Living as the Pillar of Truth in the Church
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's a joy to gather together in the house of God. Today, we delved into 1 Timothy chapter 3, exploring the responsibilities and behaviors expected of the church. Paul wrote to Timothy, guiding him on how the church should function and behave. The church is not just a building but the pillar and ground of truth, tasked with upholding and living out the gospel.
We discussed three main truths about the house of God: its identity, its message, and the proper behavior within it. The church is the assembly of the living God, and its message is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our behavior should reflect this truth in our daily lives. Paul emphasized the importance of standing against false teachings, being fervent in prayer, choosing godly leaders, caring for others, and living a godly life.
Paul's letter to Timothy also highlighted the need for the church to be a place of prayer, especially for our leaders, and to be led by godly individuals. We are to care for one another, treating each other as family, and to live lives that are distinct from the world, focusing on eternal treasures rather than earthly gains.
As we go about our lives, we must remember that we are representatives of Jesus Christ. Our actions and words should reflect the transformative power of the gospel. We are called to be the light in this world, standing firm in the truth and living out the gospel in every aspect of our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Church as the Pillar and Ground of Truth: The church is not merely a building but the assembly of the living God, tasked with upholding the truth of the gospel. This means standing against false teachings and doctrines, ensuring that what is preached and taught aligns with the Word of God. We must be vigilant and courageous in defending the truth, knowing that if we do not stand for it, no one else will. [51:04]
2. The Importance of Prayer: Paul emphasizes that the church should be a house of prayer, especially praying for our leaders and those in authority. This is crucial for leading a peaceful and godly life. Our prayers should be offered with holy hands, free from anger and doubt, trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness. This reflects our dependence on God and our desire for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. [53:18]
3. Choosing Godly Leaders: The church must be led by individuals of high moral character and godliness. Paul outlines the qualifications for bishops and deacons, emphasizing the need for leaders who are blameless, of good behavior, and full of faith. Encouraging young people to aspire to these roles is vital, as godly leadership is essential for the church to function as the pillar and ground of truth. [56:10]
4. Caring for One Another: The gospel calls us to be the most generous and caring people on earth. We are to treat each other as family, showing respect and care, especially for those who cannot care for themselves. This includes supporting widows and ensuring that the church can focus on those truly in need. Our generosity and care for others reflect the love of Christ and uphold the truth of the gospel. [58:12]
5. Living a Godly Life: The church is called to live lives that are distinct from the world, focusing on righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. We are to flee from the desires of this world and pursue a life that reflects the character of Christ. This means storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, living for eternity, and being controlled by the Spirit of God. [01:00:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:07] - Announcements
[06:52] - Opening Prayer
[32:36] - Introduction to 1 Timothy 3
[33:22] - Introduction of Summer Interns
[34:15] - Paul's Letter to Timothy
[35:05] - The House of God
[51:04] - Standing Against False Teachings
[51:55] - The Church as the Pillar of Truth
[53:18] - The Importance of Prayer
[54:19] - Praying for Leaders
[55:33] - The Church as a House of Prayer
[56:10] - Choosing Godly Leaders
[57:41] - Characteristics of Church Leaders
[58:12] - Caring for One Another
[59:40] - The Truth of the Gospel
[01:00:13] - Living a Godly Life
[01:02:05] - The Church as the Body of Christ
[01:04:29] - Proper Behavior in the House of God
[01:10:01] - Prayer for Students
[01:11:43] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Timothy 3:14-15 (ESV) - "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."
2. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV) - "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
3. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (ESV) - "But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Timothy 3:14-15, what is the purpose of Paul's letter to Timothy? How does Paul describe the church? [34:15]
2. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, what types of prayers does Paul urge believers to make, and for whom? What is the intended outcome of these prayers? [53:18]
3. What qualities does Paul encourage Timothy to pursue in 1 Timothy 6:11-12? How does this relate to living a godly life? [01:00:13]
4. What are some of the behaviors Paul instructs the church to avoid, as mentioned in the sermon? [51:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the church as the "pillar and ground of the truth"? How does this responsibility impact the church's role in the world? [51:55]
2. How does praying for leaders and those in authority contribute to a peaceful and godly life, according to 1 Timothy 2:1-2? What might this look like in practice? [53:51]
3. What does it mean to "flee the desires of this world" and "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness" as stated in 1 Timothy 6:11-12? How can this pursuit shape a believer's daily life? [01:00:40]
4. How does the sermon describe the importance of choosing godly leaders within the church? What characteristics should these leaders possess? [56:10]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any false teachings or doctrines you have encountered? How can you stand firm in the truth and address these issues within your community? [51:04]
2. How often do you pray for your leaders and those in authority? What specific steps can you take to incorporate this practice into your daily routine? [53:18]
3. Think about the leaders in your church. How can you support and encourage them to maintain high moral character and godliness? Are there any young people you can mentor or encourage to aspire to these roles? [56:10]
4. In what ways can you show care and generosity to those in your church and community who are in need? Identify one specific action you can take this week to help someone. [58:12]
5. Examine your own life: Are there areas where you are more focused on earthly gains rather than eternal treasures? What changes can you make to align your priorities with godly living? [01:00:13]
6. How can you be a light in your workplace, school, or community, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel? Share one practical way you can demonstrate this in the coming week. [01:02:05]
7. Are there any behaviors or attitudes in your life that do not align with being the "pillar and ground of the truth"? What steps can you take to correct these and live a life that upholds the gospel? [01:04:29]
Devotional
Day 1: The Church as the Pillar and Ground of Truth
The church is not merely a building but the assembly of the living God, tasked with upholding the truth of the gospel. This means standing against false teachings and doctrines, ensuring that what is preached and taught aligns with the Word of God. We must be vigilant and courageous in defending the truth, knowing that if we do not stand for it, no one else will. The church's role is to be the foundation and support of the truth, providing a stable base from which the gospel can be proclaimed and lived out. This responsibility requires a commitment to sound doctrine and a willingness to confront and correct errors when they arise. [51:04]
1 Timothy 3:15 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively defend and uphold the truth of the gospel in your daily interactions and conversations?
