The Mission Revealed Alternative 3rd Point

Sermon Title: The Mission Revealed

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14-16

Occasion: The Lord’s Day

Date: November 17, 2024

PRAY

“Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 Ti 1:2.

Introduction:

There’s something in us that’s captivated by mystery.

Think back to childhood—how many of us enjoyed the suspense of a mystery book, that thrilling moment when the puzzle lay just beyond our understanding?

Even as adults, whether it’s a mystery novel or an unsolved story on television, there’s something about the unknown that draws us in.

But here in 1 Timothy 3, Paul presents us with a mystery unlike any other.

He calls it “the mystery of godliness”—a mystery that is now revealed in Christ and meant to captivate not only our minds, beloved, but our very lives.

This passage, brothers and sisters, is the very climax of Paul’s letter to Timothy.

It’s as though we’re seeing the heartbeat of the pastoral letters, a declaration that shapes the entire mission of the church.

Paul has been building to this moment, and as we’ll see, he will continue to emphasize the importance of godliness throughout the remainder of this letter.

In fact, godliness is the subject of Paul’s next “trustworthy saying” in 1 Timothy 4:8, where he says,

1 Timothy 4:8 (ESV)

for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

This godliness, centered on Christ, is foundational to who we are and what we’re called to be. And it’s certainly NOT removed or made possible apart from the local Church.

Today’s sermon title is “The Mission Revealed.”

In this passage, Paul gives us three critical insights about the mission: the urgency of the mission, the nature of the mission, and the message of the mission.

Through these, we’ll see how Paul’s words bring us face-to-face with Christ, the One who stands at the center of God’s mission for the church.

Let us open our hearts to receive this mission and see how it changes everything.

I. The Urgency of the Mission (1 Timothy 3:14-15a)

1 Timothy 3:14–15 (ESV)

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that,

if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God…

Paul opens with a heartfelt desire: “I hope to come to you soon.”

Here, we see Paul’s pastoral heart.

He yearns to be with Timothy, his spiritual son, to personally strengthen and encourage him.

But Paul is realistic—he knows his arrival might be delayed.

And so, he writes with a sense of urgency, saying,

“I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God.”

The Pastoral Epistles, specifically 1 Tim. and 2 Tim are more than casual letters; these are vital instruction manuals for the church.

Paul knows that the mission is too crucial, the stakes too high, for Timothy and the church to simply “figure it out” as they go along.

Illustration:

Imagine a pilot preparing for a long flight.

The destination is important, and there’s a lot riding on the journey—passengers, safety, and timing.

The pilot doesn’t just hop in the plane and take off, hoping to “figure it out” in the air.

Instead, he carefully checks his route, instruments, and weather conditions.

He’s given thorough training and instructions because the stakes are too high to leave anything to chance.

Similarly, Paul knows that Timothy’s mission in the church is far too important to be done without instructions.

Just as a pilot needs direction to avoid disaster and reach the destination safely, Timothy needs the solid, tested instructions Paul provides.

Exhortation and Admonition:

This mission has eternal significance; it’s not something to just "wing."

We cannot think for a second that we can “wing” things or make things up as we go along in God’s household.

The church is God’s household—His people purchased by the very blood of Christ (Acts 20:28), His family, and Paul wants them to understand that this is the Fathers house, and in the fathers house there are parameters and boundaries and standards.

You can’t just come into His house and do whatever you want with his family.

Would you allow someone to do that with your family?

Imagine someone just walks in and just starts re-arranging furniture, bossing your kids and wife around, eating out of your fridge…You get the point,

You see, too many Churches have fallen into grave danger, and with them many christians, have fallen into theological err because they decided they were just going to “wing” it or even worse, “do it their way”.

Church is not like Burger King, where the motto is “Have it your way.” No, Jesus is the King of God’s house, and He says, “The only way we do it is My way.”

Anytime here you here someone saying “I’m going to do church different” or “We have a new way of doing Church”, BEWARE!

Leave that place.

So, Why the urgency?

Paul understands that without clear guidance, the apostolic truth, the church could lose its way, the truth of the gospel could be distorted, and false teachings could creep in.

It already was! Danger!

The mission of proclaiming Christ is too precious to be left vulnerable.

So he is urgently reminding Timothy—and us—that we must hold fast to the truth of the gospel, grounding ourselves in Christ.

