THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS
"I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the
household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and
support of the truth. And by common confession (beyond all question, NIV;
without controversy, KJV) GREAT IS THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Beheld by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory"
(1 Timothy 3:15-16).

Devotion 3 of 13

THE CHURCH IS THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH
The Pillar and Ground

     Because the church is the "pillar and ground of the truth," it was imperative that Timothy know how to conduct himself within it. This very concept conflicts with the self-serving attitude that dominates our age. There is a sort of catering spirit that has risen in our churches--a spirit that seeks to give people their fleshly preferences. From sermon to song, and protocol to length of service, religious professionals structure their public offerings to appeal to the unsaved and  disinterested. They call their offerings "seeker services," but compromise is more prevalent in them than godly appeal. You do not constrain people to "seek" by accommodating yourself to their realm. Rather, you come within observable distance of them, living out the life of God and proclaiming His message within their hearing. 

     The church is the "pillar and ground of the truth." Its mandate is to proclaim and protect the truth against corruption--to see to it that the truth of God is brought to bear upon the consciences of men. A humble heart, deep concern for straying multitudes, and a ministering spirit are imperative, but they in no way mitigate the fact that the church is the "pillar and ground of the truth." If the church is not noted for proclaiming and delineating the truth, it has miserably  failed! It makes no difference what else it may have done, or how well it may have been accomplished; if the truth has not been declared, God's purpose has not been served.  It does not require an astute mind to realize if Jesus had only fed the multitudes and healed their sick, His mission to earth would not miserably failed.

     Our text is an elaboration of the church being the "pillar and ground of the truth."  There is a sharp distinction between the people of the old covenant and those of the new and better covenant. 

      Israel was a "disobedient and gainsaying people" (Rom 10:21). Their hearts were "far from" the Lord, and their natures were unchanged (Isa 29:13; Matt 15:8). They were "uncircumcised" in heart and ears (Lev 26:41; Jer 6:10; Acts 7:51).  They were unsuitable to be a "pillar and ground of the truth."  They were not transformed, and  were at enmity with their own God. The Law could not help their situation. It provided no grace or mercy, and had no strength from which they could draw. It could point out their flaws, but could do nothing about them. It condemned them, but it could not justify them. Thank God, we live in a better time, with a better covenant established upon better promises!

PRAYER POINT: Father, I know Your truth is a most precious gift, necessary for the communication of Your Mind and the salvation of mankind. In the name of Jesus, give me grace to play an active role in its propagation and visibility in my generation.

-- TOMORROW: PREEMINENTLY A CUSTODIAN --