Isaiah Pauley
  • Home
  • Bio
  • BLOG
  • Some Sermons
  • Home
  • Bio
  • BLOG
  • Some Sermons

Christ and the Church

1/15/2021

Comments

 
Picture
I want us to look at a few verses in Paul’s first letter to Timothy.

“I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory” (1 Tim. 3:14-16 ESV).
Timothy is a young elder whom Paul loves. In this pastoral epistle, we find several instructions for the Church.

It’s more than a Sunday gathering. It’s more than a Facebook livestream. It’s more than sermons, songs, meetings, and ministries. The centrality of the Church is Christ Jesus Himself.

In verse 15, Paul describes the Church as a “… pillar and buttress of the truth.” But what does that mean?

The Word of God is the source of truth. And the Church is called to proclaim that truth. In this dark world, we preach the light of Christ. In this hopeless world, we share the hope of Christ. Why? Because, as Paul continues, “… He [God] was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory” (v. 16).

In this beautiful passage, we see the incarnation of Christ, the deity of Christ, the mission of Christ, and the ascension of Christ.

And this mystery must shape the Church.

Too often, we become complacent with our understanding of the Church. We chalk it up to a weekly gathering (or livestream). We listen to a message, sing (or listen) to some songs, and give a few bucks.

But the centrality of the Church is Christ. And that must fuel our every motivation.


Like finding unchurched people and talking to them about the gospel. Like forming relationships with the people we serve. Like caring for one another throughout the week.

How can you be more committed to Christ and His Church this year? Sure, it might involve becoming a member, serving on a team, or teaching a class. Those things are important. But a good place to begin is in prayer.

If we know Christ as Lord and Savior, we are on a mission. To worship our Father. To love our brothers and sisters in Christ. To share the gospel.

If the Church is to be an effective “… pillar and buttress of the truth” (v. 15), our lives must display the work of Christ. In our worship. In our families. In our workplaces, schools, and events.

God is working through His people, the Church. I hope and pray you consider the beauty of Christ, the hope of the gospel, and how the Church displays that mystery each and every day.
Comments

    Categories

    All
    Calling
    Christmas2019
    Church
    Classics
    Colossians Series
    Confidence
    Direction
    Discipleship
    Discipleship Series
    Doubt
    Ephesians Series
    Esther Series
    Expectations
    Failure
    Faith
    Fear
    Forgiveness
    Grace
    Grief
    Hope
    Identity
    Joy
    Justice
    Life
    Love
    Marriage
    Origins Of Christ
    Passion
    Peace
    Perspective
    Philemon Series
    Prayer
    (Re ) Series
    Rest
    Sacrifice
    Salvation
    Sin
    Student Ministry
    Surrender
    Thanksgiving
    Trust
    Work
    Worry
    Worship

    Archives

    December 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014

Proclaiming the Word through writing since 2014.

© 2022 Isaiah Pauley