The Trinity (3:13-17)

The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 7: The Trinity)

As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased

1. ‘Trinity’ is not a word found in the Bible

2. The Bible is clear that there is 1 God
* Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 44:8

3. The Bible is clear that the Father is God

4. The Bible is clear that Jesus is God
* He was prophesied as God (Isaiah 9:6)
* He was named ‘Immanuel’ (Matt 1:23)
* He accepted worship (Matt 14:33)
* John called Him God (John 1:1, 14)
* Thomas called Him God (Jn 20:28-29)

5. The Bible is clear that the Spirit is God
* He is spoken of as a Person, not a force
* He is equated with God


Summary: Matthew 3:16-17, Galatians 4:6


How is the concept sometimes distorted?



Why is the Trinity doctrine important?
1. Because it is the truth about God
2. Because it communicates full salvation
3. Because it shows the value of relationship

How are we to understand the Trinity?
* Each of these illustrations has pros & cons

1. Man (father, son, husband)
2. Egg (shell, white, yolk)
3. Water (liquid, solid, gas)
4. Triangle (3 equal sides, 1 shape)
5. Tree (root, trunk, branches)
6. Light (sun, rays, heat)
7. Pendulum (pivot, rod, bob)
8. Lemonade (sugar, water, lemon juice)

Next Week: Temptation (Matthew 4:1-11)