The Nature of the Church
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14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 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.
16 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.
The Nature of the Church
Paul knew the value of being present in person in the churches. But the letters became a part of his ministry to churches (then and now). In this letter, he lays down some principles and practices to guide people in their worship and in their everyday living (behaviour). In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul uses four words to describe the nature of the church, or four words to describe the different functions of the church.
1 Tim 3:15 …“How one ought to behave in the (oikos) household of God, which is the (ekklesia) church of the living God, a pillar (of truth) and buttress of the truth.”
1. Household (oikos) = Family (fellowship). Admiral Nelson described his navy as a ‘band of brothers.’
2. Church (ekklesia) = An assembly of people, people of God gathered in a covenant relationship. A body of people who have been called/chosen as God’s own.
3. Pillar of truth: στῦλος (stūlos). The temple of Diana in Ephesus had 127 pillars (Marble and adorned with jewels and gems) – The church’s function is to ‘Display the truth’. Also, the church in contrast to the pagan idols, is the body of the giver of life.
4. Support (buttress) ἑδραίωμα (hedraiōma) of truth, like support of building. The world would eliminate the truth, but the church supports it against all who seek to destroy it. [eg Charlie Kirk’s widow Sept 2025]
1 Timothy 3:16. Records a piece of early church creed set in poetic form and prob set to music. 6 creed phrases :
1. At the of this creedal statement, the humanity of Jesus is spoken of – a Messiah in a form we can understand.
2. Possibly, this means that the resurrection of Jesus who was crucified as a criminal on the cross.
But through the power of the Holy Spirit in the resurrection, ‘he was shown to be right, he was who he claimed to be.’
3. Life before birth, life on earth, principalities and powers. He is Lord of heaven and earth!
4. Jesus is not just the Messiah of the Jews but the Saviour of the whole world.
5. After the ascension, the number of followers were 120.
Seventy years later the carpenter from Galilee who was crucified, spread through the known world so that every nation will acknowledge Jesus as Lord.
6. V16 closes with a reference to the Ascension. The story of Jesus begins and ends in heaven in glory. The wonder of church expansion. The end is glory.
Cover Photo Jason Swain Photography https://jasonswain.co.uk/