Paul isn’t just interested in head knowledge; he’s calling for a transformed way of life.

Scholar Robert Yarbrough captures this well when he says, “The main point is to translate knowledge into practice, which is Paul’s concern here.”

1 Timothy 3:14–15 (ESV)

I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that,

if I delay, you may know + how one ought to behave IN THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD…

Paul’s instructions are not simply about knowing the truth here in vv14-15a, but about living out the truth in godliness, daily, reflecting it in our conduct.

Yarbrough continues, “Turning to Christ … implies a simultaneous turning away from one’s previous way of life, for which Christ frees and enables the believer.”

This is what Christ does at salvation-he saves you and then give you a new way of life!

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

We see that in Pauls life right here in this letter, don’t we?

1 Timothy 1:12–16 ESV

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

Church, do you see that?

Paul wants Timothy to preach a message that doesn’t simply confirm people in a complacent or “status quo” way of life but changes them completely.

This message Paul is giving Timothy is about a life transformed by the gospel—a life that no longer looks like the world but reflects the love, holiness, and grace of the Lord Jesus.

This is why Paul writes with such urgency.

The church isn’t just any community; it’s the household of the living God.

We are a family brought together by the blood of Christ, and our lives should be marked by His love, His truth, and His holiness.

People should see our conduct, or better translated, our new way of life, and by the way, not just individually, but corporately, “in God’s house” , and say “wow that house is other worldly” , “That house, that family, must not be from here.”

Our house should reflect the Kingdom.

Kingdom priorities.

Kingdom values.

Kingdom ethics.

When they see us (the family of God), it should shockingly different.

Example:

Have you ever had a neighbor move in next door, and right away you could tell—they’re not from Orlando?

Maybe they’re not even from this country.

You can notice it immediately by the way they carry themselves—their customs, their language, their lifestyle.

In the same way, the Church has a distinct flavor, a unique light, a deep joy, an unwavering resolve rooted in God’s truth, and a sense of order.

These qualities set our household drastically apart from the household of this world.

When a true church moves into a community, or a true Christian family moves into a neighborhood, it’s unmistakable.

They stand out through the everyday godliness of their conduct—a new way of life that reflects the kingdom to which they belong.

And as we live this way, the world around us should see a difference—a people who are anchored, grounded, and transformed by Jesus.

So, church, Paul’s urgency isn’t just a call to Timothy; it’s a call to us.

We must live out the truth of the gospel, not as isolated actions, but as a way of life that shows the world who we belong to.

This mission is too important, too life-changing, to take lightly.

We belong to a family with a purpose, and that purpose is to lift high the name of Jesus in how we live, love, and serve.

This is the urgency of the mission: to embody the gospel in such a way that our lives proclaim, “We are the household of God.

Transition:

Now, as we feel the weight and urgency of our mission, Paul doesn’t leave us wondering about its nature. He gives us a clear and vivid picture of who we are and what we’re called to do. Look at verse 15.

II. The Nature of the Mission (v. 15b) 1 Timothy 3:15

1 Timothy 3:15 ESV

if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

Paul’s words here in 1 Timothy pack three powerful images into one verse. He describes the church as the household of God, the church of the living God, and a pillar and buttress of the truth. These images don’t just tell us who we are; they show us the mission we’ve been called to carry out. Let’s walk through these one by one and let their meaning sink into our hearts.

1. The Household of God: Called to Be a Family, Not Just a Building

Paul starts with “the household of God.” He’s not talking about a building or a place; he’s talking about a family, about belonging and responsibility.

Growing up in a Portuguese household, I know family isn’t just about shared space—it’s about shared responsibility.

Everyone has a role, whether it’s helping with dinner, caring for one another, or just looking out for each other.

That’s how God calls us to be as a church.

We’re not just attendees; we’re members of God’s household, united as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Like a well-ordered family, we’re called to live with earnest care for each other.

(Speak of the ways in which our church has been a family to me and our family)

Paul says it this way to the Galatians in Galatians 6:10

Galatians 6:10 ESV

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

One of the sweetest doctrines of all the bible is the doctrine of our adoption.

At the heart of Paul's message about the household of God is a powerful truth that we must grasp:

Through Christ’s finished work, we receive not only justification before God. It’s more than being declared “not guilty.”

