The Father, the Son, and the Spirit – Outline

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The Father, the Son, and the Spirit

- OVERVIEW

This week, we explore the role of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. By studying how they work together, we see how God’s love and mission is revealed through Jesus and how the Holy Spirit continues to teach and guide us today. The Gospel of John gives us a powerful picture of this unity and how it relates to our salvation.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

John 14:26

KJV 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

CEV 26 But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you.

T H T H S W T F W S I M N H W T Y A T A B T Y R A T T I S T Y

- Lesson

In the Gospel of John, we are introduced to the close relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. John shows us that Jesus, the Word, came to reveal the Father and bring us into a relationship with Him. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, who would guide and teach us, continuing the work that Jesus started. Each member of the Godhead plays a vital role in our salvation.

Throughout history, people have tried to understand the nature of the Godhead. While we may not fully comprehend it, the Bible reveals enough for us to trust in God's plan and purpose for our lives.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the nature of the Holy Spirit is a mystery, yet its role is clear. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, leads us to repentance, and reveals Christ to us. Through the Spirit, we are guided into all truth and empowered to live in harmony with God.

- Conclusion

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in perfect harmony to bring about our salvation. Their unity reveals God's love and mission for humanity.

- Reflection

Why is it important to understand the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit show us God’s love?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – The Heavenly Father

- Lesson

Read the following passages:

John 3:16

KJV 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

CEV 16 God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.

John 3:17

KJV 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

CEV 17 God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!

John 6:57

KJV 57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

CEV 57 The living Father sent me, and I have life because of him. Now everyone who eats my flesh will live because of me.

The Father plays an essential role in our salvation, as seen throughout the Gospel of John. He sent His Son, Jesus, to save the world. Jesus consistently emphasized His unity with the Father, showing that everything He did was in line with the Father’s will.

The Father’s love is evident in His deep connection to humanity. He is actively involved in our salvation, and His love for us is so great that He sent His only Son to die for us.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White describes the Father as all the fullness of the Godhead, yet invisible to mortal sight. His love for humanity is so vast that He gave His Son to redeem us. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together to restore us to God’s image and bring us back into a relationship with Him.

- Conclusion

The Father is deeply invested in our salvation. His love for us is shown in His willingness to send His Son to die for our sins.

- Reflection

What does it mean that the Father sent His Son to save the world?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does understanding the Father’s love affect how we live?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – Jesus and the Father

- Lesson

Read Genesis 3:7-9

KJV 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

CEV 7 At once they saw what they had done, and they realized they were naked. Then they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. 8 Late in the afternoon, when the breeze began to blow, the man and woman heard the Lord God walking in the garden. So they hid behind some trees. 9 The Lord God called out to the man and asked, “Where are you?”

; John 1:14-18

KJV 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

CEV 14 The Word became a human being and lived here with us. We saw his true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. From him the complete gifts of undeserved grace and truth have come down to us. 15 John spoke about him and shouted, “This is the one I told you would come! He is greater than I am, because he was alive before I was born.” 16 Because of all that the Son is, we have been given one blessing after another. 17 The Law was given by Moses, but Jesus Christ brought us undeserved kindness and truth. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is truly God and is closest to the Father, has shown us what God is like.

. When sin entered the world, it caused a separation between humanity and God. However, God did not abandon us. Instead, Jesus came to restore the broken relationship between God and humanity. Jesus is the image of the Father, and by knowing Him, we can know the Father.

Jesus came to declare the glory of God and offer salvation to all who accept it. His mission was to bring humanity back to the Father, and through His life and sacrifice, we have the hope of eternal life.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus came to restore in humanity the image of God that had been marred by sin. Through His life and teachings, Jesus revealed the Father and made it possible for us to have a relationship with Him again.

- Conclusion

Jesus came to show us the Father’s love and to bring us back into a relationship with Him.

