The Big Three

I don’t know that I am much different in my thought process than most, but my mind and thoughts often work in threes. This may stem from the fact that I played a lot of baseball when I was younger and always hoped for an additional strike instead of just three. It seems to me that in the Scriptures when something is mentioned in threes the Lord is trying to get something across to us! We would be wise to take heed. Let me give a couple of examples from scripture.

First, the Triune nature of the sovereign God! God as the Father, God as the Son and God, the Holy Spirit, three in one. (2 Corinthians 13:14)

A second example of biblical threes is the Apostles teaching on Faith, Hope and Love. (1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:3) No doubt the apostles wanted the church to understand and embrace these big three doctrines in their lives.

A third example worth considering is found in Romans 1:24,26, 28. Three distinct times the Word of Truth mentions that, “God gave them up”! This is an alarming message that should stop us in our tracks if we are doing things that displease God. It is always wise to read a portion of scripture like this in its context, so as to minimize distortion of the text, starting in verse, 18-23 we read that “ the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men…” “God Gave Them Up” may be the most frightening words a human could here. It actually means that the Lord lets them go to do what they want and live with the consequences. He pulls off the restraints! “For the wages of sin is death.”
(Roman 6:23)

Our final example of threes that caught my attention for the first time is found also in (Romans 1:21,28)
1. “They did not honor Him as God.” When we do not live for the Lord but for ourselves and our pleasure, we are no longer honoring God. “You are not your own, for you were bought with a
price. Therefore, glorify God in your bodies”.
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
2. “They did not give thanks to Him”. Throughout Scripture it stresses how much the Lord desires His people to be thankful for it counters our natural tendency to complain.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
3. “They did not see fit to acknowledge Him.”
Jesus said, ”Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, I will deny before my Father who is in heaven.”
(Matthew 10:32)

As we ponder upon THE BIG THREE, let us take to heart and put into practice the truths of His Word!