What the Church is Meant to Be - 1 Timothy 3:14-16
©Copyright Rev. Bruce Goettsche February 2, 2020
I have been very fortunate in life to have had some really good mentors; people who gave me time and who passed on what they had learned. I have had that same opportunity with people who have served on our staff over the years and with some Pastors in the area.
Sometimes, what needs to be passed on to people, is not some profound truth, but a reminder of foundational truth. Sometimes we are so busy looking to add to our knowledge, that we forget the basic things that serve as our foundation.
Paul was a mentor to Timothy. This letter is filled with great insights and important reminders. This morning, we are going to look at verses 14-16 of 1 Timothy 3. I think Paul is reminding Timothy of some of these truths that are our foundation. They may not be rock-your-boat truths, but they do steady us as we move through life. Let's read the text,
14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, 15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:
Christ was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory.
The Church is the Household of God
Paul believed in the local church. He saw it as the front lines of God’s army. Wherever he ministered, he established a church, appointed one or more elders, and then tried to keep in touch with the churches the best he could. Paul understood that the local church is like the laboratory of the Christian faith. It is where we learn to apply our Christianity together. When a group of diverse people gather together and try to serve in meaningful ministry, you will have personality clashes. You will have differing ideas. There will be different life experiences. These differences give us a chance to show grace and love to each other. In addition, the gathering of the saints enriches worship, deepens our learning, and encourages us in our walk with Christ.
It is a sad fact that many today feel they are just fine without the community of saints. They say they are tired of church politics and can worship just as well at home. It is true there are some great Christian broadcasts available for those who are at home, you can even watch church services "on demand." We provide some of those services! But they are one dimensional. You listen and watch. There is no interaction. You are a consumer and not a contributor. The church is not a building . . . it is people! Living an isolated faith will limit your ability to grow in grace and truth. God designed the church because it is the best way for His people to grow in their faith.
“I remember the story of a man who joined a church but never attended worship services. However, he came to the church picnic, and the minister spoke to him. He said, “I haven’t seen you in church lately.” The fellow said: “That’s true. I have learned that I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian. I can commune with God in my own way. I don’t need to be a part of the worshiping community on Sunday morning.” The pastor said, “I understand what you’re saying.” Then he casually walked over to a nearby charcoal grill, where hamburgers were sizzling. Using tongs, he moved one of the white-hot coals over to the side of the grill. He continued to chat with his wayward parishioner for a few minutes, then said: “Look at this coal. A few moments ago, this coal was radiant in its heat and warmth, and was useful for grilling these burgers. But what has happened since I removed it from the fire and set it apart by itself? It has grown cool and has become worthless for the task it was created to do.” (Sproul Gospel of John p. 674-675 electronic version)
The church encourages and fosters our growth in Christ.
When Paul says the church is the household of God he means the church is the gathering of God’s people. When God’s people gather, He is in the house. In Ephesians Paul wrote,
20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. 21 We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. (Ephesians 2:19-21)
The Church is the Pillar and Foundation of Truth
The Church holds up the Scriptures as the Word of God. The church is not the originator of truth; It is the upholder, or the custodian, of the truth. This truth tells us what we were meant to be and how we have veered off that path. It tells us about the world in which we live. It tells us about God and His plan for us. It tells us how we can know God and walk with Him through life and live with Him in eternity.
Our job as the church of Christ is to hold up the truth of God. We live in a world where what is “true” is believed to be constantly changing. Truth is defined by the individual. Therefore, gender is now “fluid”; marriage has been redefined; right and wrong is circumstantial; respect is reserved for those who agree with you and do what you think they should do.
In this environment, the church announces a God who sets the standard and defines truth. Truth is what has always been true and always will be true. It is not something that is negotiated. It is something that is received. It is something unchanging we can rely on.
As long as the church is building on the Word of God it remains the pillar and Foundation of truth. However, when it becomes political or tries to be popular, or adapts to a lost world, it's pillar and foundation begin to weaken and can crumble. When a church starts promoting itself rather than pointing to the Word of God is has lost its way.
The Truth We Proclaim
Paul said this is the "mystery of our faith" or as some translate it, "the mystery of godliness." Why is it a mystery?
The mystery is because this is God's plan that has come about through all time. When Jesus came, what was cloudy became clear. The mystery was unraveled. We are left with wonder at the how and why of salvation, but we now know how God has designed to save us.
We did not know what God's plan was. He made many promises and the people waited and wondered what God was going to do. And when Christ came into the world, the mystery was revealed. The church should point all its spotlights at Jesus. It should not be about a celebrity Pastor, a great band, or a fabulous facility. It is not even about a group of enthusiastic people. The spotlight should ALWAYS be following Jesus.
Paul tells us what this mystery reveals. To do this he may be using an early hymn of the church.
Christ was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory.
God became man. The Son of God stepped out of Heaven, took on human flesh, and became a baby. He developed in the womb just like we did. He went through the same process of birth that every human has gone through. He experienced temptation, disappointment, heartache, all because He was human.
Philippians tells us,
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-8)
It is customary when a President takes office that he places his investments and business dealings and into a "blind trust." Someone else manages things for a sitting President and does not report on specifics so any conflicts of interest or the appearances of evil can be minimized.
This is what the Son of God did when He came to earth. He put His divine prerogatives in trust until He returned. He became fully man while He was on earth even though He ever stopped being fully God. He had no advantages other than he lacked the initial stain of sin at birth. Jesus did the great things He did through the guidance of the Spirit.
