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"):

1. Relationship: Not formulaic or a series of steps
2. Renewal: Die to self, let Him work in you. Not self-actualization
3. 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.