It’s more than receiving Christ’s own righteousness, more than the forgiveness of sins, and even more than the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, all of these are incredible blessings, but there’s an even deeper reality: we are declared sons and daughters of God Himself.

Think of it this way:

Imagine standing in God’s courtroom. There, God the Father, the righteous Judge, looks at you and declares, “Not guilty.” He sees you clothed in the righteousness of Christ, washed clean by His blood.

But He doesn’t stop there.

After the verdict is read, Jesus steps forward with a document in His hands—our adoption papers.

Let me read to you what those adoption papers would say, words that express the depth of our new relationship with God:

“This is to certify that by the authority of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, you, who once were alienated, a stranger to God and His promises, are hereby adopted as a beloved child of the Most High. You are now declared a son or daughter, with all the rights, privileges, and inheritance that belong to Christ Himself. You are no longer a slave to fear or sin; you are forever part of the family of God. You have the Spirit of God as a seal of this adoption, binding you to your Heavenly Father, who has set His love upon you for all eternity.”

These words capture what Christ has accomplished for us.

He didn’t just bring us forgiveness—He brought us into the family of God, never to be cast out.

And because of His work, our adoption is not just a piece of paper but a promise sealed in His blood.

He has written our names in the Book of Life, not as mere citizens but as cherished members of His household.

We belong to Him, and He belongs to us, forever.

In the words of Romans 8:14-17

Romans 8:14–17 ESV

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

2. The Church of the Living God: A Living Faith in a Living God

Paul calls us “the church of the living God.”

This title is rich with meaning and brings to mind God’s powerful presence with His people throughout history.

In the wilderness, God dwelt in the midst of Israel, leading them with a cloud by day and fire by night.

His holy presence was unmistakable, guiding and guarding His chosen people.

Yet, that presence in the wilderness was a shadow of what we now experience through Christ.

As the book of Hebrews shows us, through Christ’s finished work, we have been brought into a far greater reality.

Hebrews 8:5 reminds us that the old covenant was only “a copy and shadow of the heavenly things,” but in Christ, we have come to the very substance—the living presence of God, not confined to a tabernacle or temple, but dwelling within us through His Spirit.

Now, we, as the church, are the dwelling place of God—the living God is with us through His Spirit, fulfilling what was promised and foreshadowed for generations.

Hebrews 10:19-22 encourages us to “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” because, through Christ, we have direct access to the Father.

Our worship, our gathering, our fellowship is infused with His presence, not merely as a distant or symbolic gesture but as the active, abiding presence of God Himself in our midst.

This reality transforms how we worship and live.

Unlike the dead idols worshipped in the ancient world, specifically Ephesus such as Artemis, also known as Diana who dominated the worship of the Ephesian culture- our God is alive, and we are brought into a living, vibrant relationship with Him.

When we gather, we aren’t just keeping tradition alive; we’re living out a relationship with the One who conquered death, ascended in glory, and sent His Spirit to dwell among us.

Consider the practical application of this truth:

We don’t come to church to go through the motions, nor to reminisce about something long past.

We come expecting to meet with God Himself, the One who knows us, speaks to us through His Word, and strengthens us by His Spirit.

In every prayer, every song, every act of service, Christ is exalted, and His Spirit is at work within us, binding us together and transforming us to be more like Him.

This truth should fill us with reverence and joy every time we gather, for we are the church of the living God, and He is truly with us.

Through the finished work of Christ, we live in the joyful assurance that God has come near, not merely as a pillar of fire or cloud but as the eternal Spirit dwelling within His people.

And as Revelation unveils, we look forward to the glorious consummation of Christ’s kingdom when He returns in triumph.

On that day, we will dwell with God and He with us, forever.

This promise fuels our hope, shapes our lives, and directs our hearts toward eternity.

Knowing that we will one day see our Savior face to face and live in His unfiltered presence fills our present lives with purpose, urging us to live holy and steadfast lives.

This eternal hope transforms our gathering from a temporary assembly to a foretaste of that final day when all things will be made new and we, the redeemed, will worship God together in the fullness of His glory.

3. A Pillar and Buttress of the Truth: Holding High and Guarding the Gospel

Finally, Paul describes the church as “a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

Here, Paul uses a powerful architectural image.

Just as pillars hold up a building, the church’s role is to hold high the truth of the gospel in a world that desperately needs it.