- Reflection

How did sin disrupt our relationship with God, and how did Jesus restore it?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does it mean to know the Father through Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – Knowing the Son Is Knowing the Father

- Lesson

Read John 7:16

KJV 16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

CEV 16 Jesus replied: I am not teaching something I thought up. What I teach comes from the one who sent me.

; John 14:10

KJV 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

CEV 10 Don't you believe that I am one with the Father and that the Father is one with me? What I say isn't said on my own. The Father who lives in me does these things.

,John 14:23

KJV 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

CEV 23 Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them.

. Jesus repeatedly emphasized His close relationship with the Father. Everything He said and did was a reflection of the Father’s will. Jesus’ mission was to reveal the Father to the world and show that He and the Father are united in their love and purpose.

By knowing Jesus, we come to know the Father. Through His words and actions, Jesus gives us a perfect picture of who God is and what His will is for our lives.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus’ life and teachings perfectly reflect the Father’s will. Through communion with God, we can grow in understanding His love and live according to His purpose for our lives.

- Conclusion

By knowing Jesus, we come to know the Father. Jesus’ life shows us how to live according to God’s will.

- Reflection

How does Jesus reveal the Father to us?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we live according to God’s will, as Jesus did?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – The Holy Spirit

- Lesson

Read John 1:10-13

KJV 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

CEV 10 The Word was in the world, but no one knew him, though God had made the world with his Word. 11 He came into his own world, but his own nation did not welcome him. 12 Yet some people accepted him and put their faith in him. So he gave them the right to be the children of God. 13 They were not God's children by nature or because of any human desires. God himself was the one who made them his children.

; John 14:26

KJV 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

CEV 26 But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you.

. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in our conversion and growth as Christians. The Spirit convicts us of sin, guides us into truth, and empowers us to live in harmony with God’s will. Without the Holy Spirit, we would be unable to understand God’s Word or live according to His purpose.

Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to be with us and guide us. The Spirit works in our hearts to help us grow in faith and become more like Jesus.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the Holy Spirit is given to us to guide us into all truth and help us live according to God’s will. The Spirit is a regenerating power that transforms our hearts and minds.

- Conclusion

The Holy Spirit guides us into truth and helps us live according to God’s will.

- Reflection

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us daily?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – The Prayer of Jesus

- Lesson

Read John 17:1-26

KJV 1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

CEV 1 After Jesus had finished speaking to his disciples, he looked up toward heaven and prayed: Father, the time has come for you to bring glory to your Son, in order that he may bring glory to you. 2 And you gave him power over all people, so he would give eternal life to everyone you give him. 3 Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent. 4 I have brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you gave me to do. 5 Now, Father, give me back the glory I had with you before the world was created. 6 You have given me some followers from this world, and I have shown them what you are like. They were yours, but you gave them to me, and they have obeyed you. 7 They know that you gave me everything I have. 8 I told my followers what you told me, and they accepted it. They know I came from you, and they believe you are the one who sent me. 9 I am praying for them, but not for those who belong to this world. My followers belong to you, and I am praying for them. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine, and they will bring glory to me. 11 Holy Father, I am no longer in the world. I am coming to you, but my followers are still in the world. So keep them safe by the power of the name you have given me. Then they will be one with each other, just as you and I are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost, except the one who had to be lost. This happened so that what the Scriptures say would come true. 13 I am on my way to you. But I say these things while I am still in the world, so my followers will have the same complete joy that I do. 14 I have told them your message. But the people of this world hate them, because they don't belong to this world, just as I don't. 15 Father, I don't ask you to take my followers out of the world, but keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They don't belong to this world, and neither do I. 17 Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. 18 I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me. 19 I have given myself completely for their sake, so they may belong completely to the truth. 20 I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. 21 I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me. 22 I have honored my followers in the same way you honored me, in order that they may be one with each other, just as we are one. 23 I am one with them, and you are one with me, so they may become completely one. Then this world's people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want everyone you have given me to be with me, wherever I am. Then they will see the glory you have given me, because you loved me before the world was created. 25 Good Father, the people of this world don't know you. But I know you, and my followers know that you sent me. 26 I told them what you are like, and I will tell them even more. Then the love you have for me will become part of them, and I will be one with them.

