24-0512a - Detailed Summary

The speaker acknowledges it’s his turn to preach, focusing on elementary teachings about faith in God.

He notes the challenge of preparing differently for this sermon, focusing on understanding God.

The speaker references an article from Apologetics Press on the Trinity, noting the academic credentials of the writers and the complexity of their language.

He plans to use material from Apologetics Press but will adapt it for clarity, despite the original requirement to present it verbatim.

He explains his approach to simplify the material for better understanding by the congregation.

Encourages visiting the Apologetics Press website for more articles.

Praises the organization’s defense of creation against evolution.

Describes the articles as effectively dismantling the theory of evolution.

Welcomes visitors and sets the stage for discussing the Trinity.

Clarifies that "Lord" in all capitals refers to Yahweh, criticizing translators for obscuring this.

Discusses the term 'Elohim' indicating the plurality of God, hinting at the Trinity.

Interprets the Shema from Deuteronomy to illustrate the Trinity.

Discusses the complexity of understanding the Trinity’s oneness.

Encourages the congregation to engage with scripture, either by reading along or listening.

Explains his method of including scripture directly in the sermon for ease of understanding.

Announces a two-part lesson on the Holy Trinity.

Summarizes past lessons focusing on Jesus, the Son of God, and His various appearances in scripture.

Describes the unity of the Trinity in various aspects like power, purpose, and being.

Introduces how the Holy Spirit aids in understanding scripture.

Quotes and explains Paul’s teaching on divine revelation through the Holy Spirit.

Discusses the spiritual discernment needed to understand God’s truths.

Highlights the importance of baptism in receiving the Holy Spirit.

States that the Holy Spirit helps believers understand scripture.

Notes that without faith and baptism, one might see scripture as foolishness.

Encourages continuous study of scripture for deeper understanding.

Relates scripture study to being transformed into Christ’s image.

Affirms that all scripture is inspired by God, quoting 2 Timothy.

Uses 2 Peter to reinforce that scripture is divine, not of human origin.

Discusses how prophecy was conveyed through men by the Holy Spirit.

Reiterates that scripture is God’s revelation, not man’s interpretation.

Emphasizes scripture as the only way to know God’s thoughts and will.

Mentions how all three persons of the Trinity were involved in giving us scripture.

Connects the Trinity’s unity in creation and scripture.

Concludes that understanding the Trinity deepens faith, comparing it to consuming milk versus solid food in spiritual growth.

The speaker likens spiritual growth to a child’s development from milk to meat.

Encourages deeper exploration into scriptural topics, comparing it to progressing from milk to meat in understanding.

Acknowledges that many understand the Trinity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit but often do not delve further.

Describes the basic understanding of the Trinity as recognizing the three-in-one nature but not exploring it deeply.

Advocates for a more in-depth study to understand the roles and nature of each person in the Trinity.

Recognizes the supernatural relationship within the Trinity as beyond complete human understanding, advising against dogmatism.

Urges an open-minded approach to studying the Trinity, trusting that God will reveal His nature.

Introduces an article by Donnie DeBoard, a PhD in theology specializing in the Trinity, using the ESV for scripture references.

Provides further information about DeBoard, mentioning his role at Breed-Harteman University.

Notes the use of the ESV for scriptural quotes in DeBoard’s article, as part of the agreement for using external material.

Discusses common misunderstandings or neglect of the Trinity doctrine, citing Fred Sanders for perspective.

Highlights scripture showing the involvement of all three persons of the Trinity in the Christian life, emphasizing its relevance.

Points out that the Trinity, often seen as irrelevant, is actually central to Christian life and joy.

Relates the worship of the Trinity to the cherubim’s praise in Revelation, suggesting a deeper worship through understanding.

Explains doxologies in Christian worship, focusing on the glory of God rather than His actions, citing Giles Emery.

Quotes Augustine on the joy of enjoying God in His Trinitarian nature, in whose image humans are made.

Attempts to simplify the concept of the Trinity, using John Frame’s explanation of "substance" or "Godness."

Emphasizes the unity of God despite the three persons, acknowledging the mystery.

States the necessity to first understand God’s oneness to appreciate His threeness.

Quotes various scriptures from the Old and New Testament affirming there is only one God.

Recalls the commandment against other gods, emphasizing monotheistic devotion.

Defines substance in a theological context, warning against the idea of three separate divine substances leading to polytheism.

Uses John’s Gospel to illustrate the eternal sharing of divine nature among the Trinity.

Argues that God’s nature is indivisible, rejecting the idea of parts or composition in the divine essence.

Clarifies that each person of the Trinity is referred to as "Lord" or "Yahweh" in scripture.

Discusses the significance of the name "Yahweh," linked to God’s self-existence, uniqueness, and faithfulness.

Cites New Testament examples showing the Father, Son, and Spirit are all called "Lord."

Interprets Matthew 28:19 to emphasize the singular name shared by the Trinity, reinforcing monotheism.

Introduces and critiques Social Trinitarianism, which posits three distinct divine beings rather than one substance.

Further details the concept of Social Trinitarianism, which views the Trinity as a society or team, contrasting it with the traditional view of one substance shared by three persons.

Explains that in Social Trinitarianism, each person of the Trinity possesses their own divine substance.

Highlights the problem of potentially viewing the Trinity as three separate gods, akin to humans sharing a nature but with individual wills.

Argues that Social Trinitarianism might lead to polytheism by suggesting each person has a distinct will and being.

Reaffirms that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share one undivided substance, thus sharing attributes like honor, authority, and eternity.

Poses why there is a Trinity if God is one, referencing John 1:1 to underline the shared divinity.

Notes that while God’s oneness is clear, His threeness is revealed through scriptural events, particularly through the acts of redemption involving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Introduces an invitation for those feeling moved by the Trinity’s work to respond, explaining the roles of each person of the Trinity in salvation.

Describes how the Trinity works together in the process of redemption, with Jesus' sacrifice, the Father’s drawing through His Word, and the Spirit’s conviction.

Calls for those interested to come forward for baptism, offering assistance to those in need.