Prepare for Sunday morning worship by using the guide below.
1 Timothy 3:14-16
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.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: This Sunday, Tom will begin a short three-part series from 1 Timothy on the subject of the church. He'll look at the nature of the church and its offices. Our doctrine of the church is not superfluous. Paul says the very purpose of his letter is that "you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God" (1 Tim 3:15). As members of that household, we should know how the family functions and seek to support and care for it, for it is "the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth" (v. 15). With great solemnity, Paul then quotes what was likely an early confession or hymn of the church (v. 16), exalting Christ to whom the church owes its very existence.
A book series from 9Marks opens with this striking question in the preface: "Do you believe it is your responsibility to help build a healthy church?" You may not have considered this to be part of your calling as a Christian, but Scripture plainly tells us that it is. Our view of the church matters.
Review & Apply
How has your view of the church changed over the years?
What are some implications of the metaphor of the church as a household? How does this picture challenge your view of the church?
As we are "the church of the living God," how have you seen God's active presence and work among us when we gather? In what way have you seen the living God move in your own life in the past several months?
How do you think we can grow as a church in promoting and protecting the truth of the gospel? How can we better reflect who we are as "a pillar and buttress of the truth"? How can we better reflect the glory of our Lord?
Consider honestly the 9Marks question: "Do you believe it is your responsibility to help build a healthy church?" How should you go about that? What is your contribution at Christ Covenant?
Give
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