. In His final prayer before the crucifixion, Jesus prayed for His disciples and for all believers. He prayed that they would be united in love, just as He is united with the Father. Jesus’ prayer emphasizes the importance of love and unity among His followers.

Jesus also prayed for His followers to be sanctified by the truth, reminding us that love and truth are inseparable. True unity is based on a shared understanding of God’s Word and living according to His will.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White urges us to study John 17

KJV 1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

CEV 1 After Jesus had finished speaking to his disciples, he looked up toward heaven and prayed: Father, the time has come for you to bring glory to your Son, in order that he may bring glory to you. 2 And you gave him power over all people, so he would give eternal life to everyone you give him. 3 Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent. 4 I have brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you gave me to do. 5 Now, Father, give me back the glory I had with you before the world was created. 6 You have given me some followers from this world, and I have shown them what you are like. They were yours, but you gave them to me, and they have obeyed you. 7 They know that you gave me everything I have. 8 I told my followers what you told me, and they accepted it. They know I came from you, and they believe you are the one who sent me. 9 I am praying for them, but not for those who belong to this world. My followers belong to you, and I am praying for them. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine, and they will bring glory to me. 11 Holy Father, I am no longer in the world. I am coming to you, but my followers are still in the world. So keep them safe by the power of the name you have given me. Then they will be one with each other, just as you and I are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost, except the one who had to be lost. This happened so that what the Scriptures say would come true. 13 I am on my way to you. But I say these things while I am still in the world, so my followers will have the same complete joy that I do. 14 I have told them your message. But the people of this world hate them, because they don't belong to this world, just as I don't. 15 Father, I don't ask you to take my followers out of the world, but keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They don't belong to this world, and neither do I. 17 Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. 18 I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me. 19 I have given myself completely for their sake, so they may belong completely to the truth. 20 I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. 21 I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me. 22 I have honored my followers in the same way you honored me, in order that they may be one with each other, just as we are one. 23 I am one with them, and you are one with me, so they may become completely one. Then this world's people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want everyone you have given me to be with me, wherever I am. Then they will see the glory you have given me, because you loved me before the world was created. 25 Good Father, the people of this world don't know you. But I know you, and my followers know that you sent me. 26 I told them what you are like, and I will tell them even more. Then the love you have for me will become part of them, and I will be one with them.

and live out the prayer of Jesus. She emphasizes the importance of unity and love among believers, as well as the need to reflect God’s character in our daily lives.

- Conclusion

Jesus prayed for unity among His followers, based on love and truth. By living according to God’s Word, we can experience the unity that Jesus desires for us.

- Reflection

What does Jesus’ prayer for unity teach us about the importance of love and truth?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we reflect the love and unity that Jesus prayed for in our lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

This week, we studied the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each member of the Godhead plays a crucial role in our salvation. The Father sent His Son to save us, and the Holy Spirit guides us into truth and empowers us to live according to God’s will. Through their work, we are brought into a relationship with God and given the hope of eternal life.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White reminds us that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, guiding us into a deeper understanding of God’s Word and helping us to live according to His will.

- Conclusion

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together to bring about our salvation. By understanding their roles, we can grow in faith and live according to God’s purpose.

- Reflection

What have you learned this week about the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we better understand and appreciate the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

How does understanding the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit strengthen your faith?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why is it important to have a personal relationship with each member of the Godhead?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we better reflect the unity and love that exists within the Godhead in our relationships with others?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

The Father, the Son, and the Spirit

This week, we explored the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each member of the Godhead plays a vital role in our salvation. The Father sent the Son to reveal His love, and the Holy Spirit guides us into truth and helps us live according to God’s will. Through their work, we are brought into a relationship with God and given the hope of eternal life.