1 Timothy 3:14-16 "Behave Yourself..."
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
We have just finished several weeks looking into the qualifications of bishops, followed the deacons. Now we will look into key verses of this epistle.
One commentator labels this section as, “The Believers.” Following Paul’s instructions concerning the offices of bishop and deacon, it makes logical sense Paul would address the remainder of the congregation.
Before we get into our text, I want to reflect on the background of this epistle.
We know the letter was written around A.D. 63, following Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome.
It is likely Paul left Rome and traveled to Ephesus. Ephesus was located in the southwestern corner of present day Turkey.
There is some debate concerning the place of writing. Rome and Macedonia have been offered as possibilities. Perhaps, in light of 1 Timothy 1:3, Macedonia could be the better choice. The letter was addressed to Timothy in Ephesus.
Paul had earnestly asked Timothy to remain in Ephesus to lead this important church.
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
But why was Timothy written?
Paul had hoped to visit Timothy in Ephesus but was fearful of a delay. If Paul were delayed, Paul wanted Timothy, and by extension us reading this today (this is the word of God), to “know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God” (1 Ti 3.15).
Hey young Timothy, hey aspiring pastors, hey pastors, and congregants this is the instruction manual.
The Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on church conduct. Most of us know, a SOP is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations. Do we have other books today on church management? Yes, but the wise Christian needs to stay anchored to the Word of God!
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Timothy, First Letter To
The epistle contains instructions concerning order and structure in the church and practical advice for the young pastor. One important theme in this and the other two Pastoral Epistles (2 Timothy and Titus) is sound teaching. Paul urged Timothy and Titus to confront the false teaching by sound or healthy teaching. This word occurs eight times in these three letters (1 Tim. 1:10; 6:3; 2 Tim. 1:13; 4:3; Titus 1:9, 13; 2:1–2).
With the background reevaluated, lets get into our first point.
Hoping for Heaven
Hoping for Heaven
14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
Paul opens this portion with, “These things write I unto thee.”
If I opened this text without any context, naturally, I want to ask, Paul what are “These things” you are writing?
As you look into the context, you can draw two thoughts about what Paul is writing about
First, it could be Paul points back to 1 Timothy 1:3, referencing the problem Timothy was left in Ephesus to face, explaining the rationale behind his advice and instruction.
The other thought is… Paul refers directly to the immediately preceding instructions about church officers, but he would certainly have no reason for not wanting Timothy to apply them more generally to the entire letter because other important instructions are to follow.
The first thing we read is Paul hoping to come unto Timothy shortly.
Let me illustrate it this way…Paige is expecting to see Lucas out of the field and in the home on a regular basis.
That is the idea behind this word. It is a verb expressing the idea of hoping or expecting. In like manner, Paul is expecting to see Timothy.
Lexham Theological Wordbook ἐλπίζω
It is sometimes used to express the concept of hoping in God, and not least hoping in God’s future redemption of those who are in Christ (e.g., Matt 12:21; 1 Cor 13:7; Phil 2:19; 1 Tim 4:10; 1 Pet 1:13).
Like Paul hoping (expecting) to see Timothy, we too as Christians can expect a future with our Savior.
However, those whom have never trusted Jesus Christ as Savior, while they may not be hoping for hell, they need to except the fact. They expect it because we have all come short of the glory of God.
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Our hope changes when we put our trust in Jesus Christ and call upon Him through faith.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
I trust we all know Heaven is our home. I trust we can all say, “Our hope is not in this world but in Heaven!”
So, we read of Paul’s hoping, but now we will see the “how.”
How in the House
How in the House
15 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.
As we move into this verse, Paul gives several reasons for these written instructions in spite of the planned visit.
a. The possibility of delay
Paul’s first reason for giving these instructions is seen in his statement, But if I tarry long. Though Paul was now free, he had only recently been imprisoned in Rome.
Paul knew he was ministering to an unreliable, unbelieving world and circumstances could change his plans overnight.
We can relates to circumstances changing over night… Think about this past year with the CoronaVirus. We have seen birthday parties canceled or altered, military training events canceled aboard base, vacation bible school canceled, and our outreach program adjusted.
Writing to the Roman Christians from Corinth, Paul had said earlier (A.D. 56), “Often-times I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,)” (Rom. 1:13).
There was so much to do in Asia Minor and Greece that Paul could not immediately spare time for Rome.
In the epistle before us, because of Paul’s possibility of delay, he wanted to make sure Timothy had clear and proper instructions for the conduct of church affairs and we get that in this epistle. The how things are managed.
