Tripartite Teachings
Last week’s Sunday School (10.Feb.08) had something of a different flavor...instead of the usual video, we were treated to a lecture by one of the elders titled "Division of Soul and Spirit". The main reading was from Hebrews 4:12:
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Instead of focusing on the penetrating power of the word of God, the speaker chose to concentrate on the words "dividing soul and spirit". Termed trichotomy or tripartite, this division became the foundation for the remainder of the presentation. Having established his anthropological view of man, the lecture was then divided into two sections: the spiritual realm and the realm of the soul.
Realm of the Soul
As presented on Sunday, the soul is the component of man which is earthly and evil. From my notes, man can expect to find "truths" with a little "t" in the realm of the soul. Such truths are useful, but not to be confused with Christian truths. Examples would include Dr. Phil, The Secret (Rhonda Bryne), and even Joel Olsteen’s "Your Best Life Now". Practical nuggets of wisdom but little else. In addition to these truths, we were introduced to the idea that man’s soul is extremely powerful - yet dormant as a result of Adam’s Fall. This power within us all was termed the "latent power of the soul" after Watchman Nee’s book by the same name (download | approx. 20 pages). Satan is not only aware of this power, he is actively trying to exploit it.
Spiritual Realm
In contrast, the realm of the spirit is where man is to find the Truth; capital "T". The realm of the spirit can be further subdivided into three categories (the three "R’s"):
- Relationship: Not formulaic or a series of steps
- Renewal: Die to self, let Him work in you. Not self-actualization
- Redemption: Not acceptance
These categories serve as a litmus test for truth. If a truth (little "t") that we encounter fails to meet the standard, it should not be considered the Truth. Thus, it is in the spirit that man should strive to live. Only by living in the spirit will we ever find the rest that God promises in Hebrews 4.
The presentation concluded with a feisty question and answer section that prompted the speaker to say "it appears that I’ve opened Pandora’s box!".
"How do we live in the spirit?"
"How do we know when it’s God who is telling us to do something?"
...and on and on it went.
Labels: Anthropology, Dichotomy, Dualism, New Age, Soul, Spirit, Trichotomy, Tripartite, Watchman Nee
posted by rhp997 @ 4:33 PM
2 Comments:
At 2/20/08 10:20 AM ,
fjohan said...
Concerning the comment brought forth in the Bible Study on Feb. 10th that says "Only by living in the spirit will we ever find the rest that God promises in Hebrews 4." I'm just a simpleton but it seems to me that we find the rest that God promises in His Son, Jesus Christ. We don’t find it by “living in the spirit” (however that happens). As Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
How are we able to come to him? Only by faith. A faith kindled and sustained by the Holy Spirit through the Word and Sacraments.
"Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says 'Jesus is accursed!' and no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except in the Holy Spirit." 1 Corinthians 12:3
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." Romans 10:17
So, our Triune God graciously gives us faith, and in that God given faith we are led to Christ, where we find our rest.
We are not the doers, God is. We are only active because we are first acted upon and even then our actions take place on account of the faith given to us by God.
“For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:19,20
fjohan
At 2/20/08 10:56 AM ,
rhp997 said...
I agree 100%. And like you, I'm not really sure what is meant by the charge to "live in the spirit"; what exactly does that entail? Additionally, I think an entire lecture series could be dedicated to defining "rest"; is that what we do on the couch?
Another point that was brought up last week - are there any truths - little "t" or big "T" apart from Christ? Should such a distinction be made?
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