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god campus connection

understanding the Trinity BIBLE STUDIES YOU CAN USE • BY MARIA NUGUID
1 Father
by Michael Cummings

Read and study micah
problem: This analogy breaks down 6:6-8.
from the beginning, because each circle
is never really in the whole. Also, if they The gIsT:
are taken apart, they are separate and How caN people tell you’re
have nothing that connects them back related to someone? By the obvious
to the original symbol. resemblance. More than your
words, people will know you are
the arm analogy: God’s child if you act like Him.
This analogy emphasizes three parts
of the arm: the shoulder, the elbow, FaCe TIme:
and the hand. All of these different • read Micah 6:6a. Do you ever
parts function as a part of the whole get confused over what God
arm, but each has different task to wants of you? Why?
complete. • Micah reminds us of what God The TrINITy. Personal Bible study should be a part of your Christian life, no
requires in verse 8. List the doubt. But there’s also something to be said for talking about God’s Word with
problem: If you take an elbow out of things he said God requires. other believers. Maybe you’re part of a small group Bible study at your church,
the arm, the function of the arm is ham- • What does it mean to act justly? meet with a few Christian friends before school, or are involved in a Christian
pered. Also, the elbow in and of itself What does that look like today? club at school. Think about using this month’s devotion themes to guide your
is not an arm; it is simply a part from • What are some examples of study and discussion. We’ve provided some talking points and questions to
the arm. And once again, there is not loving faithfulness? guide your discussion or help you lead a devotion time.
interpersonal relationship between the • What does it mean to “walk
different parts of the arm. humbly” with God? How can we • read Matthew 16:15-16. If you
strive to do that today? 2 His Father’s were Peter, how would you
© istockPhoto / denise bentley This analogy emphasizes three parts things for God. Micah’s list, how- Read and study colossians 1:13-23; • In Colossians 1:21-23, we see the
the tree analogy:
answer? Why?
• We dream of achieving big
Son
need to continue in the faith.
of the tree: the roots, the trunk, and
ever, is very practical. Which is
the branches. All of these parts are
What does this entail?
harder to fulfill: big things or
said to make up the whole tree, and
the day-to-day practical things?
matthew 16:15-16.
maKINg IT persONal:
all have different functions within the
• God wants a heart response
tree.
from us—not just a material
rings true today. Jesus is ultimately
offering. Why? The gIsT: Peter’s admission of long ago still
problem: These different parts have wHy HaS JeSuS’ reputation taken more than who the world thinks He
the trinity is by no means an between the three could not happen a similar problem with all of the previ- maKINg IT persONal: such a beating? Is He actually just is. He isn’t just a good teacher or a
easy concept to understand. unless the individual liked talking to ous examples. They are only a part of When we truly know God, our a prophet or a good man from long prophet who taught some worth-
that’s why believers have himself. the tree, and, when separated from the hearts are changed to be like His. ago? The Bible says Jesus is the while truths. He is the Christ, the
employed various analogies tree, they are not considered a tree. The evidence will be there: we exalted Son of God, and the only Messiah, God in the flesh who calls
throughout the years as they three-leaf clover analogy: And yet again, we see the lack of the spend time in His Word; we value One who can make an eternal us to a new way of life. We will know
attempt to wrap their brains A three-leaf clover has three parts, interpersonal and complex personality what He values; we act accordingly. difference in our lives. the awesome reality of His glorious
around the concept of a god but it is only one clover. relationship contained in the Trinity. It’s important to note that Micah’s presence when He returns. For now,
who is three-in-one. So let’s list is concerned with our daily FaCe TIme: He wants us to get busy introduc-
take some time to consider a problem: Each leaf is only part of the conclusion: walk with God. • Colossians 1:13 sums up what ing Him to our friends. He wants to
few of those analogies and dis- clover, and, if taken apart, each part There are no perfect analogies that In your small group, list every- Christ did. Are you one of those touch their lives the same way He
cuss their limitations. does not represent the whole clover. can be used to represent the complex, day ways you can apply Micah’s list. who has been rescued and touched yours.
Also, the clover is impersonal and does amazing, and indescribable God we Pray together for opportunities to transferred? explain. Encourage your small group to
the one-person analogy: not have the complex personality inter- serve. The analogies we’ve listed are all do these. Realize that God honors • Why is it important that Christ share Jesus with a friend this week.
One person takes on many different action found in the Trinity. imperfect because we can’t describe a the obedience that prompts your was involved in creation? Discuss ways you can do this.
roles throughout their lifetime such as God we can’t fully understand. To me actions, and He will continue to • What does the passage in Colos- Remind yourselves of how Jesus
father, son, and husband. the three interlacing circles this isn’t a disappointment. If we could provide you with ways to glorify sians teach you about Christ’s called you into relationship with
analogy: explain the great God we serve with Him. divinity? Him and discuss how God is work-
problem: Although the different We have all seen this symbol for the words found through human wisdom, • Colossians 1:15-20 lays out who ing in your life today. Pray together,
roles are covered here, the interaction trinity. just how big of a God would He be? ec Jesus is and what He did. Which thanking Jesus for His sacrifice and
action means the most to you? continued presence in your lives.
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