Scripture
1 Timothy 3:15-16 – 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. 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.
Observation
In these last verses of 1 Timothy 3, Paul continues to emphasize the importance of godly conduct not only for elders and deacons but for the church family as a whole. The church is the household of God, where Jesus is the head. The church is to be a firm support for the truth which is Christ. Our godliness can only come from Christ and his living Spirit within us.
Application
My individual behavior as a believer is important. Our behavior as a corporate body is equally important. Both individually and collectively our behavior on Sunday and throughout the week should be a reflection of Jesus that points people to Christ. As members of the church, we are called to stand firm in the truth of Jesus. We need to focus on Jesus and let the power of the Spirit guide our conversations and relationships to point others toward Jesus not away from Him. I certainly have no ability to do this on my own apart from the love and saving grace of the gospel. In a time where things are becoming increasingly polarized and contentious we have the truth in the gospel. We are always better when we are proclaiming the truth of the gospel rather than what we oppose.
Prayer
Father,
Thank you for the truth in the gospel of Jesus. Let me to share your love and truth in a clear way to point others to you. Help me to be an ambassador for your Kingdom by my actions.