts 5:3,5). The Holy Spirit is also included in a number of important ‘triads’. For example, disciples are to be baptized into the name (singular) of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). Similarly in 2 Corinthians a blessing comes from God, which includes the love of God the Father, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14).

How do we reconcile God the Son’s will to give his life on the cross and his apparent struggle in Gethsemane?

This is a tricky question, and probably needs to be answered along the lines of God the Son/Jesus having two separate wills. A fuller explanation can be found here. The key point, however, is that the human nature of Jesus was tempted to disobey God, yet he ultimately submitted to the Father’s will in a way that the first Adam didn’t.

What are some of the heresies to avoid regarding the Godhead?

Modalism: God exists in different modes at different times, but should not be Understood as three distinct persons. Tritheism: there are three separate gods, who all share the same Godhood. Arianism: God the Son was a created being and thus not full divine. Macedonianism: the Holy Spirit is a created being, and thus not God. Partialism: the teaching that each person of the Trinity is only a part of God, and that each person only becomes fully God when they join with the others.

What were some of the key landmarks in church history regarding the Trinity?

At the Council of Nicaea (AD 325), bishops affirmed the full deity of God the Son. This was being challenged by a bishop named Arius. The Council of Constantinople (AD 381) agreed that the Bible taught the deity of the Holy Spirit. A fellow named Macedonius had been calling this into question.

(Questions from: https://greenviewchurch.co.uk/tricky-trinity-questions)

Videos on the Trinity

Rob Bowman: The Trouble with the Trinity (FAF 2015) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM7lhFwbBNU Robert M. Bowman, Jr. Did the Early Church Make Jesus into a God? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olN438NUZAw Lee Strobel: The Case for a Creator - Full Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajqH4y8G0MI&t=45s Is Jesus God? A Debate Between Greg Stafford and Robert M. Bowman, Jr. (2003) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZANH6R8yml8 Understanding the Trinity Doctrine | Nabeel Qureshi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ib2ffq3-NA How to explain The Trinity. Father, Son, Holy Spirit are one God - Nabeel Qureshi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL2q_Mg-D58

Links to helpful websites:

“Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible
(The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles,
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Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
ESV Text Edition: 2016