Day 2: The Importance of Prayer
Paul emphasizes that the church should be a house of prayer, especially praying for our leaders and those in authority. This is crucial for leading a peaceful and godly life. Our prayers should be offered with holy hands, free from anger and doubt, trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness. This reflects our dependence on God and our desire for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Prayer is not just a personal practice but a communal one that binds the church together in unity and purpose. [53:18]
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer for your leaders and those in authority into your daily routine?
Day 3: Choosing Godly Leaders
The church must be led by individuals of high moral character and godliness. Paul outlines the qualifications for bishops and deacons, emphasizing the need for leaders who are blameless, of good behavior, and full of faith. Encouraging young people to aspire to these roles is vital, as godly leadership is essential for the church to function as the pillar and ground of truth. Leaders set the tone for the congregation, and their example can inspire others to live lives of integrity and faithfulness. [56:10]
1 Timothy 3:2-3 (ESV): "Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money."
Reflection: What qualities do you see in your current church leaders that align with Paul's qualifications, and how can you support and encourage them in their roles?
Day 4: Caring for One Another
The gospel calls us to be the most generous and caring people on earth. We are to treat each other as family, showing respect and care, especially for those who cannot care for themselves. This includes supporting widows and ensuring that the church can focus on those truly in need. Our generosity and care for others reflect the love of Christ and uphold the truth of the gospel. By caring for one another, we demonstrate the practical outworking of our faith and the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. [58:12]
James 1:27 (ESV): "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
Reflection: Who in your church or community is in need of care and support, and how can you extend Christ's love to them this week?
Day 5: Living a Godly Life
The church is called to live lives that are distinct from the world, focusing on righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. We are to flee from the desires of this world and pursue a life that reflects the character of Christ. This means storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, living for eternity, and being controlled by the Spirit of God. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of the gospel, drawing others to Christ through our example. [01:00:13]
1 Timothy 6:11-12 (ESV): "But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to pursue a godly life and reflect the character of Christ in your actions and decisions?
Quotes
1. "But there's much more to church than just outward behavior. And this morning, we're going to consider three truths regarding the house of God. What is the house of God? What is the message of the house of God? And what is the proper behavior for the house of God? So we've seen that we're the house of God. We've seen what the message of the house of God should be. So how should that affect our lives? How should that affect the way that we live on a day to day basis?" [35:05] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are to be the salt. We are to be the light that influences our world. We're not to just see ground. We're not to just sit by idly and say oh yeah I'll just let them go off. We are to stand for the truth of the word of God. If we don't stand for the truth. Who will? Who will? We are to stand against false doctrines. Paul was even willing to call out. By name. Those who are problem makers." [52:37] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The church of God is to be a house of prayer. God's people need to be people that pray. Our prayer meetings on Wednesday nights at 7 o'clock should be packed. Because God's people should be a people that pray. We should be a people as the pillar and the ground of the truth. That lift up our voices to God. And pray for God to work in this world. We need to be a fervent people who pray. The church of God should be full of people. Who pray." [55:33] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We should encourage our young people. To want to be pastors. To be desires to be pastors. And if they have that desire. Encourage them to pursue it. If any man desires the office of a pastor. He desires a good work. I tell people all the time. I have the greatest job on the face of the earth. I have the privilege. Of preaching God's word. I have the privilege. Of telling other people about Jesus Christ. And you guys pay me to do it." [56:42] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God wants the people of the house of God. To be generous and kind to other people. And as we do so. We uphold the truth of the gospel. And what is that truth of the gospel? That it makes us like God. That's the truth of the gospel. Jesus saved us to make us more like himself. Jesus Christ. The most generous and loving person that ever lived. And that's how we uphold the truth of the gospel. Is by living it. By a transformed life." [59:40] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We are to live for eternity and for heaven. We don't live for now. That's not the focus of the church of the living God. We live to be godly. And holy. And righteous. Focusing on the life to come. Not on covetousness. And the things of this world. Which go away. These are the ways that we should behave ourselves as the house of God. Standing for truth. Praying. Selecting godly leaders. Caring for others. And living a godly life." [01:01:37] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You are the assembly. Of the living God. You are the body. Of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ went to heaven. He is not here physically. He has left you to be his representative. Each of us. Are his body. To live as Jesus Christ. In our respective part of the world. And that truth. That reality should impact. The way we live. That Jesus Christ. Saved us. To make us more like him. He died for us. And that is what the gospel is all about." [01:02:05] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We should speak the truth. I am not denying. We should stand up for the truth. But we should not just speak it. We should live it. It should be followed. If you do not live it. Your words do not have much impact. But man when someone who lives a godly life. Who loves Jesus Christ. Then says you know what. The truth changed me. This is what the truth looks like. This is why we believe the truth. Because the gospel is powerful." [01:03:29] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Shine your light today for Jesus Christ. And allow him to allow you to make a difference for his glory. And so we're going to have a word of prayer together with you guys. And then we'll dismiss the service. Father, we're so grateful for your goodness. Lord, we love you. And we just pray, Father, that you will bless these young people. God, would your hand be upon them? We know that Satan desires to destroy them. Wants to introduce their hearts and their minds to ungodly and wicked things." [01:11:43] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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