INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Regarding the Christian's Behavior
2. Regarding the Church's Buttress
3. Regarding Christ the Only-Begotten
Remarks.
1. In this lesson today, we will discuss a portion of Paul's first letter to Timothy. This letter has been described by biblical historians and commentaries as one of Paul's Pastoral Epistles. We will discuss in this letter three messages to his son. They are the message regarding the Christian's behavior in the "house of God," the church's foundation as "the pillar and ground of the truth." And finally, a message regarding the "mystery of godliness" or Christ as the “only-begotten Son of God.”
2. First, Paul writes to the young evangelist regarding the Christian's behavior in the "house of God." He says, "These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God." Notice, after giving guidance and qualification for the church's leadership (elders and deacons), he instructs the preacher on his behavior in the house of God. I'm afraid that many problems which face the house of God are caused by preachers: lack of knowledge of the scriptures or their faith in Jesus. If we learn how to behave, as preachers, we can then admonish the membership regarding their behavior.
3. Secondly, he writes regarding the "buttress,” the “support or foundation” of the house of God. He states: "the house of God is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and ground of the truth." The true church has as its support and foundation the "truth." It, therefore, must speak the truth as its message and present truth as its only standard. Those who claim to be the "church" must have as their message "the truth." And its messengers "as trustworthy." The religious groups not claiming to be "the church of the living God" need not contend for the truth, nor require it of their messengers to "proclaim the truth" in their preaching.
4. Finally, Paul writes regarding the "mystery of godliness;" and the only-begotten Son of God. He describes that: "God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory." If this is not the story of the "only-begotten Son of God," I don't know what is! Jesus Christ is the "God" described in both of these textual statements in our discussion: "the church of the living God" and "God was manifest in the flesh." For what purpose? To "reveal the mystery of godliness."
BODY OF LESSON
I REGARDING THE CHRISTIAN'S BEHAVIOR
A. These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: Here is Paul's letter to Timothy regarding his and other members' behavior in the church. He concludes the chapter with a particular direction to Timothy. He hoped shortly to come to him, to give him further directions and assistance in his work, and to see that Christianity was well planted, and took root well, at Ephesus; he, therefore, wrote a very brief letter to him.
B. In the conclusion of his instruction regarding church leadership - both elders and deacons - he informs the young preacher about his behavior in the church.
C. Simply stated: "But if I tarry long, thou mayest know how..." He wrote encouraging Timothy how he might know how to behave in the house of God and conduct himself as an evangelist and minister of Christ. Many of our ministers do not know how to behave in the church or how to be a proper example before it. In, 1 Timothy 4:12-16, Paul outlines how the minister or evangelist should present himself before the church and God. He says: “These things command and teach.”
1. In his public life. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and purity,” verses 11-12. Live a life of purity before God and men.
2. In his pulpit life. “Until I come, give attendance to read, exhortation, and doctrine. Neglect, not the gift in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery,” verses 13-14. Grow your preaching and ministry before the Lord, the church, and men.
3. In his private life. “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself and the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee,” verses 15-16. Paul advises Timothy to abide by the doctrine that will save him and others.
D. How "thou oughtest to behave thyself." We ministers in the house of God must see that we behave ourselves well, lest we bring reproach upon the house of God, and that worthy name by which we were all called.
1. First, ministers should focus not only on their pay but on their prayers and preaching before the people of God; they must also be an example of faithfulness and stewardship, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 1 Peter 4:10.
2. Further, Timothy was instructed by the Apostle to behave himself, not only in the church at Ephesus, where he was appointed to reside and minister for the time being but also as an evangelist, in doing his work, 2 Timothy 4:5.
3. Finally, Peter says: "Because the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God and if it begins first at us, what will be the end of those who obey not the gospel of God?" 1 Peter 4:17.
E. "In the house of God." Paul writes: "And having a great priest over the house of God," Hebrews 10:21.
1. The church is the household of God; he dwells there, Ephesians 2:19-22.
2. The Lord has chosen Zion, to dwell there.
a. First, “The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shall see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life,” Psalms 125:1-5.
b. Further, “For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation,” Psalms 132:13.
c. Finally, “Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness,” Isaiah 1:27. See Isaiah 2:2-3.
3. The church is the Lord’s house. He is its high priest. “Christ is the High Priest of our profession,” Hebrews 3:1; 7:23-28; 10:10-25.
II REGARDING THE CHURCH'S BUTTRESS
A. Secondly, he defines the church's building. The church is described as a buttress, with foundation and support structures. As a building, it has a foundation, and support columns, which support the entire structure. Paul may be picturing the Temple Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Its massive foundation, towering columns, and picturesque beauty - cannot begin to be compared to that of the Church - with its heavenly splendor, divine glory, and honor granted to it by Christ himself, Ephesians 1:20-23, 5:23-33.
