The Foundation of the Life of the Church
Let the love of the Trinity reshape how you see the Church and your place in it.
Welcome back to our Transformational Theology video series about the triunity of God. Check out the corresponding book here, as well as more transformational designs.
The self-giving love of the Trinity is the very foundation of the Church.
The eternal love and fellowship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is not only something to admire, it’s something we are called to embody. The unity and diversity within the being of God is beautifully mirrored in the unity and diversity of the Church.
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12)
“There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit… and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord… and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” (1 Corinthians 12:4–6)
As we love one another, we reflect the love the Father has for the Son and the Spirit. As we serve one another, we join in the pattern of mutual giving seen in the Trinity. As we honor and prefer one another, we echo the eternal joy of God glorifying God within Himself.
“…that they may be one even as we are one.” (John 17:22)
What a beautiful picture of Church life! Not uniformity, but unity in diversity, shaped by the very life of the Triune God.
How does this transform us?
The triune God eternally exists as a unity. As His Church, Jesus prayed that we would live in unity as God does (John 17:11). Union with Him is the source of our unity in the Church.
With a friend or group of friends, study Ephesians 4:1-16. Paul is calling the Ephesians to “life a life worthy of the calling [they] have received” (v. 1). In doing so, he describes what unity in the Church looks like.
What characteristics of unity in the Church do you see in this passage?
Where do you see these characteristics of unity at work in your own church life? Celebrate them!
Discuss how the diversity of your church family has created opportunities for God to work. How have these differences made you stronger? What are ways you can encourage and empower those with different giftings, perspectives, and personalities in your church?
Now, discuss Galatians 5:13-26. In this passage, Paul is exhorting the Galatians to “serve one another humbly in love,” and does so by contrasting walking by the Spirit with gratifying the desires of the flesh.
What things does Paul say damage our ability to love one another and live in unity?
Is there any place in your church where you see the desires of the flesh at work instead of the fruit of the Spirit?
What will you do next?
Then together, go before God. Seek His face! Praise Him for His greatness and power and love, and that through the blood of Christ you can have fellowship with Him. Ask Him to bring about mighty transformation in your churches, and that it would start in your own hearts.
Share your insights in the comments!
