The Dirty Dozen: Thaddaeus the Thinker

Thaddeus the Thinker

Series: The Dirty Dozen — Week #11

August 1, 2021

Dr. Clayton Chisum

Thaddeus the Thinker

We don’t know much about this disciple, other than that he loved, followed, and sat under the teachings of Jesus. He was a typical, ordinary disciple, just like many of us.

Principle One

John 14:15-21 (NLT)

This passage is all about Jesus giving us a promise.

#1. Jesus promises us a .

The trinity is a real mystery. We can’t fully understand it, so it’s hard to explain or describe it.

“The triune God, Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, come to us while we are coming to them: They come with help, we come with obedience; They come to enlighten, we to behold; They come to fill, we to contain: that our vision of Them may not be external, but inward; and Their abiding in us may not be transitory, but eternal.” -Augustine of Hippo, a church theologian around 400AD

The trinity is not separated like some sort of three-god system, but they are one unified Holy God, and somehow, we are blended into a Union with them.

Principle Two

The New Testament continually teaches that we are in Christ. All Christians are in Christ and Christ is in us- that’s what the gospel is all about.

Romans 8:1 (ESV)

Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

#2. Our union with Christ is a .

Colossians 1:27 (ESV)

Principle Three

John 14:22 (NLT)

The disciples are confused. He’s trying to figure out how Jesus will only reveal himself to his followers.

Then Jesus is gracious in his answer…

John 14:23 (NLT)

His answer in verse 23 sounds the same as verses 15 and 21. It must be important if God is saying it three times in just a few verses.

If you love me and do what I say, then the Father will love you, and we (the Trinity) will come and take up residence in your life.

#3. God becomes to those who .

1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)

Jesus said he wasn’t going to take over the world externally, but instead take over hearts, one at a time.

#3. God becomes to those who .

But loving him means .

Application

Love

Obey

Trust

Wait

Love: There’s not a soul in the world that wants Jesus Christ who doesn’t receive Him, if they want Him to the point of loving obedience.

Obey: Stop looking at yourself, entertaining yourself, worrying about yourself, get your gaze on the Son and God can use you.

Trust & Wait: His timing with answers is perfect.

1 John 4:13 (ESV)