The Church exists to exalt the Lordship of Jesus

March 23, 2013 - 1 Timothy 3:15-16

3:15		倘 若 我 耽 延 日 久 、 你 也 可 以 知 道 在 　 神 的 家 中 當 怎 樣 行 ． 這 家 就 是 永 生 　 神 的 教 會 、 真 理 的 柱 石 和 根 基 。
3:16		大 哉 、 敬 虔 的 奧 秘 、 無 人 不 以 為 然 ． 就 是 　 神 在 肉 身 顯 現 、 被 聖 靈 稱 義 、 〔 或 作 在 靈 性 稱 義 〕 被 天 使 看 見 、 被 傳 於 外 邦 、 被 世 人 信 服 、 被 接 在 榮 耀 裡 。

¹⁵ if I am delayed, you 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 the truth. ¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

   He appeared in the flesh, 
   was vindicated by the Spirit, 
was seen by angels, 
   was preached among the nations, 
was believed on in the world, 
   was taken up in glory.

The church of Christ is called by Paul as the church of the living God, the household of God, and also the pillar and foundation of the truth. Paul exhorts Timothy to grasp the true nature of the church before he can minister in the right way. Paul himself was also captured by the greatness of God that he delivered a doxology of praising God for the mystery of true godliness, which is now revealed through His church, Jesus, Son of God, who incarnated, died on the cross, resurrected as vindicated by the Holy Spirit, was seen by angels and apostles, was preached among the nations and received by believers, and ascended to heaven to receive His glory. 

My Lord Jesus Christ, You are always the Subject of our proclamation and testimony. You are the only Reason for the existence of Your church on earth. I pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit, Your church can powerfully witness our Lord Jesus in this world. I pray that this mystery of God can now be known through your church as we realistically experience the Lordship and the Presence of Jesus Christ in His church through the work of the Spirit.