1Timothy 3:14-16 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou may know how thou ought to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
‘Hoping to come unto thee shortly.’ I hope to come to you shortly, but if I am delayed, you will know how to conduct yourself amongst other believers (3:14-15).
‘The house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.’ Three names of the New Testament congregation: The house or household of God (3:15; Eph. 2:19-22; cp. Gal. 6:10). The congregations or assemblies of the living God (3:15; Eph. 3:15; 5:1). The pillar and ground of truth, the upholder of the great truth of the mystery of godliness (3:15-16). Another great truth upheld is the headship of God (1Cor. 11:3; Eph. 1:10). Lucifer did not abide in this truth (John 8:44; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17). He is now denying it (1Jn. 2:18-23). Christians are now supposed to demonstrate it (Eph. 3:10; 4:11-16; 5:24; Heb. 13:7, 17; 1Pet. 5:1-6).
‘Without controversy’ [Greek: homologoumenos] confessedly.
‘The mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preaches unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.’ Seven facts of the mystery of Godliness: Great – divine fullness (3:16; John 1:16-17; Eph. 3:19; Col. 1:19; 2:9). God was manifest in the flesh – the incarnation (3:16; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-56; 2:1-39; John 1:14; Rom. 8:3; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 1:5-6; 2:6-18). Justified in the Spirit – divine vindication (3:16; Acts 2:22-28, 36; 3:14-18; Rom. 1:3-4; Eph. 1:20-23; Php. 2:5-11; Col. 1:15-24; 2:14-17; Heb. 1:3-9; 2:5-18; 1Pet. 3:22).
To be continued…
Living the Word 