The High Calling of Our Confession
1 Timothy 3:14-16
Turn to 1 Timothy 3. There are times when we move through a book of the Bible and find gems. This is one of them this morning.
“I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you soon, but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will 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, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was manifested in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.”
1 Tim 3:14-16 (LSB)
I would suggest there are some statements made here that are very clear and some that need explanation. We would all agree that Jesus Christ was manifested in the flesh, though there is much depth to this. We would also get the proclaimed among the nations, yet how could we even think about this without great excitement? That God determined this before the foundation of the world. In other words, how could God orchestrate something like that? And going along with this, that Christ was believed on in the world, as this cannot be something that God looked down on and was somehow thankful for, but He had to determine this, that Christ would be believed. And finally, taken up into glory. Again, a real event, but also so much to consider here. But a few of these statements are really hard to understand. One is great is the mystery of godliness, or that Jesus Christ was vindicated in the Spirit. And the fact that Paul would tell us that Jesus was seen by angels. In other words, if you and I were recounting Christ’s life and ascension, would we mention that He was seen by angels? What is so important about this that Paul makes mention of it?
So, let’s pray before we begin. Lord, we praise You this morning for Your Word, that it challenges us, convicts us, and inspires us. Lord, we pray for those here this morning who have something heavy on their heart, because You know our hurts and cares. We also pray for those who may be running from You this morning, that are here in body, but not really in spirit. We pray that the truth of Your Word and the fellowship of Your people would draw them to Yourself. Lord, it is such a blessing to be here. So, make our time together so valuable and good. And we ask these things in the name of Christ, amen.
Notice back (vs 9) “but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” And then in this common confession (vs 16) the mystery of godliness. What is Paul referring to here? Well, before we study this, I believe we all agree that belief and salvation is a mystery. I mean, all of us who are believers have likely asked ourselves the question, why do I believe? Why did God choose to allow me to hear the gospel and understand the gospel? So, what does Paul mean here when he speaks about (vs 9), holding to the mystery of the faith? It is interesting that as the elders are said to be teachers of the faith, then Paul says the deacons are to hold to the mystery of the faith. So, we could actually say that both elders and deacons have a responsibility regarding this mystery of the faith. Well, Paul seems to want to tie together both the mystery of the truth and then he uses this term the mystery of godliness. This must include then an emphasis on doctrine, which is the holding of the truth, but it also includes an emphasis on a devotion to God, the mystery of godliness. In other words, holding to the mystery of the faith cannot be a mental accent only to its truth, as it must also include a devotion of our character to its truth.
Now just think about this mystery for a moment, as the idea here of the mystery of the faith is that it cannot come from us. In other words, it is not human: as it can only come from God and in His timing, which it did; it can only be revealed by God in His Word, which it was; and its foundation is based upon Christ, which it is. And we understand this when Paul says things like he was responsible for the preaching of the gospel, he also speaks about himself being the messenger of the revealed mystery (Eph 2). In other words, God’s plan included both the message that would be preached, but He also chose those who would send it out.
So, there is a mystery to the gospel, a mystery to our faith, as it is a faith that is revealed by God. But it is also been given to men who are responsible for its purity and its proclamation. So, there is a divine nature of our faith, but there also is a human mandate to protect it and proclaim it. And it is not that anyone can carry out the gospel, but is embedded in the character of those who take leadership in both its proclamation and its guarding. In other words, part of the mystery of the faith is that it must be carried out by those who are committed to its truth regarding Jesus Christ and are devoted in their character to Christ Himself. So, when we are to be careful of wrong teaching, it does not only pertain to the right theology of what we teach, but it also pertains to the right conduct in how we live. Result, bad living is as dangerous as bad theology, isn’t it? As both do not convey, according to Paul, the real truth.
