Our Triune God | Part II

Introduction

Summarize:

In the unification of the Jew and Gentile, we see the fullness of the Triune God revealed

The Trinity teaches us about the character of God

The character of God teaches us how we are obedient to God

The Trinity gives us a model to understand other parts of the Christian life.

Last week we saw evidence of the Trinity causing impact in our

Understanding of creation

The trinity teaches us that all aspects of God are present in creation.

Creation of the world

Creation of us

Understanding of marriage

The trinity teaches us to maintain our marriages with subordinate equality.

The proper marriage reveals truths about the functional subordination present in marriage.

Ephesians 5:32-33 “32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

Exposition

Ephesians 2:17–18 ESV

17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Author: Paul

Audience: All the Saints

Content: Jesus evangelized peace with God to us, the Spirit is given, and we can now approach the throne of the Father.

Context: The whole passage is dealing with the unity of the Jew and Gentile in Christ

Comparison: Acts 10:34-43, Peter preaches the Gospel to the Gentiles,

Explanation of the text

Ephesians 2:17 ESV

17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.

He - Jesus

Preached peace - lit. evangelized peace

far off (Gentile), near (Jew)

Ephesians 2:18 ESV

18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

The Trinity is on display

Through Jesus

In the Spirit

Before the Father

Application

We are trinitarian in our churches

It is not my intent to respond to any of the conversations I have had with church members from the pulpit, but instead to show what it is the scriptures teach about church polity.

Illustration: Alone and wanting to give up.

Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders.

Titus 1:5 ESV

5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—

Elders are equal, though there is often a first-among-equals. (1 Tim 5:17 “17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” ) (First among equals: Peter in the 12, James in Jerusalem)

Elders hold one another accountable. (Ga 2:11 “11 But when Cephas [Peter] came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.” )

Why do pastors fail? A lack of accountability. Think of pastors who failed in: Sexual Immorality, Failed Marriages, Misuse of church funds, Abuse of the church members, etc.

Elders as equals fosters a diversity of gifts

Placing a single pastor over an eldership is not a model found in scripture.

As the trinity is three separate entities with no part that is “less-God”, the eldership of the church is meant to be a council of equals with an internal “order.”

We are trinitarian in our missions

Isaiah 6:8 ESV

8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

2 Thessalonians 3:1 ESV

1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,

The Word - Son

The Lord - Father

The Honoring - Spirit

We are trinitarian in our salvation

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Created by the Father

Preached peace by the Son

Sealed by the Spirit

Ephesians 2:18 ESV

18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.