May 15, 2022. I Timothy 3:14-16

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THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. I Timothy 3:14-16. 05/15/2022. #9.

14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you 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. 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.

1. Conduct within the body

                a. Paul wanted to see Timothy, but was not sure when he would come

                b. Paul wanted to make clear how the church should probably run

                c. Conduct = manner of life (way of living)

                d. Christian living is comprehensive in belief, doctrine, behavior, attitude, purpose, and deeds

2. The ground of truth

                a. Paul just gave the qualifications of church leadership

                b. Now Paul refocuses attention back onto the foundation of the Christian life

                c. It is God, not the church, that is the pillar and ground (foundation) of all truth

                                a1. God is not only the reason for all things, but he directs all things

                                a2. God does not give us the prerogative to decide what to believe, how to run the church, or how to behave

                d. God defines godliness, ministry, and purpose

3. Christ as the foundation

                a. Paul states that Timothy is a steward of the mystery (hidden secret of godliness)

                                a1. The mystery centered in God’s plan through Jesus revealed to man

                                a2. The OT is God’s plan predicted and Christ is God’s plan revealed

                                a3. No controversy (agreed upon)

                b. One of the greatest passages defining the deity of Christ:

                                a1. Manifested (revealed) in the flesh

                                a2. Justified (declared to be righteous) in the Spirit

                                                b1. Spirit confirms person and ministry of Christ at his baptism

                                                b2. Spirit anointed disciples to proclaim his message at Pentecost

                                                b3. Spirit testified of him through the apostles and Word of God

                                a3. Seen by angels

                                                b1. Angels announced his birth

                                                b2. Angels proclaimed his resurrection (Hebrews 1:1-14)

                                                b3. Angels taught his 2nd coming at his ascension

                                a4. Preached among the nations (starting with Paul) and continues to today

                                a5. Believed on in the world

                                                b1. Christ’s church is global

                                                b2. Every nation has believers

                                a6. Acts 1 received in glory and sits at the right hand of the father (Heb. 4)

                c. We have a glorious savior and message

                                a1. Church = to be a glowing testimony for Christ in behavior, belief, and service                 a2. A focus on the Savior gives vibrant life

Key Verse: Hebrews 1:1-14

1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. The Son Exalted Above Angels

5 For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”? And again:

“I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son”? 6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” 7 And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire.” 8 But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” 10 And: “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. 11 They will perish, but You remain; And they will all grow old like a garment; 12 Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.” 13 But to which of the angels has He ever said: “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?