And Paul is actually speaking directly to deacons here. But I believe we all would want to take heed of this one, that our defending of the faith means more than defending just the words of the faith, as it also means that the character of our lives must also defend the faith. In other words, your defense of the faith at home or work or at the arena is every bit as much your character as it is your explanation of the gospel. And I am not talking about perfection here, because our words will never be perfect either. But as we strive for the right meaning and words of our faith, so too, we must strive for the right living of the gospel. George Magee wrote:
“Paul’s chief aim in this passage is to call for high standards of character for leaders of the church. These leaders must have integrity and relational ability that complement the doctrine they represent.”
Gregory S. Magee
This is sort of the idea here. A person hears the gospel of faith in Jesus Christ and they grab a hold of that truth. And we might say that they “buy into that truth,” which means that they bought into everything about it, that its origin was part of the eternal plan of God, and that it not only changes the way in which they think, but it transforms the way in which they live. In other words, there is no such thing as becoming a Christian without a transformation of thinking and living taking place. Magee writes that there is a responsibility to uphold the faith that has been entrusted to us, but it is not limited to doctrine alone. In a long way around, I am saying this, here is the cornerstone of the discussion, my living, your living, and our conduct, must be consistent and must align with the greatness of God’s revealed mystery. So, let’s draw some lessons regarding the Christian’s responsibility from all this.
- The Christian is Responsible to the Household of Faith
Listen to what Paul calls the common confession (vs 16): that Christ was manifested in the flesh, He was vindicated in the Spirit, He was seen by angels, He was proclaimed among the nations, He was believed on in the world, and He was taken up in glory. And Paul does not call this the mystery of truth or revelation, but he calls it what? The mystery of godliness. And this mystery of godliness is part of how one acts (vs 15) within the household of faith. Look over at 1 Timothy 4:10:
“For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God.”
1 Tim 4:10a (LSB)
Here again, we are struck with the importance of the truth grabbing a hold of us. The truth of the faith has grabbed hold of every part of us, for we are labouring and striving for something because we have fixed our hope upon it, that the transformation of our conduct is part of our purpose and calling as Christians. That when others hear what we say and see how we live, they might conclude that there is a person who believes what the Bible teaches and lives how the Bible directs. And this emphasis is not just placed upon the individual, but it becomes the responsibility of the entire church, so that my actions are part of my responsibility to the church, to each of us. Magee writes that:
“Paul envisions a key role for the Christian community with respect to the truth of the gospel. He expects that a healthy and effective church will strengthen and support the truth of the gospel. Part of Paul’s concern here is that the church’s witness contributes to the positive reception of the truth in the world.”
Gregory S. Magee
In other words, my effectiveness in witnessing, in evangelism, and my effectiveness at home as a parent in motivating my children to love Christ is dependent not only on the conduct of my own life, but it is also dependent upon the conduct of the whole church. And we might say, Paul that is a great responsibility to place upon the whole church. And Paul would likely say, yes, it is, but that is part of the mystery of godliness. Paul told Titus that good faith and right living will adorn the doctrine of God, or make attractive the truth of our faith. In evangelicalism today, there is a tendency for churches to water down the truth so that people will come to Christ. This a false teaching and we have seen over the years its ineffectiveness, as denominations that choose to water down the faith ultimately end up losing their lampstand for truth. So, I would suggest that Paul’s call here for churches is, don’t water down the truth! But what? Raise your conduct, in other words, live what you believe. And do not think that you are responsible for the way in which you live individually only, but you as a church corporately are responsible to be a light for truth.
Paul bangs this home over and over again: (1 Tim 6:1) honour the name of God so that our doctrine will not be slandered; (Titus 1:16) some who profess to know God, deny Him by their works; (1 Tim 1:5) Paul speaks about living an unhypocritical faith; and (Titus 2:7-8) “in all things show yourself to be a model of good works … so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” Notice us, not me only, but us. Never lose sight of the corporate responsibility here.
