The Mystery of Godliness
Read the Text: 1 Timothy 3
Memorize the Text:
For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.
(1 Timothy 2:5-6, CSB)
Consider the Text: 1 Timothy 3:16
Believers must pursue godliness. Our lives should reflect the greatness of the Lord so that others may see Jesus. The ability to live in godliness does not occur in personal strength but only because of the presence of the Lord in one’s life. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy concerning the qualifications of those in leadership in 1 Timothy 3. These qualifications included areas of personal, communal, and family life. Following these qualifications, the apostle spoke more directly about the pursuit of godliness by all believers. The apostle used six statements that reflect the work of Christ and the response to the work of Christ.
THE WORK OF CHRIST
The apostle Paul revealed the importance of the work of Christ through the use of three statements that point to the entirety of Christ's work. The apostle’s declaration serves as a reminder of the necessity to preach Christ and his work so that others will know. At the same time, such a creedal declaration serves as a statement of personal faith and belief that rest in Christ.
HE WAS MANIFESTED IN THE FLESH
Jesus manifested in the flesh points to his virgin, physical birth. The statement reminds the recipients that Jesus left the glories of heaven in humility and took on the form of this world. Such a statement reminds believers that the Lord did not sit back and deal with sin indirectly or expect humanity to maintain the impossible task of preserving perfection after the fall. Instead, Jesus descended from heaven and became God with us to personal deal with the curse of death.
VINDICATED IN THE SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit works in the life and ministry of Christ on several occasions. The Bible shares the descending of the Spirit at the baptism of Christ, and we see the power of the Spirit at work in the ministry of Christ. At the same time, we recognize that the power of the Spirit was on display at the resurrection. This power foreshadowed the promised presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
SEEN BY ANGELS
Paul declared that angels saw Christ. This declaration reminds us of the ministry of angels to the Lord during his earthly ministry. At the same time, we should understand that angels were able to witness the entire redemptive work of Christ and stood in awe at the greatness of God’s grace. Thus, the angels serve as evidence of the truthfulness of Christ.
THE RESPONSE TO CHRIST'S WORK
The work of Christ opened the opportunity for humanity to receive eternal life through responding to Christ and his work in faith. This response comes with an expectation of obedience that includes the declaration of Christ to the nations and the certainty of living life with the promise of Christ’s return.
PREACHED AMONG THE NATIONS
Paul declared the witness of Christ at the heart of the church’s mission. He knew Christ must be announced to the world and preached to everyone everywhere. Thus, he noted that the faithfulness of preaching the gospel reveals the power of the cross and the reality of Jesus. The unique unity in the gospel and the declaration among all people reveal the greatness of the gospel and the actual work of Christ.
BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD
The apostle notes the reflection of Christ in response to the preaching of the gospel. Paul declared that the evidence of God’s grace and greatness occurs in the response of receiving Jesus in response to the gospel. Thus, God’s work is a here-and-now response with eternal significance. Paul reminds us that Jesus came to the world to make a way to salvation so those in the world could receive salvation.
TAKEN UP IN GLORY
The apostle Paul reminded Timothy that these truths lead to a two-fold promise. First, Christ will return the way he was taken up in glory. Only this return will occur as he declares his kingship and not in secret as an infant. Second, those who believe in Jesus will be taken up in glory with Christ. This provides the hope believers have to live through this life, recognizing that the best is yet to come.
When you think about Jesus, do you believe in his complete work? Have you responded to the offer of salvation? Are you living preaching the gospel? Are you living in the hope of what lies ahead? The apostle made it clear that these truths are the foundation for the believer.
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