B. It is the "congregation of the living God." The original language - is the "ekklesia theou zontos - or the assembly of God living." Here Paul is not naming the church, but identifying the person to whom she belongs, verse 15.
1. The church, - the same word in Matthew 16:18; "ekklesia" the assembly, the "called out." See also 1 Peter 2:9-10; Acts 20:28.
2. The church of God - "Theou" - the church that belongs to God.
3. Living - "zontos" - living or alive. This phrase suggests that Christ is the person of Paul's discussion. Jesus describes himself as "the living bread which came down from heaven," John 6:51.
a. First, Paul calls it "a new and living way, which he consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having a high priest over the house of God," Hebrews 10:20-21.
b. Further, John writes of Jesus: "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death," Revelation 1:17-18.
c. Finally, rightly then, the text reads: "the church of God living," speaks of Jesus, Acts 20:28. Illustrate: Put a signup; this is not the church of Christ.
C. "The pillar and ground of the truth." The church itself is the "pillar and ground of the truth." Note that the authority of the scriptures depends upon that of the church, as the pillar and ground of the truth.
1. Contrast this with Paul's statement in Chapter 4, verses 1-6. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly," John 14:6; John 8:31-32. "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples...the truth." Illustrate: The truth is known and not felt. Truth is an intellectual thing - not emotional.
2. Truth is learned and not experienced! It builds faith, trust, and hope once heard and learned. It is the means of one's salvation. Notice: "In whom ye also trusted, after that, ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchase possession, unto the praise of his glory," Ephesians 1:13-14.
3. Christ is the fountain of "truth," and the foundation of our "trust," 1Timothy 4:10. The truth enables us to speak as Paul: "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he can keep that which I have committed unto him against that day," 2 Timothy 1:12.
D. Institutions of men. Those institutions not claiming to be the "church of the living God" need not contend for the truth, Jude 3. These institutions cannot claim to be "the pillar or ground of the truth." Timothy, like all other evangelists and faithful ministers, "are the pillars and ground of the truth."
1. It is our work to maintain, hold up, proclaim, and contend for the truth of Christ in the "house of God." James, Peter, and John, were called by Paul as, "pillars of the church," Galatians 2:9. We need more pillars, rather than "fence posts."
2. The minister or evangelist cannot be measured by his ability to orate the message - Apollos - notice Acts 18:24-28. Illustrate: Some ministers may – have all the skills of Apollos - but like him - "know only the baptism of John." Their understanding, like Apollos, may be unfruitful and incomplete.
3. Don't be fooled, brethren – a good presentation is not necessarily a faithful representation of the gospel's truth. Some have polished and polluted the truth so, that the unlearned may consider such teaching “sound doctrine.”
4. But, Paul warns and calls such preaching "good words and fair speeches." Notice Paul: "Now I beseech you, brethren...For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their belly, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple," Romans 16:17-18.
E. Their messages. Their messages have neither origin nor foundation in truth. Let us be diligent and impartial in our own enquires after truth; "Buy the truth, and sell it not," Proverbs 23:23.
1. Let us be careful to keep and preserve it. And when we proclaim it - let it be as Paul states: "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully or (Gr: dolountes - falsifying - adulterate); but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God," 2 Corinthians 4:1-2.
2. When the church and its ministers cease to be the pillar and ground of truth, - it and them are "good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men," Matthew 5:13. The truth must be learned, understood, obeyed and proclaimed without alteration or amendment.
3. He told the young evangelist, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keeps by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us,” 2 Timothy 1:13-14. See also 2 Timothy 3:14-17. A summary of this text directs the preacher:
a. To continue thou in the things which thou hast learned.
b. That from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures.
c. That the inspiration of God gives all scripture.
d. That the man of God may be perfect.
e. That he might be furnished unto all good works.
4. Timothy was finally charged to: “Study to show himself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15.
5. Time will come. Paul warns: “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who…But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
III REGARDING CHRIST THE ONLY-BEGOTTEN
A. Lastly, he conveys a message regarding the "mystery of godliness." What is the mystery of godliness? It is Christ, and these six things concerning Him, which make up the mystery of godliness regarding the only-begotten Son of God.
1. God was manifest in the flesh. This affirms that he is God, the eternal Word made flesh.
a. First, when God determined to be manifested (revealed or shown) to man, he was pleased to manifest himself in the incarnation of his only-begotten Son: "The Word was made flesh," John 1:14. See also Philippians 2:5-8.
b. Further, He who was manifest in flesh was God, totally and completely. God by design, nature, and divinity. He was manifest in flesh, “being found fashioned as a man…,” Philippians 2:8. As the “Son of man” who “came not to be minister unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many,” Matthew 20:28. See also 1Timothy 2:3-7.
c. Finally, He came to reveal the “truth which is after godliness,” Titus 1:1-3. Notice how Paul outlines this significant truth to Titus. He says this truth was:
1) Conceived from the foundation of the world. “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” verse 1-2.