We do not have an official membership here at Elim. But as folks come to Elim over time we ask them to stand with us as a body of believers, and of course, that is a huge responsibility in light of Paul’s teaching here, as this emphasizes my conduct in Christian living. This emphasizes my commitment to the ministry here, my involvement in the ministry here, and my attendance to the ministry here. As how we live has ramifications for my Christian life. But also, as Paul’s emphasis here, ramifications for the whole body, for the Christian has a responsibility to the household of faith. The second lesson is regarding the term (vs 16) great is the mystery of godliness. First, we need to see here that the connection “and” attaches it to the spiritual conduct within the church. This second lesson, which we will look at quickly is:
- The Christian’s Belief and Conduct Must Confess to the Faith
Sometimes we will read of some of the great saints of the past and the lives they lived that reinforced the truth they believed. And this, of course, is what we want. This is the hope of every believer, to be able to reinforce or confirm the faith we hold to. Notice what Paul says to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:3:
“If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words—those of our Lord Jesus Christ—and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,”
- Tim 6:3 (LSB)
That phrase “with the doctrine conforming to godliness,” teaches us that there are wrong doctrines that do not conform to godliness. But the right faith, the right doctrine does conform to godliness. This is exactly what James talked about when he said that faith without works is dead. In other words, if it is not a transformational faith, it is not true faith. So, we must see that the link in this passage consists of two things, as true faith includes right belief, but it also includes right living, which Paul refers to as the mystery of godliness. And here is the mystery, that our belief and conduct confess to the truth of our faith. And what is the truth of the faith?
“He who was manifested in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.”
1 Tim 3:16b (LSB)
- The Higher the Understanding of the Confession, the Higher the Sacred Response
The reason Paul is saying such lofty truths about Christ is so that we would know of His greatness. Because if I ignore the greatness of Christ, I will never have a strong conviction of my devotion and calling towards Him. Therefore, Paul makes these six statements for a reason.
- He who was manifested in the flesh
Jesus Christ was manifested in the flesh. He lived as a human. In fact, He became a human, as Christ has always been the Eternal Son of God. But at Bethlehem, He became a Man, the God-Man. And He who knew no sin became sin for us. And He was pierced for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. He, like Adam, came into the world without sin, but unlike Adam, He never sinned. And this action brought redemption for all mankind, for all who would believe in Him. And Christ never came into the world to save angels. There was no salvation plan for Satan or his followers. No, Jesus came in the flesh to save men and women who were in the flesh. And there is a problem with God the Father forgiving mankind. Because God is perfect and holy and just. So, how could He forgive us when we were guilty?
See, we do not completely understand divine forgiveness, as we cannot understand the cost of forgiveness. For God could not just say the words, you are forgiven without an action behind those words. And this is why Jesus came in the flesh, so that He could be crushed and punished, and made to suffer and ultimately die so that we could be forgiven. And what Paul is reminding us in this statement is that Christian, never overlook the great cost of God forgiving you, because He had to experience this great cost to make forgiveness possible. Therefore, He had to be manifested in the flesh. Secondly, He:
- Was vindicated in the Spirit
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
Rom 8:11 (LSB)
Here we see the power of the Holy Spirit as He is the agent that lifted Christ from the dead. The same Spirit that indwells every believer and will someday raise them from the dead. And that phrase the vindication of the Spirit is referring to the perfect work of Christ, that His perfect life was acceptable to the Father to provide life for all who would believe. And the term vindication is used to demonstrate that though Christ took sin upon Himself. He Himself was fully vindicated or cleared of all offence because the debt was completely paid. Two things had to happen, one, He had to be the perfect sacrifice, which he was; and two, He had to suffer the full penalty, which he did, result, total vindication. And the proclamation of this vindication was the fact that He was resurrected as everything about the resurrection proved to His followers that the Father was satisfied with the death of His Son to bring forgiveness to sinners. I believe two primary events prove all the promises of the Scriptures regarding Jesus Christ. One, is the resurrection; and the second, is His return. One confirms His perfect life, the resurrection; and the other will confirm His word, His return. Jesus was vindicated in the Spirit. Thirdly He was:
- Seen by angels
Why did Paul add this? Well, there are some thoughts here. It could be referring specifically to His ascension. That as Jesus was manifested in the flesh refers to His crucifixion. That Jesus was vindicated in the Spirit refers to His resurrection. And that Jesus was seen by angels may refer to His ascension. Think of when Jesus ascended into heaven, two angels said to the disciples, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you, will come in like manner.” This would also be a confirmation of His return, as the ascension was seen by the angels and confirmed by their words that He would return. Admittedly, I am sure that such a sight would have had an eternal impact on all of us. For if we saw Jesus ascend into heaven and heard audible angels proclaim that he would return.
