Trinitarian Life vs. Idolatry

Dennis Tuuri

Outline: Dear Children, Keep Yourselves From Idols Trinitarianism vs. Idolatry I John 5:20,21 Sermon Notes for October 19, 2003 by Pastor Dennis R. Tuuri 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. Introduction: Rushing the Christmas Season; Costco, Shopping, Thinking of Others, Anticipation of What We Might Receive The High Priority of Avoiding Idolatry 1. Jesus Has Given Us A Knowledge of the True God – v. 20a A. His Triune-ness – Holy, Holy, Holy ‘Jesus Christ, this is the true God’ – “This grand affirmation of the deity of Christ” “a remarkable testimony to the divinity of Christ” 1 Jn. 1:2 with 5:20; John 1:4,18 with 20:28 (Note) B, His Power – Coronation and Crucifixion C. His Self-offering Nature – That Thou My God Has Died For Me Where Is God During the Crucifixion? Philippians 2 Yet Again! Calvin Quote, 2 Cor. 4:6 (Note) 2. Jesus Has Brought Us Into The Community of the Trinity – v. 20b Exegeting the Father, Christ has also exegeted the true humanity – living in community, gifting and being gifted. Jeff Meyers “God’s covenant is the bond of union, communion, self-giving love and humble receptivity between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, into which God sovereignly and graciously brings Christians and their children through Jesus Christ, so that they can live with Him and enjoy mutual love and faithfulness forever.” The Lorica; Relate to officers: 1 Thes. 5:12,13 (Notes) 3. Idols Are Contrasted With the True God and with Eternal Life – v. 20c Let God Arise; Idolatry and Unreality (Notes) NOTE: Once more, Gospel, then Response 4. Keep Yourselves From Idols – v. 21 A. Ephesian Idols – (Note) B. Tamer American Idols – Money, Food, Sex: Worshipping the Creature; Politics C. Christian Idols – Psalm 115 and A Lonely, Needy, Self-Absorbed God Corrective: Jeff Meyers “The Trinity is Self-giving Community, not Self-centered Being” D. Reformed Idols 1. Secondary Standards and Biblical Language 2. The “Sovereign” Unmoved God E. Sin and Diagnosis of Our Idols and Our God Conclusion Avoid idolatry, live In biblical community by gifting others and being gifted by others. Remember the singles! Psalm 68:6 Shopping, Thinking of Others, Anticipation of What We Might Receive