Last week I asked my church choir what they think of when they hear the word “household.” Some responses were
• Respect
• Family
• Chores
• Serving
• Dysfunctional
• Support
I asked because that morning I had read 1 Timothy 3 in which Paul is sending Timothy instructions so that he “will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.” There are several times when Paul refers to the church as God’s household. (Eph. 2:19, Titus 1:7) He attaches to this “household” a weighty title: church of the living God. No longer is the presence of the Lord God almighty focused on a temple or ark. Now He is present in His Church, His household, His very people. That’s you and me!!
What else? God’s household…His Church…is “the pillar and foundation of the truth.” Remember what Christ said about truth? Not that He brought us truth, but that He is the truth, He is the way and the life. And now that truth lives in us, members of God’s household, His Church, the “pillar…” This is an amazing thing.
What does this look like? When Jesus walked with the disciples, he imparted to them truth. After He left them, He sent the Holy Spirit to remind them of his teachings. The disciples guarded the truth against heresies and imparted truth to those around them, who passed it down through the generations. Through the early Church fathers, the dark ages, Reformers, all the way to us today. The Holy Spirit has guided the Truth all the way to us, 1980 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. As disciples and members of God’s household, we are entrusted with this precious gift of truth, not to keep for ourselves, but to continue to guard against heresy and pass along to others.
So next time you’re listening to a sermon, in a bible study group or reading on your own, realize you’re continuing a process that began all those years ago with Jesus & His disciples. Read, learn, apply, live out, and pass along. You are part of the pillar of truth.
Peace,
Bill