Paul is pulling from all the architecture that adorned Ephesus.

Maybe he is thinking of the temple of Artemis which was massive.

The columns at the temple of Artemis were about 60 feet tall.

That is the size of a six-story building.

In today’s terms, that’s close to the height of The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., whose columns stand around 44 feet high.

Imagine columns even taller than that, each roughly the diameter of a car, and you get a sense of the awe-inspiring scale of the Temple of Artemis.

Now with that in mind- Paul says that the Church is to be pillars of truth.

What he has in mind here is the same thing he has in mind in the next vers

We’re called to guard and proclaim this truth.

I think of my uncles who are carpenters and construction workers in Boston working on construction projects, always mindful of building things to last, not to collapse. They take pride in it!

That’s the image Paul gives us of the church’s role with God’s truth.

The church doesn’t create truth; it upholds it, defends it, and presents it to the world.

We’re guardians of an “inestimable treasure,” as John Calvin once put it.

We carry the message of Christ crucified and risen, a message that brings light to those in darkness and salvation to the lost.

So this makes the preaching of God’s Word so essentials doesn't it?

That is why Paul begins with the having qualified elders who can rightly handle God’s word ins verses 1-7.

Without the faithful preaching of God’s Word we have nothing.

We project nothing of eternal significance.

As a matter of fact, without the upholding of doctrine, and the defending of the truth of God’s word, we are actually polluting the world, and damaging the witness of Christ.

That imagery of a Pillar and a Buttress of truth is so significant for two reasons:

If we do not protect, defend, and proclaim the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help us God..

We misrepresents God.

We send people to hell.

This is why Paul must not delay, and has such urgency to come to Timothy at Ephesus.

God’s name is at stake and souls are at stake.

In the ancient world, a pillar wasn’t just decorative; it bore the weight of a structure.

Paul uses this metaphor to remind us that the church is a load-bearing part of God’s kingdom.

We stand as a beacon, holding high the message of Christ and the salvation he brings to all sinners who seek refuge in him.

The only message upon which our world will blessed.

It’s a weighty calling, and it comes with a responsibility to preserve this truth without distortion.

Pointing to Christ: The Heart of Our Mission

Each of these images ultimately points us to Christ.

As the household of God, we are joined together by His sacrifice.

As the church of the living God, we are sustained by His Spirit.

And as the pillar and buttress of truth, we proclaim Christ crucified and risen to a world in need.

Without Christ, we have no mission, no identity, no message.

Illustration:

Picture a family gathered for a meal—everyone has a part, from setting the table to serving the food. (Thanksgiving meal)

In a similar way, every member of God’s family has a part in this mission, whether it’s upholding the truth, sharing the gospel, or simply caring for one another.

We’re a family united in Christ, called to make Him known.

Transition

Having laid out the urgency and nature of the mission, Paul now leads us to the message of the mission—a message that centers on Christ Himself.

As we move forward, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Him, for He is the foundation, the message, and the power of our mission.

III. The Message of the Mission (v. 16)

Scripture:

1 Timothy 3:16 ESV

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

Loved ones, as we arrive at this final point in our this passage, we encounter “the message of the mission”—the very heart of the church’s proclamation.

This isn’t just a message we share; it’s the core of our faith, a confession of who Jesus is and what He has accomplished.

Paul reveals this “mystery of godliness” in what may have been an early Christian hymn, a series of truths that define our mission as God’s people.

This is not a mystery hidden in shadows but a revelation brought to light through Christ.

So, what is the message that we, as the church, are called to carry to the world?

"He appeared in a body" — The Incarnation

The message begins with the incarnation:

“He appeared in a body.”

God Himself entered our world, taking on human flesh to dwell among us.

Jesus was not a distant deity; He became one of us, facing hunger, fatigue, and pain—sharing fully in our humanity.

This, brothers and sisters, is the heart of our message.

When we tell the world that God came near, that He didn’t stay far off, but stepped into our brokenness, we are proclaiming a Savior who understands, who is close, and who knows our struggles.

The God of heaven came as a baby in a humble manger and grew to walk among us.

This is the mystery of godliness—God with us.

"Vindicated by the Spirit" — The Resurrection

But Jesus’ story did not end in humility.

Paul continues, “He was vindicated by the Spirit.”

