1 Timothy 3:14-16 The Church Lives
Paul states his purpose, in no uncertain terms, behind writing this letter to Timothy. He wants to make sure there is order in the church, even if he can’t be there to establish it himself.
Paul trusted Timothy. He personally sent him to this body of believers to watch over them and set them straight. He commissioned Timothy to deal with the false teachers and instructed him on how to identify appropriate leaders. Now he makes sure that Timothy realizes the trust that he has put in him.
If Paul can’t come in person, Timothy has all he needs to carry on the work the Holy Spirit started in Ephesus. And this work is important.
Moses received instructions from God concerning worship, sacrifices, offerings, and all matters concerning the temple. Leadership depended on lineage. God is orderly and He expected order from His people.
God also prescribed a specific place for interactions with Him. People were free, and encouraged, to pray at home and anywhere they were. But they were also required to gather at a specific place and perform prescribed observances to demonstrate their commitment to Him. I believe that a lot of those who came and participated in the observances did so out of duty instead of personal commitment.
After Jesus’ sacrifice God changed things up a bit. He is still orderly and expects order in the assembly. But He no longer prescribes exactly how and where His people meet. He provided a framework of character for leaders, not lineage any longer. He also moved His home from the Temple to our hearts. His Spirit lives in each of us, and when we come together in His name, we are His temple. We are His body.
Paul wrote to Timothy to help him protect the body of the living God. Our God. Jesus Christ who is NO LONGER dead but seated at the right hand of the Father. The Holy Spirit who lives in us, gives testimony on a daily basis of God’s love for us. The united believers in Jesus’ work of salvation. That relationship of united believers is God’s home and worthy to be set in order for His use.
Father God, thank You for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank You that I don’t have to do all the work alone. I would NEVER be able to carry even a part of it alone! Thank You for setting leaders and leadership in place for me. I need someone to turn to with my questions. I need someone to show me more of Your word. I love hearing how You bring out Your truths in Your word through different people. I want more than my own “lessons” to help me grow healthy in You.
Thank You Holy Spirit for living daily in my heart. I know I don’t always make the best “hostess” but You stay anyway. Thank You! Forgive me for trying to keep some doors closed or even locked. Forgive me for trying to hide some of the issues under the couch or rug. You see them anyway but You don’t force me to deal with them until we are BOTH ready. Thank You for bringing me into Your order. Keep working on me; please. Thank You!