But we could also rightly conclude that this statement that Jesus was seen by angels is reminding us of the bigness and greatness of God. That there is so much going on in the world, that there is much going on that we might be unaware of, that we often say this in a negative way. But also, in a positive way, in a great way, in a God-powerful way, God is fulfilling His plans and purposes, using His angelic hosts to accomplish all that He had decreed, and that includes the Person of JC as watched over by the angels. Here again, Paul is using these statements to reinforce to us the responsibility we have as Christians, that this is not about my own little world. No, God’s plan encompasses so much in all the universe for which you and I and Elim are a part. Fourthly, He was:
- Proclaimed among the nations
And I would like to combine this with the next statement, that He was:
- Believed on in the world
Here Paul wants to remind us again that the gospel message that we are responsible for living out is being taken around the world, as it is both being proclaimed and being believed. John Piper said:
“It is a marvel. Jesus Christ dying for sinners all over the world, rising from the dead, sending His Almighty Holy Spirit to build His church.”
John Piper
In other words, Christian, here is what we really need to get excited about. That the news of Jesus Christ is being spread all over the world and is being believed by thousands upon thousands! And in all the things in life that are not really that important, it forces us to ask ourselves the question? What are we willing to live for and what are we willing to die for? Again, the emphasis here by Paul is that this is so much bigger than just me. Finally, He was:
- Taken up in glory
Paul says Christian, remember that Christ died on the cross to provide forgiveness. He was resurrected, proving everything He said. He was watched by the Holy Angels. His proclamation is being spread around the nations and its message is being believed by many around the world. And don’t forget that Jesus is now back with the Father because He is not only Man, but because He is God, as the Person who has died for us, now reigns in heaven and is someday coming back for us, and is being worshipped night and day by the heavenly hosts, and we join that worship even today and will join with the angels for all of eternity.
Sometimes we hear the term, the simple truth of the gospel, and there is truth to that. For we come to Christ as a child no matter what age we are, as we must come with child-like faith. But the Bible also teaches us this mystery of godliness, that as our faith deepens and grows, it is based upon the deep truths of who Christ is. And there is the responsibility of not only myself but an assumed responsibility towards the household of faith. And there is also the assumption that not only will I confess to what I believe, but that my conduct will confess to what I believe. And the depth of this is not based upon mere knowledge of facts and figures, it is not based upon some kind of feel-good Christianity that gives me a fuzzy feeling when listening to a song. No, Paul is very specific on what the depth of our faith is based upon. It is based upon our growing knowledge of Christ that not only transforms my thinking, but that transforms the way in which I live. And Paul calls this the mystery of godliness. In fact, when we see someone maturing in their faith, truly maturing, according to Paul, it is because they are gaining a greater understanding of the greatness of Jesus Christ.
So, if we want to take this further, we could really ask the question, what would make me a better husband? What would make you a better wife? Parent? Worker? Friend to someone? More effective in ministry? In other words, what would make me a godlier person, so that I am in a better place to be used by Him for His purposes? What would it be according to Paul? To have a greater understanding of the greatness of Christ. That the identity of this church would be anchored in the glory of Christ. A common confession, part of the mystery of godliness, is going from a very selfish Christianity, a focus on self, and placing it upon Christ. To know Him greater, because the higher the understanding of this confession of Jesus Christ, the higher our sacred response. May we stand together as we pray together, using Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians as a guide this morning.
“For this reason [we] bow [our] knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that He would give [us], according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in [our] hearts through faith; and that [we], being firmly rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that [we] may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or understand, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.”
Eph 3:14-21 (LSB)
And all God’s people said, amen.