Although the world judged Him guilty and cursed Him on the cross, the Spirit of God declared Him righteous, raising Him from the grave in power.

The resurrection is the heartbeat of our faith; it is our victory.

When we proclaim this message, we declare to a world lost in sin that Christ has conquered death, that He lives, and that He offers life to all who believe.

This is the power of our message: Christ’s victory over death, sin, and all that separates us from God.

We proclaim a living Savior, Church, a Savior who reigns!

"Seen by angels" — Heavenly Witnesses

And who bore witness to this victory?

Paul says, “He was seen by angels.”

From the announcement of His birth to His resurrection, the angels themselves marveled at the wonder of God’s plan.

The angels were there at His birth, singing “Glory to God in the highest,” and they stood by in awe at His resurrection.

These heavenly beings watch the unfolding of God’s redemptive story with amazement, not because they need redemption but because they long to see the love of God for humanity.

When we proclaim the gospel, we join with this heavenly host in bearing witness to God’s salvation.

This message of the mission is not just for earth; it resonates in heaven itself!

"Proclaimed among the nations" — A Global Mission

This message, friends, is not meant to stay with us; it’s meant to be “proclaimed among the nations.”

Jesus is the Savior of all people, of every tribe and tongue.

This is why we go, why we send, why we support missions—because the message of Jesus is for everyone.

The mission of the church is global, because God’s heart is for all people.

When we proclaim Christ to our neighbors and across borders, we are fulfilling this message.

We declare that there is hope, forgiveness, and life in Jesus, and that invitation is for every soul.

The message of the mission is expansive; it’s for the nations.

"Believed on in the world" — A Message That Transforms

And this message doesn’t return void;

it’s “believed on in the world.”

As we proclaim Christ, the Spirit moves, opening hearts, transforming lives, drawing people from darkness to light.

People from every walk of life are responding, confessing Jesus as Lord, joining the body of believers.

This is what unites us as the church—people from every background, united in one faith, one hope, one Savior.

The gospel is not just information; it’s a message of transformation and restoration.

And we are living testimonies of that truth!

"Taken up in glory" — The Exalted Christ

Finally, Paul says, “He was taken up in glory.”

Our mission points to a reigning, exalted Christ, seated at the right hand of the Father.

He is King of kings and Lord of lords, the One who will return to make all things new.

This is our hope and our message: Christ has ascended, He is glorified, and He is coming again.

We proclaim a risen, ascended Savior who will one day restore all things.

Beloved, this is “the message of the mission”: the incarnation, the resurrection, the witness of angels, the global proclamation, the faith of believers, and the exalted Christ.

As we carry this message, we declare the greatest mystery of all—that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.

And until He returns, we, the church, stand as the pillar and protector of this truth.

This is our mission, and this is the message we proclaim.

Conclusion and Call to Response:

As we conclude, let’s consider the mission Paul has set before us.

This is the mission revealed—the gospel of Jesus Christ, given to us to protect, proclaim, and live out.

The mission is urgent, and we are called to live with conviction.

The mission has a nature, rooted in our identity as God’s household , and our calling to uphold His truth.

And the mission has a message—the mystery of godliness, revealed in Jesus Christ, the One who came, who died, who rose, and who reigns.

How will we respond?

Embrace Christ. – Church, this mission is impossible apart from Christ. Are we rooted in Him? Do we abide in His Word, allowing His truth to shape and transform us?

Live as God’s Household – Let’s live as a family of faith, united by Christ and committed to loving, serving, and building one another up.

Proclaim the Gospel Boldly – The world around us is desperate for truth.

We are the church of the living God, entrusted with the gospel.

Let us proclaim it boldly, holding up the truth of Christ’s love and grace and mercy for all to see.

For those who already know Christ, let this mission renew your commitment.

Press into the family.

And for anyone here who may not yet believe, this mission jesus came on, this gospel, is for you.

God has revealed His love through Jesus, offering you forgiveness, new life, and hope.

Turn to Him, trust in Him, and experience the mystery of godliness—a life transformed by the grace of God in Christ.

This mission was once hidden, but now it is revealed.

Christ has come, He has conquered, and He reigns.

May we live as those who not only confess this truth but embody it as God’s household, the church of the living God, and the pillar of His truth in a world that desperately needs Him.