2) Commissioned to be preached. “But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching,” verse 3a. Preaching the grace of God that bringeth salvation to all men hath appeared, Titus 2:11-12.
3) Committed unto him (Paul and others). “Which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour,” verse 3b.
a) Revealed unto us by Christ Jesus our Saviour, “that we might adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things,” Titus 2:10.
b) “Looking for the blessed hope, and glorious appearing of the great God and Saviour Jesus Christ,” Titus 2:13-15.
c) “But after the kindness and love of God, our Saviour toward (all men hath) appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done…He shed abundantly on us through Jesus Christ our Saviour: That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:4-7.
d) Paul speaks of this same grace to the Roman saints as the “revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,” Romans 16:25-27. Reveal unto His (Christ’s) holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, Ephesians 3:1-7.
e) This is also Paul’s discussion with Timothy regarding the “wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,” 1 Timothy 6:3.
2. He was justified in the Spirit. Whereas he was reproached as a sinner and killed as a malefactor, he was raised again by the Spirit.
a. “He was made sin for us, and was delivered for our offenses; but, being raised again, he was justified in the Spirit; that is, his sacrifice was accepted, and he rose again for our justification, as he was delivered for our offenses,” Romans 4:24-25.
b. He was put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit, 1 Peter 3:18. "Forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also likewise took part of the same," Hebrews 2:14.
B. He was seen by angels. They worshipped him; attended to his incarnation, his temptation, his agony, his death, his resurrection, and his ascension, Matthew 2:11-15; 4:1-11; Luke 22:43; Matthew 28:2; John 20:11-12; and Hebrews 1:1-8. This was due to his glory and honor and shows what a position he held in the heavenly, that angels ministered to him, for he is the Lord of angels, and "the King of kings, and Lord of lords," Revelations 19:16.
C. Preached unto the Gentiles. He is preached unto the Gentiles. This is a great part of the mystery of godliness, that Christ was offered to the Gentiles a Redeemer and Saviour; whereas, before, salvation was of the Jews, the partition wall was now taken down, and the Gentiles were taken in. "I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles," Acts 13:47.
1. First, Paul was the apostle sent "unto the heathen – Gentiles," Galatians 2:7-10. Notice Paul again: "Unto me, who am less than the least of all the saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ," Ephesians 3:8.
2. Further, the Lord speaks to Ananias, regarding the Gentiles and Paul’s ordained work among them, Acts 9:15-16.
3. Finally, Paul’s defense of his preaching to the Gentiles, before Nero’s throne at Rome, 2 Timothy 4:16-18.
D. Christ was believed in the world. Many of the Gentiles welcomed the gospel, which the Jews rejected; Romans 1:16 “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed,” Acts 13:48.
E. Received up into glory. He was received up into glory, in his ascension. "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven," Acts 1:9-11. See also 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Regarding the Christian's Behavior
2. Regarding the Church's Buttress
3. Regarding Christ the Only-Begotten
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, Paul wrote to the young evangelist regarding the Christian's behavior in the "house of God." He says, "These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God..." Notice after giving guidance and qualification for the leadership of the church (elders and deacons), he instructs the preacher on his behavior in the house of God. I'm afraid that many problems which face the house of God are caused by preachers. If we learn how to behave, as preachers, we can then admonish the membership regarding their behavior.
2. Secondly, he wrote regarding the "buttress," the “support or foundation” of the house of God. He states: "the house of God is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and ground of the truth." The true church has as its support and foundation the "truth." It, therefore, must speak the truth as its message and present truth as its standard. Those who claim to be the "church" must have as their message "the truth." And its messengers "as trustworthy." The religious groups not claiming to be "the church of the living God" need not contend for the truth, nor require it of their messengers to "proclaim the truth" in their preaching.
3. Finally, the author wrote regarding the "mystery of godliness" of the only-begotten Son. He describes that: "God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory." If this is not the story of the "only-begotten Son of God," I don't know what is! Jesus Christ is the God described in both textual statements in our discussion, "The church of the living God" and "God was manifest in the flesh." For what purpose: "to reveal the mystery of godliness."
C. Invitation. H.B.R.C.B.
D. Persuade. The church needs men like Timothy. I wonder if we have some among us. Willing always to seek and follow after the things of Jesus Christ. And ever be ready to serve in the gospel, in whatever area you find yourselves. Will you, if the Lord wills? I pray to God that we work now, for the time cometh when no man can work.
E. Motivate. Matthew 11:28-30.
Sermon updated 12/24/2022.