Let me make this point, in anticipation of the possibility of delay, Paul took action and writes this epistle. While salvation is not based upon our works, we need to act, that is, received Christ by faith. We need to take an act of faith.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Moving from Paul’s possibility of delay, we see the need for proper order.
b. The need for proper order
Paul states to Timothy a second reason for these written instructions: “that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God.”
Of course, this does not mean Timothy had been misbehaving in any moral or ethical sense. The behavior which Paul speaks about here is the proper organization and leadership of the Ephesian congregations. We too would be wise to adhere to the need for “proper order.”
1 Timothy provides us the example of church structure. We know from chapter one, people were causing distractions. Timothy had to put some things in place to show the congregation how they ought to conduct themselves or live in a certain way.
I served in a command where the Squadron Commander was fired. The new commander had to clean up some things, he had specific instructions from the MAG Commander. Likewise, Timothy has to clean up some of the false teaching and fight for the gospel.
So, the behavior refers to Timothy only in the sense that, as Paul’s personal representative, Timothy bears the responsibility of seeing these instructions are carried out.
Having looked at the possibility of delay, and need for proper order, Paul addresses the importance of the church.
c. The importance of the church
A third reason for these written instructions concerning order and conduct in the church is the very importance of the church. The “house of God” which Paul spoke of is none other than “the church of the living God.” Since the church is a “house,” then Christians are a family.
The household of the first century was a bit different from what we have in modern times. The ancient home consisted of parents and children; extended family, workers, and stewards.
The household is a picture of the church in variety and structure, bringing together a mix of talents and gifts, men and women, adults and children, professionals and laborers, all of them are cared for and guided by stewards—pastors and deacons responsible to the Master.
Given this picture, we address one another as “brother” and “sister.” This family relationship is alive and active because we are in “the church of the living God.”
I believe Colin Powell shared the following story.
While interviewing a young soldier on the eve of Desert Storm, ABC correspondent Sam Donaldson asked, “How do you think the battle will go? Are you afraid?”
“We will do OK. We are well trained,” the soldier said, gesturing toward his fellow soldiers. “And I’m not afraid, because I’m with my family.”
The other soldiers shouted, “Tell him again. He didn’t hear you.” The soldier repeated, “This is my family; we’ll take care of each other.”
We have to start thinking of America as a family. We have to stop screeching at each other, stop hurting each other, and instead start caring for, sacrificing for, and sharing with each other. We have to stop constantly criticizing, which is the way of the malcontent (grouch), and get back to the can-do attitude that made America. We have to keep trying and risk failing to solve this country’s problems. We cannot move forward if cynics and critics swoop down and pick apart anything that goes wrong to a point where we lose sight of what is right, decent, and uniquely good about America.
That advice also applies to the body of Christ. As a family, we would do well to stop finding fault with each other and strive for unity.
Continuing with the the thought of the “the living God,” Death is completely foreign to the being of God; it has no part with Him.
His personal name, which most perfectly describes His essence, is “I Am.”
13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?
14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
This name stresses both His eternality and His immutability (unchangeable). He is so much alive He cannot be the God of the dead, only the living.
38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
Moreover, Paul mentions the church as “the pillar and ground of the truth.”
MacArthur Bible Studies: 1 & 2 Timothy Bible Passage
Paul’s imagery may have referred to the magnificent temple of Diana (Artemis) in Ephesus, which was supported by 127 gold-plated marble pillars. The word translated “ground” appears only here in the New Testament and denotes the foundation on which a building rests. The church upholds the truth of God’s revealed Word.
It would be similar if I used the illustrations of the largest Marine Corps Base, some may be unfamiliar and not get the immediate picture I am talking about Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center but I trust you get the image. You train on this based, you live on this base, and you get the image.
In like manner, Paul was using a known image to draw out an important truth.
Paul knew the importance of the church. Because of the importance of this great institution, it is necessary some rules of order and conduct be issued and observed.
As a “pillar” of truth, the church both supports and lifts truth high. As a “ground” of truth, the church acts as a guardian and support of truth.
The promotion, proclamation, protection, and preservation of the truth lie especially in the hands of the church. We have a responsibility to guard the truth and proclaim the truth!
So, we have seen three reason for these written instructions, that is, the possibility of delay, need for proper order, and the importance of the church. Now we will review a Hymn about Him.
Hymn about Him
Hymn about Him
16 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.
