1tim3v14-15

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1 TIMOTHY 3:1-16: TEXT: v14-15 [SERIES 11]

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, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

v14 brings a very human element into the Scriptural passage
Although doubtless written by inspiration/God, yet it shows that the processes/inspiration do not steamer roller over the natural every day affairs of the Apostles
God is as interested in the little matters as well as the weighty matters of theology – such as we have in v16

Paul hoped to see Timothy soon as was natural for many reasons
[i] Timothy was a brother in Christ
[ii] Timothy was his very own convert (1:2)
[iii] Timothy was a fellow pastor in the work of God
[iv] Timothy was a fellow pastor in one of Paul’s churches
So it was but a natural desire in Paul’s heart to meet up with Timothy again and renew fellowship with him

Recognising: there could be a delay in his coming – for the Apostles were subject to like passions and like delays and frustrations as we are – Paul penned this letter so that Timothy might know how to behave himself in the house/God (v15)
v15 is an important text – 4 main thoughts to consider in it

1) THE CHURCH IS LIKENED UNTO A HOUSE:
..the house of God which is the church…
This carries a two fold thought

A/ May be likened unto a building
In the OT, God’s presence was associated with the Tabernacle
Then David saw the need to build God a more permanent dwelling
So Solomon’s great temple was built and God’s presence was especially located there
We accept: God’s presence cannot be limited to any temple made with hands: Acts 7:48 – God is everywhere at one/same time
But we can speak of God’s favourable presence being located
Here it is located: Midst/church which is called God’s House

This reference to a building is, of course, figurative or mystical
[i] The stones of the building are the Christians themselves
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:8)
Even the language/Bible about people being saved is keyed into the thought of building: I will build my church (Matthew 16:18)
Every Christian is a brick in the church of Jesus Christ

[ii] The foundation stone of the church is Jesus Christ:
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. (1 Peter 2:6)
Upon this Rock (Peter’s confession/Christ) I will build my church

[iii] The door to the church again is Christ
You may join a outward church body on earth without Christ
Many names adorn church roll books without salvation
But you can only enter the church/Firstborn by Christ:
I am the door. By me if any man enter in, he shall be saved (John 10:9)

[iv] Pillars of the church are the Apostles and preachers
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship...(Galatians 2:9)

C/ Another way in which it is seen to be a house is in the sense of a household – not merely the building but the order inside
Again, the Scripture makes use of this idea also:

[i] Master/House is Christ Himself
Falls to him to feed/clothe/educate and defend the inhabitants

[ii] Inhabitants/House are the Christians
Often they addressed in relation to their spiritual maturity
Hence addressed as fathers, young men and children

[iii] Stewards in the house are ministers/gospel
Stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10)
Under God, they minister the food/disciple in the house
This has been largely expounded in vs1-13
So the church is likened unto a house

2) THIS HOUSE BELONGS TO THE LIVING GOD:
He is both identified as God and as the Living God

A/ Perhaps these titles may appear to be somewhat basic – but if so, they are basically majestic, especially the latter

B/ You cannot go higher than these titles in any department
If God did not hold unto any of His glorious attributes, then he would cease to be God and there would cease to be a church
That is why the man who says “There is no God” is dismissed as a ranting fool of no worth whatsoever

There would be no Universe if there was no God
God upholds all things by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3)
If this great upholding power ceased to be, then the world would cease to be also

B/ He is further described here as the Living God to remind us that we are not in allegiance to a vain religion
Timothy was in Ephesus – a heathen city who passionately worshipped whom they called “The great goddess Diana”
Yet she was made of silver and art and man’s device
Not so the Christian God (who is the only God)
He is the Living God who (as said( upholds all things)
He does not have ears but cannot hear or eyes and cannot see
He is alert to our every need and worthy to be praised

C/ The church therefore is His because He purchased it with the blood of His own dear Son at Calvary
Who can therefore take it from Him?
Only one who can lay any charge against His elect and that cannot be done with any degree of success
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died etc.,

D/ It is not therefore man’s church
Certainly isn’t the Pope’s church!
Not even Calvin’s church or (FPC) Paisley’s church!
It is the church of the Living God
With what wickedness/madness then does any one seek the hurt and destruction of this church that belongs to the Living God
He that touches you touches the apple/God’s eye (Zechariah 2:8)

3) THIS HOUSE HAS A DUTY TO DISPLAY THE TRUTH:
the pillar and ground of truth…

A/ This is a key verse in the controversy with the RC Church
Rome claims she with all her traditions (being the sole inheritor of the title of Church) is the ground and pillar of truth
She claims that she is the one decided what went into the Bible and how it is to be interpreted etc.,
According to Rome, the rest of us have departed from God inasmuch as we departed from her teachings

B/ This text does not support Rome’s interpretation and therefore cannot be used in defence of her application of it
Don’t worry about falling out with the Pope!

