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Understanding the Trinity
by Michael Cummings
The Trinity is by no means an
easy concept to understand.
That’s why believers have
employed various analogies
throughout the years as they
attempt to wrap their brains
around the concept of a God
who is Three-in-One. So let’s
take some time to consider a
few of those analogies and discuss
their limitations.
The one-person analogy:
One person takes on many different
roles throughout their lifetime such as
father, son, and husband.
Problem: Although the different
roles are covered here, the interaction
between the three could not happen
unless the individual liked talking to
himself.
Three-leaf clover analogy:
A three-leaf clover has three parts,
but it is only one clover.
Problem: Each leaf is only part of the
clover, and, if taken apart, each part
does not represent the whole clover.
Also, the clover is impersonal and does
not have the complex personality interaction
found in the Trinity.
The three interlacing circles
analogy:
We have all seen this symbol for the
trinity.
© istockphoto / Denise Bentley
Problem: This analogy breaks down
from the beginning, because each circle
is never really in the whole. Also, if they
are taken apart, they are separate and
have nothing that connects them back
to the original symbol.
The arm analogy:
This analogy emphasizes three parts
of the arm: the shoulder, the elbow,
and the hand. All of these different
parts function as a part of the whole
arm, but each has different task to
complete.
Problem: If you take an elbow out of
the arm, the function of the arm is hampered.
Also, the elbow in and of itself
is not an arm; it is simply a part from
the arm. And once again, there is not
interpersonal relationship between the
different parts of the arm.
The tree analogy:
This analogy emphasizes three parts
of the tree: the roots, the trunk, and
the branches. All of these parts are
said to make up the whole tree, and
all have different functions within the
tree.
Problem: These different parts have
a similar problem with all of the previous
examples. They are only a part of
the tree, and, when separated from the
tree, they are not considered a tree.
And yet again, we see the lack of the
interpersonal and complex personality
relationship contained in the Trinity.
Conclusion:
There are no perfect analogies that
can be used to represent the complex,
amazing, and indescribable God we
serve. The analogies we’ve listed are all
imperfect because we can’t describe a
God we can’t fully understand. To me
this isn’t a disappointment. If we could
explain the great God we serve with
words found through human wisdom,
just how big of a God would He be? ec
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Father
Read and study Micah
6:6-8.
The gist:
How can people tell you’re
related to someone? By the obvious
resemblance. More than your
words, people will know you are
God’s child if you act like Him.
Face Time:
• Read Micah 6:6a. Do you ever
get confused over what God
wants of you? Why?
• Micah reminds us of what God
requires in verse 8. List the
things he said God requires.
• What does it mean to act justly?
What does that look like today?
• What are some examples of
loving faithfulness?
• What does it mean to “walk
humbly” with God? How can we
strive to do that today?
• We dream of achieving big
things for God. Micah’s list, however,
is very practical. Which is
harder to fulfill: big things or
the day-to-day practical things?
• God wants a heart response
from us—not just a material
offering. Why?
Making it personal:
When we truly know God, our
hearts are changed to be like His.
The evidence will be there: we
spend time in His Word; we value
what He values; we act accordingly.
It’s important to note that Micah’s
list is concerned with our daily
walk with God.
In your small group, list everyday
ways you can apply Micah’s list.
Pray together for opportunities to
do these. Realize that God honors
the obedience that prompts your
actions, and He will continue to
provide you with ways to glorify
Him.
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god campus connection
Bible Studies You Can Use • By Maria Nuguid
The Trinity. Personal Bible study should be a part of your Christian life, no
doubt. But there’s also something to be said for talking about God’s Word with
other believers. Maybe you’re part of a small group Bible study at your church,
meet with a few Christian friends before school, or are involved in a Christian
club at school. Think about using this month’s devotion themes to guide your
study and discussion. We’ve provided some talking points and questions to
guide your discussion or help you lead a devotion time.
His Father’s
Son
Read and study Colossians 1:13-23;
Matthew 16:15-16.
The gist:
Why has Jesus’ reputation taken
such a beating? Is He actually just
a prophet or a good man from long
ago? The Bible says Jesus is the
exalted Son of God, and the only
One who can make an eternal
difference in our lives.
Face Time:
• Colossians 1:13 sums up what
Christ did. Are you one of those
who has been rescued and
transferred? Explain.
• Why is it important that Christ
was involved in creation?
• What does the passage in Colossians
teach you about Christ’s
divinity?
• Colossians 1:15-20 lays out who
Jesus is and what He did. Which
action means the most to you?
• Read Matthew 16:15-16. If you
were Peter, how would you
answer? Why?
• In Colossians 1:21-23, we see the
need to continue in the faith.
What does this entail?
Making it personal:
Peter’s admission of long ago still
rings true today. Jesus is ultimately
more than who the world thinks He
is. He isn’t just a good teacher or a
prophet who taught some worthwhile
truths. He is the Christ, the
Messiah, God in the flesh who calls
us to a new way of life. We will know
the awesome reality of His glorious
presence when He returns. For now,
He wants us to get busy introducing
Him to our friends. He wants to
touch their lives the same way He
touched yours.
Encourage your small group to
share Jesus with a friend this week.
Discuss ways you can do this.
Remind yourselves of how Jesus
called you into relationship with
Him and discuss how God is working
in your life today. Pray together,
thanking Jesus for His sacrifice and
continued presence in your lives.
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