Justified in the Spirit and see by Angels. The Holy Spirit testified to Mary and Joseph who Jesus was to be and he did it through angels. When the Lord was baptized the Spirit testified of Him to the crowds. When He was on the Mount of Transfiguration the Holy Spirit testified again that this was the Son of God who should be listened to. He was proved right even though the critics spoke against Him.
When did this happen? It happened at His resurrection. The angels said, "He is not here, He has risen from the dead." The Holy Spirit shows us that Jesus conquered death. He affirmed Jesus was not defeated. Jesus was not the person the Jewish leaders were making him out to be. He was the victorious Son of God.
Announced to the nations. The message of new life through Christ is for the entire world. Paul knew this best of all. He saw the difference it was making in Gentiles (non-Jews). Jesus came to redeem people from "every tribe and nation."
Not only was he announced to the nations: He was believed in throughout the world. This is not only in the past, it is taking place every day all around the world. People from every nation are turning to Jesus! The church is vibrant in China, Africa, and even in Muslim countries. The power of the gospel transcends boundaries.
This message is even available to those who feel they have messed up their lives beyond repair. It goes beyond the boundaries of prison walls, broken homes, or tragic mistakes. It is proclaimed and embraced by addicts, murderers, and people of great wickedness. The gospel is believed in throughout the world and in every corner of that world. And it is also proclaimed to you in the knowledge that you too can believe and be transformed forever. I hope you are one of those who can stand up and say, "I am one who has believed and has been altered for time and eternity."
Taken up in Glory. This phrase could mean two different things. It sounds like the ascension of Jesus. This is what happened 40 days after the resurrection. We read about it in Acts chapter 1. Luke explained that Jesus taught the disciples for 40 days after His resurrection. He told them to go and preach the message of the gospel to the whole world. Then we read,
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11)
The problem with this referring to the Ascension of Jesus is that it is the one item that seems out of chronological order in this list. That may not be anything or it could indicate that it is not talking about the Ascension of Jesus and is instead talking about the ultimate victory of Jesus at His Second Coming. At that time, He will descend to earth to defeat evil once and for all and ascend in victory and triumph.
But, if that is the case, why is it in the past tense? Frequently, the Bible does this to show that it is so certain to happen we can talk about it as if it already happened. Either way it is a great truth about our Lord and Savior.
This is the timeless truth we get to proclaim to the world. We do it with our words, with our actions, and with our worship. We are to do this with each other. And we are to show the effects of the gospel by the way we relate to each other. When we work in unity, the world sees Jesus.
Applications
Let's look at some takeaways from this passage on what the church is supposed to be. First, we are reminded that we must keep the main thing, the main thing. The church must keep its focus on the gospel. We should ask three questions for everything we do: 1) Is this consistent with the message of the scriptures? 2) Will this further the advancement of the Kingdom of God? 3) Is our approach to these things demonstrating love to others in the body of Christ?
If we are not consistent with Scripture, if it really doesn't do anything to advance the Kingdom of God, or if we are acting selfishly or in an unloving manner . . . these things are moving us away from our purpose as a church.
Second, we should be part of a local church. The idea that many other things get first claim on our time shows the waning value we place on the church. We are in essence supporting shallow Christianity. And when we do this as parents, we are training our children by our example.
God ordained the church for a reason. The fact that every other religion recognizes the importance of getting their followers together regularly, should tell us something. You will not grow deep with one-dimensional Christianity. Don't forget the illustration of the isolated coal from the fire. It will not remain hot for long. This isn't about building bigger churches . . . it is about building healthier and stronger followers of Christ!
Third, we should defend the church. I am not advocating that we should be going around telling people the Union Church is the only church to attend. We should be working to enrich the work of God's people regardless of the church they choose to attend. When we are critical of other churches) we are diminishing our witness and hindering the gospel. And most of the time, it is completely self-centered. We are trying to undermine other churches so (we think) people will leave those churches and join our church. The irony is, any church that resorts to these kinds of recruitment methods, isn't worth joining because they have lost sight of their purpose.
Fourth, we should serve the church. When we think about serving the church, we too often think about singing, teaching and serving on boards and committees. This is important, however, you can serve in support ministries, you can serve the church by working hard to welcome visitors and learning their names. You serve when you take the time to make sure our facilities look their best. You serve by praying regularly for the church. You can make meals for someone just home from the hospital or someone who is not able to eat well because of financial limitations. You can visit with shut-ins. You don't have to accomplish anything in those visits other than demonstrate to people that they are not forgotten . . . they matter. You serve, by working hard to invite family and friends to worship with you. Offer to pick them up. Encourage them to sit with you. Introduce them to a few people. Most people come to church because a friend invited them to attend.
This is not about getting a bigger church . . . it is about being faithful to what the Lord wants us to do. You are the "first point of contact." God does not call us to attend a church, He wants us to BE the church! He wants us to be part of a serving community. Work hard to be faithful, growing, loving, and reaching. If only we were as enthusiastic about the gospel (without being as obnoxious) as spam-callers are to getting our money.
Paul was mentoring Timothy. That's what we do. You may not feel like you are mentoring anyone, but people are watching you, even if you are a young person. People want to know if your "faith" is real or phony. They want to know if it will lead you to love them or to spurn them. God is counting on you. Let's do our job and proclaim and show the world the greatness of our Lord and Savior.