C/ The Church is not the mother or the source/Bible
The Church (defined by its faithfulness/Scripture) is the defender and propagator of the Bible
Word translated pillar carries the thought of being a support
Best illustration is just as Moses lifted up the brazen serpent on a pole so that men could behold it (serpent) and believe and live, so likewise the church is the pole that lifts up the Bible
It is the work of the Church to give every support to the Bible
It is our job to make its existence known – preach and teach its message – defend its statements from its critics etc.,

D/ Any church that is not holding up the truth and contending for it forfeits its right to be considered as a church
Sadly, Rome has long forfeited her right to the title
There are truths out there upon which our redemption hangs

[i] Doctrine of a complete and finished work by Christ
This is effectively denied in the doctrine of the mass

[ii] The Doctrine of justification by faith alone
This is effectively denied in the doctrine of penance etc.,

Therefore to fall foul of the RC Church is no great disaster
Indeed, I would say it is highly recommended
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Revelation 18:4)

4) WE ARE TO BEHAVE OURSELVES APPROPRIATELY IN THE HOUSE – THE CHURCH – OF THE LIVING GOD:

A/ This means much more than sitting up and listening
Obviously it does carry the thought of reverence etc.,
Need to avoid a flippancy in divine things when in church
I have heard stories of young people texting each other on mobile phones etc., and that horrifies me

B/ But our text means more than this
Written initially to a young, godly pastor in the church
I don’t think Timothy was given to employing the many tricks and idle past times folk used to get an hour or so to pass quicker

C/ It is a call to Timothy to ensure that he is faithful to his calling and duties as a teaching elder in the church
Of course, he is not alone – there are other elders to help him
But he has individual responsibilities within the overall group to see that he runs the household/faith in a Biblical manner

Paul has already been expounding some of these duties
[i] False teachers must be defeated and exhortation made that pure doctrine alone be proclaimed (1:3-7)

[ii] Is discipline needed? Let it be exercised (1:20)

Paul had already been busy in this sad department (1:20)
Such ridding out would not come naturally to any Christian
Here were men who had professed faith in Christ
They had been in the fellowship – sat together at the Lord’s table – perhaps they had fought the Lord’s battles together
Wept when others wept/rejoiced together when they rejoiced
But error had crept in – some blasphemous teaching took hold
It was the duty of the pastor/session to chase that error away
Attempts to do so had evidently failed
Now it fell to Paul to deliver them over the arch foe of the house/God i.e. Satan so that blasphemy might be seen for what it is – an unacceptable attack upon the house/God
Had Paul failed here (and if Timothy was to fail) then the error would be rooted and the household ruined:
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. (Acts 20:29)
Timothy comes across/Bible as a shy kind of person
It is not easy going to some one (perhaps a fellow elder) – or even a group (2 men involved in 1:20) – and saying: “You are in error” and then following it through if they remain unrepentant with definite and far reaching church discipline
Issues like this have been known to split churches/denominations
But it fell to Timothy to behave himself in such a way as to protect the church from embracing soul damning error

[iii] Other duties already covered in this epistle which Timothy was being expected to see carried through concerned the prayer life of the church (2:1-8) the position of ladies within the fellowship (2:9-15) and a whole host of matters concerning the elders/deacons and their wives (3:1-14)

More instruction was to follow later and all to be obeyed

C/ From the history of the Ephesus church, it seems that Timothy was faithful in the discharge of his duties
Church was noted for its doctrinal adherence to truth
Epistle to Ephesus is among the loftiest/NT letters
In Revelation 2, it had the privilege of getting a letter from Christ that included these words:

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. (Revelation 2:2-3)

I accept that the Saviour had also to rebuke the same Church:
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. (Revelation 2:4)

But by way of defence to Timothy we would say this:
Likely that heTherefore to fall foul of the RC Church is no great disaster
Indeed, I would say it is highly recommended
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Revelation 18:4)

4) WE ARE TO BEHAVE OURSELVES APPROPRIATELY IN THE HOUSE – THE CHURCH – OF THE LIVING GOD:

A/ This means much more than sitting up and listening
Obviously it does carry the thought of reverence etc.,
Need to avoid a flippancy in divine things when in church
I have heard stories of young people texting each other on mobile phones etc., and that horrifies me

B/ But our text means more than this
Written initially to a young, godly pastor in the church
I don’t think Timothy was given to employing the many tricks and idle past times folk used to get an hour or so to pass quicker

C/ It is a call to Timothy to ensure that he is faithful to his calling and duties as a teaching elder in the church
Of course, he is not alone – there are other elders to help him
But he has individual responsibilities within the overall group to see that he runs the household/faith in a Biblical manner

Paul has already been expounding some of these duties
[i] False teachers must be defeated and exhortation made that pure doctrine alone be proclaimed (1:3-7)

[ii] Is discipline needed? Let it be exercised (1:20) had left Ephesus at this time
Clear from the recommendation (v2-3) he had left a good legacy
Even if he were still pastor there, the pastor cannot produce love in the hearts of God’s people – that is something which they themselves can only cultivate before God

On this note of our individual responsibilities as Christians i.e. that we keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21) we must finish our message this day
Let us therefore behave ourselves in God’s house

THE END

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