I read something similar to this, “the notion there are many truths might seem to well suit a diverse society. But when everyone is free to define truth as they prefer, as at present, the result is an intellectual and moral shouting match in which the people with the loudest voices are most likely to be heard.”
Unlike everyone’s opinions and the loud voices, Paul knew the truth.
Paul introduces the truth portrayed in the hymn with the statement, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.”
The words “without controversy” convey the idea “it must be admitted, beyond all question, most certainly,” implying the doctrinal statements Paul is about to make is the truth. These are not opinions, they are FACTS!
I mentioned this previously but in the New Testament, the word “mystery” refers to a truth previously unknown which has now been revealed. Most of the New Testament uses are found in the writings of Paul where he uses it some 17 times.
In this usage, the “mystery” which has been revealed is the new way of “godliness” in the person and work of Christ, not in the formulas and ceremonies of the Law of Moses. It is a godliness that works more from the inside out rather than from the outside in.
The creed or hymn which Paul now quotes traces and exalts Jesus Christ. The person and work of the source of this godliness.
The hymn is given in three couplets. In all honesty, I am about to cover ground I am not sure about. I don’t know about music…I simply don’t.
I have this book here on “How to Prepare Sermons” and I will read something from it. The author says, “If one cannot express the theme colloquially (with everyday speech), it is doubtful if he can do so from the pulpit.” He continues, “One will preach better if he allows the matter to resolve more and more in his mind.”
If someone can tell me what a couplet is I got this bag of candy for them.
For sake of clarity, a couplet is a pair of successive lines of verse, typically rhyming and of the same length.
It is believed each couplet exalts (builds up) two extremes in the life and work of Christ.
1. The first couplet is, God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit. The reference is to Jesus Christ.
“God was manifest in the flesh” obviously refers to Christ’s incarnation, when “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.”
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
We should regard these couplets (lines) as expressing some parallelism.
Just as “in the flesh” points to the realm of manifestation, so must “in the spirit” refer to the realm of justification.
In other words, “justified in the Spirit” refers to God’s approval of Christ’s ministry and death through the great triumph of His resurrection into the spiritual realm.
A comparison may be made to 1 Peter 3:18: “being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.”
Since it applies to Christ, “justified” here takes on the idea of “vindicated” (clear of blame or suspicion) rather than its more normal theological meaning.
2. The second couplet declares, “seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles.”
This couplet expresses the breadth of Christ’s exposure, universal and broad in its scope. In looking at the ministry of Christ, we see the constant assistance of angels.
Angels appeared to the shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem to announce the birth of the Christ child (Lk. 2:13).
Angels ministered to Christ at the conclusion of His temptation (Mt. 4:11).
As His ministry was culminating, angels ministered to His needs in Gethsemane (Lk. 22:43).
Angels were available for His call when He was arrested (Mt. 26:53).
Angels proclaimed His resurrection (Mt. 28:2–8; Jn. 20:12).
Angels stood by at His ascension (Acts 1:10), and angels will accompany Him when He returns (Mt. 25:31; 1 Th. 4:16).
This leaves no question Christ, in His ministry, was “seen of angels.”
Having looked at the angels, let look at Christ’s command, which we have come to call “the great commission,” Christ has also been “preached unto the Gentiles” (Mt. 28:18–20; Mk. 16:15; Lk. 24:47; Jn. 20:30, 31; Acts 1:8).
Paul especially headed up this ministry in his call as “the apostle of the Gentiles” (Rom. 11:13; Acts 9).
Thus, from the angels at His birth to the nations of the world after His ascension, we see how far this message of “truth” been spread.
3. The final couplet reads, “believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
In this hymn we see both Christ’s earthly faith and His heavenly position. The church is still preaching the lively message of salvation through faith in Christ.
The gates of Hell have not yet prevailed against it (Mt. 16:18). Though the church has become large, both in size and influence, our Lord Himself is not physical here.
He was “received up into glory.” His present ministry is an intercessory one at God’s right hand. His glorified position demonstrates God’s approval on His earthly work.
The earthly work included His death, burial, and resurrection.
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Christ did this work for us and we see it here in this Hymn about Him.
It is now the duty of the church, it is our duty, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, to keep spreading the “truth” of the person and work of Christ abroad until He returns.
So, it this short text, we see looked at a hoping for Heaven, the how in the house, which included possibility of delay, need for proper order, and the importance of the church, and finally we looked at the hymn about Him.
Therefore, I leave you with this truth “Without Christ, the church would not exist. We must know who we belong to and what He expects of us and then align ourselves accordingly.” Apart from the Bible, we will never know what God expects from us.