One God in Three Persons: Living in the Power of the Trinity
Statement of Faith: “The Trinity – We believe that the Godhead exists co-equally and co-eternally in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and that these three are one God, sovereign in creation, providence and redemption.”
Introduction: The Mystery That Transforms
Have you ever stood before a vast, breathtaking mountain range, feeling small, yet somehow connected to something far greater than yourself? That awe—mixed with humility—is the proper response to the God revealed in Scripture.
Today, we delve into the Trinity, the profound truth that God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—co-equal, co-eternal, and one in essence. It is a mystery that our finite minds cannot fully grasp, yet a truth that transforms discipleship, prayer, and everyday life. Understanding the Trinity is not merely an academic exercise—it is the key to living fully in God’s presence, empowered by His Spirit, and anchored in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I. The Triune God in Scripture
Matthew 28:19 (NLT): “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Here, Jesus gives His final marching orders to His disciples. The Greek word for “name” (onoma) is singular, indicating that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share one divine essence. This is the clearest scriptural affirmation of the co-equality and unity of the Godhead.
The Trinity is not three gods, but one God in three persons. The Father initiates creation and redemption, the Son accomplishes redemption on the cross, and the Holy Spirit applies salvation in our hearts. Their roles are distinct but perfectly unified.
John Piper said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
Understanding the Trinity deepens our satisfaction because it reveals God’s perfect harmony, love, and relational nature—a harmony we are invited to enter through Christ.
Every prayer and act of worship should recognise all three persons of the Trinity. When we pray to the Father, in the name of the Son, and through the power of the Spirit, we are participating in the eternal life and love of God Himself.
II. The Father: Creator and Sovereign
Genesis 1:1 (NLT): “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
The Hebrew word for “God” here is Elohim, a plural noun, subtly hinting at the multiplicity within God, though always used with singular verbs, affirming unity. The Father is sovereign over creation, initiating the cosmos with purpose and order.
Illustration:
Imagine an architect who not only designs a building but also constructs it, provides the resources, and sustains its function. That is the Father’s role in creation—sovereign, loving, and purposeful.
Charles Stanley wrote, “God’s sovereignty is the foundation for our peace, for we are never outside His plan or care.”
Trusting the Father’s sovereignty in our careers, families, and daily choices allows us to rest in His providence rather than being anxious or reactive.
III. The Son: Redeemer and Lord
John 1:14 (NLT): “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son."
John 1:14 describes the incarnation: “The Word became human and made his home among us.” The Greek term Logos (Word) emphasizes that Jesus is not merely a human teacher; He is the pre-existent, divine Son of God. He reveals the Father perfectly and accomplishes our redemption through His life, death, and resurrection.
The phrase “full of unfailing love and faithfulness” underscores the Greek pistis, often translated as faithfulness or steadfast loyalty, showing that Jesus embodies God’s covenantal faithfulness in action.
Illustration:
Consider a lifeguard diving into stormy waters to save someone who cannot swim. Jesus enters our turbulent world, fully human, fully divine, to rescue us from sin and death.
Tim Keller wrote, “The greatness of the Gospel is that God became one of us to redeem us and bring us into eternal fellowship with Him.”
This reminds us that Christ’s work is both personal and cosmic, reaching into the depths of our lives while sustaining all creation.
For modern disciples, recognising Jesus as Lord and Redeemer transforms obedience from duty into delight. When we live under His lordship, daily choices—work ethics, relationships, finances—become acts of worship.
IV. The Holy Spirit: Sustainer and Empowerer
Acts 1:8 (NLT): “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Here, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, whose Greek term Parakletos (translated as Helper, Advocate, or Comforter) signifies one who comes alongside to strengthen, guide, and empower. The Spirit is not an impersonal force but the third person of the Trinity, fully God, co-eternal with the Father and Son.
The Spirit equips believers for witness and obedience, applying Christ’s redemption to our lives. The word “power” (dynamis) implies supernatural strength, not human effort, enabling us to live out God’s will in a hostile world.
Illustration:
Imagine an electrical system: the wiring alone cannot light a house. Only when electricity flows does the home shine. Similarly, without the Spirit’s power, discipleship remains cold and ineffective. With Him, our witness illuminates the darkness.
R.T. Kendall stated, “The Spirit of God is the one who makes Christ alive in our hearts and our ministries effective.”
This reminds us that Christian life is never merely moral effort; it is Spirit-empowered transformation.
Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your daily decisions. Seek His counsel in prayer, allow Him to convict of sin, and empower your witness at work, home, and in your community. A Spirit-filled life is marked by courage, love, and consistent obedience.
V. Illustrative Stories of the Trinity in Action
The Symphony Analogy:
A symphony orchestra has many instruments, each unique, yet all playing under one score, directed by one conductor. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct, yet unified in perfect harmony. The Christian life becomes a symphony when we follow the guidance of each Person of the Trinity in obedience and worship.
The Lifeboat Analogy:
A crew in a lifeboat faces a violent storm. One member steers (Father), another navigates (Son), and another rows (Spirit). Alone, none can survive; together, they triumph. In discipleship, recognising the distinct roles of the Trinity equips us to face spiritual challenges, empowered by God Himself.
VI. The Gospel and the Trinity
The Trinity is central to understanding salvation:
Father: Plans redemption
Ephesians 1:3–5 (NLT): "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure."
Son: Accomplishes redemption through death and resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NLT): "I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said."
Holy Spirit: Applies redemption in our hearts, producing faith and obedience
Romans 8:9–11 (NLT): "But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you."
Without understanding the Trinity, the Gospel loses depth. God’s love is relational, His plan is intentional, and His power is personal.
Gospel Invitation:
Repent of sin, trust in Jesus Christ, and receive the Spirit’s indwelling power. Believe that Christ died for you, was buried, and rose again. The Trinity works together to bring you salvation and eternal life.
VII. Call to Action and Application
Daily Devotion:
Commit to regular Scripture reading, recognising all three Persons of the Trinity in prayer and meditation.
Obedience:
Allow Christ’s lordship to shape every decision.
Spirit-empowered Witness:
Depend on the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel boldly in the workplace, family, and community.
Illustration:
A disciple relying only on self is like a lamp without oil—flickering and weak. When we surrender to the Triune God, the Spirit fills us, the Son guides us, and the Father sustains us, producing consistent light in the world.
VIII. Practical Benediction
May the Father’s sovereignty guard your heart, may the Son’s love guide your steps, and may the Holy Spirit empower your witness. Go in peace, trusting the Triune God who is one in essence, three in Persons, and infinitely faithful. Walk boldly as a disciple of Jesus, living in the fullness of His grace and power.
