Confessing the Faith Pt 5 God and the Holy Trinity

(Read) Isaiah 44:6-8.

Pray

(Introduction) So last week we wrapped up our study on chapter 1 which dealt with “Holy Scripture.” Today we will be studying chapter paragraph 1. I will suggest for this chapter, if you want additional study on the topic of God or the Trinity itself, I would suggest you purchase a copy of “The forgotten Trinity” by Dr James White. I was actually sad because during my study for today, I look for my copy and couldn’t find it unfortunately.

(Question)However, before we jump into our study for today, What were some of the major take away that you recall from the previous chapter?

The Holy Scriptures are foundational for our theological house. And tonight we are going to start our construction of our theological house upon that foundation of scripture. So from our previous studies, when we talk about God, where must we argue from? — Scripture. If we are arguing from Scripture correctly, do you think that any of our idea will be “new or novel”? — No, they will not be. So in our confession, chapter 2 lays out the orthodox position according to scripture and that has been confession by the church at large since the beginning. However, I think we should discuss some heresies that are not orthodox to start with.

(exercise) So tonight we have a fun little exercise call “Name that heresy” So on the left you will see photos and on the right we have differing heresies with their respected definition. So let’s first define the heresies and then I’ll give you analogies and we will see if you can put the right term to the respective illustration.

Modalism-teaches that there is one god who exists in 3 different modes (Hat Illustration & father illustration & water, ice, steam)

Arianism- This teaches that Jesus and the Spirit are not fully God but are a creation of the God. (Sun with light and heat analogy)

Tritheism- Teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate gods rather than one God in three persons (three circles)

Partialism (Patrick)- teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each parts of God rather than each being fully God (3 leaf clover & apple)

Open theism- teaches that god does not know the future and therefore is learning what comes to pass (question marks)

Pantheisim- Teaches that god is identical to creation and not distinct from it. (cat, rock, tree all claiming to be god)

Polytheism- multiple gods (clouds with several stick figures)

Henotheism (Mormonism)- there exists multiple gods, but only one we worship though there are several more who are equal in power.( stick figure with circle around one)

Let’s go read Romans 1:18-25.

What do we see from this text?

What do each of these heresies have in common?-false god, deviation from the bible, and also something that man can understand (they put God in a box)

(question) can we put God into a box of our own understanding? NO! therefore when we see someone giving analogy of who God is, what will we be doing? trying to use creation to demonstrate that which is uncreatable, who is the creator Himself, and therefore our reasoning, if not biblical, will always be false.

(example) here is a practical example of this? one attribute of God is that God is love. We can say that God is love which is true, but can you wrap you head completely around that concept? NO, You nor I can wrap our minds around how our holy God completely loving in our redemption. But must we confess that? YES! because scripture confesses it as so.

Confession

let’s go ahead and read chapter 2 paragraph 1.(Read)

What are some of the attributues that the confession lays out about our God?—Immutability— Singularity— Independence— Incomprehensibility— Pure Spirit— infinite— Wise— Free— absolute (Necessary)— Sovereignty(what is His extent? What is its rule?and what is its goal?— gracious— loving— merciful— Patient — good— truth— just— terrifying— hates sin— and will hold accountable.

Let’s read some scripture:

1 Cor. 8:4, 1 Timothy 1:17, Psalm 90:2, Jeremiah 10:10, Deuteronomy 6:4, 1 Kings 8:27, Isaiah 46:10, Nehemiah 9:32-33, Exodus 34:1-9, Romans 11:36.(stay here in Romans)

Conclusion

So I want to ask some questions for you today: How many gods are there?— 1. How do we know this?— Scripture. How is he described in scripture?— loving, just, immutable, etc… can you and I ever know the full extend of these attributes? —No, we can confession them but you and I can not wrap our minds truly around the immensity of our God. Is our God worthy? — Yes, emphatically He is. Does this this confession thus far teach God and the doctrine concerning Him correctly? — Yes, it does and fits with all the other creeds and orthodoxy positions before it. What does this study tonight cause in you?— Worship, love, adoration to God, etc…

Read again Romans 11:33-36.

Pray