The Trinity: An Inherently Relational GodSample

Now that we have examined some of the Scriptural evidence for the Trinity as a whole, let’s pivot directions and look at each Person as an Individual; listing some of their Characteristics within Scripture, and what that has to say about their Uniqueness as well as their Unity; starting with God the Father:

GOD THE FATHER

• Is a Father
• Is One with the Son, and sent the Son (John 17:21)
• Gave the Son Glory (John 17:22)
• Grants the Son Life in Himself (John 5:26)
• Loves the world (John 3:16)
• Knows things that the Son does not (Mark 13:32)
• Is greater than the Son (John 14:28)
• Created the Heavens and the Earth (Genesis 1:1)
• Sends the Holy Spirit (John 14:25-26)
• Put everything under Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 27)
• Is Unchanging (Malachi 3:6)
• Is everywhere (Jeremiah 23:23-24)
• Is Loving (1 John 4:7-8)
• Is Compassionate (Psalm 103:8)
• Is full of Mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5)
• Is Sovereign (Psalm 103:19)

It’s important to note that this is by no means an exhaustive list (none of them are), but it does begin to paint a picture of what makes God the Father a Unique Person within the Trinity. Let’s move on to Jesus.

JESUS

• Is less than the Father (John 14:28)
• Is One with the Father (John 10:30)
• Is less than Himself in taking on the form of a man (Philippians 2:7)
• Performed miracles in the Spirit (Matthew 12:28)
• Made all things (John 1:3)
• Was born of a woman and under the Law and as a servant (Galatians 4:4)
• Came to do the Will of the Father (John 6:38)
• Is the True God (1 John 10:20)
• Was obedient to God (Phil 2:8)
• Doesn’t know everything that the Father does (Mark 13:32)
• Was there at the beginning (John 14:24)
• Has all things the Father has (John 16:15)

Now, this may seem like an odd and somewhat confusing list, and it will probably bring up a lot of questions such as, "How is it possible for Jesus to be both under God and equal to God? One with the Father and less than the Father? How can He be One with the Father and yet not know everything He does, and how was He both there at Creation, as well as made of woman and under the Law?" These are all great questions and speak to both the Unique and the United Elements of the Trinity.

For some semblance of clarity, let's say this about Jesus: In the form of a servant (as a human man), Jesus was less than the Father. But in the form of God (before He was man) He is equal to the Father. As equal to God in Him all things were made, but in the form of a servant He was born of a woman.

Alright, third, and finally let’s take a look at the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit and what does He do?

HOLY SPIRIT

• Speaks and sends (Acts 13:2,4)
• Speaks for and through people (Mark 13:11)
• Chooses (Acts 20:28)
• Teaches (Jn 14:26)
• Gives (Is 63:14)
• Can be lied to and tested (Acts 5:3, 9)
• Can be resisted (Acts 7:51)
• Caused the Conception of Jesus within Mary (Luke 1:35)
• Descended upon Jesus (Mt 3:16-17)
• Can be grieved (Eph 4:30) and blasphemed (Mt 12:31).
• Drove Jesus into the wilderness (Mark 1:12)
• Has Power (Luke 4:14)
• Is called “the Promise of my Father” (Luke 24:49)
• Fills (Acts 4:8, 4:31, 6:3, 7:55)
• Tells people what to do (Acts 8:29)
• Transports people (Acts 8:39)
• Interprets dreams (Acts 10:19)
• Forbids (Acts 16:6)
• Enabled Jesus to do miracles (Matthew 12:28)
• Was present at Creation (Genesis 1:1)

Again, this is not an exhaustive list, but it does begin to give us some semblance of an understanding of who the Holy Spirit is. When Jesus ascended into Heaven, the Holy Spirit took over Jesus’s Advocacy for the Father’s Cause. The Holy Spirit is a kind of Light who is seen only through whom He illuminates, which is the Father through the Son.

Now, hopefully, by looking at these lists you have seen that the Three Persons in the Trinity are Unique, that they are not identical to One Another, and that there are things about each Member of the Trinity that sets them apart from the Others.

For example, God the Father spoke to Moses, Jesus alone was human flesh, and the Spirit alone came like a dove. Therefore, the Father does some things, the Son other things, and the Holy Spirit other things still. They do have different Characteristics and different Roles. However, of course, within these lists there is also tremendous amounts of overlap as well – and that is kind of the point, and a lot of the mystery.

Although completely Unique, the Trinity is also simultaneously Completely United, an Incredible and Beautiful Mystery that unpacks itself within Scripture. It is this exact Relationship that we are looking at within this series.

To finish up today’s study, spend some time thinking through or journaling answers to the following questions:

Describe your relationship with each individual Member of the Trinity.

Which member of the Trinity do you have the hardest time understanding, or relating to? Why do you think this is?

Jesus was both fully God and fully human. What does this mean to you, and what impact does this have on your life?

Read through the list of who the Holy Spirit is, and what He does. What evidence do you see of this in your own life?