"I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth." 1 Timothy 3.14-15
This is the final passage in the Bible where the word "Church" is used with instructions. This passage is one that I have written and taught on countless times before. And this section may be the most inclusive of all of the passages mentioned. I love this section of 1 Timothy because of its clarity and directness, and this is a fitting place to end this study.
Paul is writing here to Timothy, and chapter 3 of this first letter is focused on church leadership. Paul closes the section with the hope of coming to see him soon, but knowing his situation realized that journey could be delayed. So he has given these instructions so that one knows how to conduct himself, and then goes into some incredible instructions for the Church.
First we see that the Church of the living God, is the household of God. The Church is to be a family, not just a family, but God's family. Those who make it up are brothers and sisters because of Christ. God is the Father, the head of the family. He loves and disciplines; He comforts and corrects. God is the head of this family, He is the one who sets the standards and upholds them. God is the one who is given the praise and glory. He alone is worshiped.
The church of the living God uses a word in Greek that refers to a town assembly. In those days when town meetings were held an call would go out through the city inviting all members of the city to attend. The Church is a place where all are welcome. You do not have to be a believer, part of the family of God, to enter a Church service. And at the same time simply attending a Church service does not make you a member of the family of God. The Church is to be a place where all feel welcomed.
One of the things I hate about old Churches is how intimidating they are. I have been to some that I have been hesitant to enter. I don't think that is how Church should be. Yes, there is the sense that we are going there to worship God, which does mean humility and reverence, but the image I see here, and at Calvary, is God who comes and meets us in a way that welcomes us to Him.
Finally we have this phrase "the pillar and support of the truth." They may sound like the same thing, but to a first century reader they would have seen the difference instantly. A pillar was a display, it stood tall for all to see and was ornately decorated to stand out. The Church is to be a pillar of truth. It is to display truth for all to see, and the truth is to draw others to it.
A support is something that holds something up. It supports it and stands firmly beneath it. The Church is to uphold the truth. Not only do we display it but we live by it and hold up the standard of truth. It is something that we alone have, and it is something that we cannot afford to let fall. We must stand firmly upholding it and not backing down.
The world is to be drawn to the truth we display, because of the love we show as all are welcomed in. As we display the truth and support it people's lives are transformed by the Spirit of God, and they enter into His family as His sons and daughters. That is God's Church.
"I have been young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread."
To God alone be the Glory!
Peace be with you
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