It’s when you get in the middle of something that you really know what you’re in for.”
–Mel Odom (Shooter’s Crossing)
“Bless His glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and amen!”
–Psalm 72:19 (NLT)
——————————–
“Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word…”
–Fanny Crosby
These few verses that Paul writes in 1 Timothy chapter 3 are powerful. They are words to Timothy regarding the church, and if you review what Paul has previously written, Timothy was to guard against and fight false teachers. Now Paul refers to the Church and verse 16 is a “Hymn on Christ’s Adoration.” First we look at his brief message to the Church.
14 — These things I write to you, though I hope to come to your shortly;
15 — but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (NKJV)
First we see the term “conduct.” This is more than just a ritualistic behavior in church. No, it is a man’s walk and conversation. It describes his whole life and character. It is who he is, and thus surrounds his conduct everywhere and with everyone. Then we see his attention is directed to the Church. It is the house of God. No, not just a building, nor just a house, but the meaning goes deeper. It is a home, a place where a family dwells. It is a place where love exists–the love of a family. The term for Church is “ekklesia” of the assembly of God’s people. Those who have been called out, separated from the world. It is those who have accepted the invitation of the Spirit. Have you gotten this? A place of love, a place where family dwells, a place where the people are separated from the world, not like the world.
Two more things regarding the Church. It is the pillar and ground (buttress or support) that can be seen by those in the world. A city on a hill, if you please. William Barclay says that the “idea here is that the Church’s duty is to hold up the truth in such a way that all men may see it.” Many are building church buildings that look more like auditoriums or convention centers, or office buildings. I read of a study done regarding this aspect. People in the community said they wanted a church to look like a church. They may not attend but they took comfort that it was in the neighborhood. Now, I am not saying that the Church is a building, but buildings do represent it. The duty, the responsibility then is to be a sign to those in the world that herein is truth. Lastly, it not only shows the truth, it is the truth that holds it up. “In a world which does not wish to face the truth, the Church holds it up for all to see.” (Barclay)
16 — And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory. (NKJV)
Now, we move on to the little hymn of the early Church. Paul introduces it as the “mystery of godliness.” William Petersen puts it this way, “This early Christian hymn depicts Jesus as a surprise package, the ‘mystery of our faith.’ He came as a humble babe in a poor manger–not a very impressive package on the outside. He lived 90 percent of his life in Nazareth in the home of a carpenter. His ministry was among humble folk; his first disciples were fishermen.” After that Petersen exclaims that the “package explodes with surprises!”
Look at this! Manifested in the flesh–the Incarnation of the pre-existing One. He was justified (vindicated) by the Spirit or as the NLT translates it, “shown to be righteous by the Spirit.” He was kept sinless by the Spirit, He was guided by the Spirit, and through the power of the Spirit He rose from the grave. “The Spirit is the power who proved Jesus to be what He claimed to be.” (Barclay) Seen by angels–whatever this means it does show that “the work of Jesus is so tremendous that it includes both heaven and earth.” (Barclay) The world heard the message of the Christ, and He went back to His throne in glory. The story of Jesus begins in heaven and ends in heaven. “He lived as a servant; He was branded as a criminal; He was crucified on a cross; He rose with the nailprints still upon Him; but the end is glory.” (Barclay)
Now don’t lose the reason for this little hymn. Paul had been instructing Timothy about false teachers, he will return to this subject. This is an exhortation to Timothy to stand in sharp contrast to them. “This hymn prepares for that censure by boldly expressing what the truth is all about, as a contrast to their demonic errors.” (Gordon Fee) Now bring it home. Do you look like the world or are you in stark contrast to it? Do people see you living like the world and compromising with the world’s standards, or are you standing firm in the truth of God’s Word?
“Who is He in yonder stall, at whose feet the shepherd’s fall?
Who is He in deep distress, fasting in the wilderness?
Who is He on yonder tree dies in grief and agony?
Who is He that from His throne rules through all the world alone?
‘Tis the Lord! O wondrous story! ‘Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall, crown Him, crown Him Lord of all!”
–Benjamin Hanby