Slices
Prepare
Write a list of about ten words that describe what you think about the church. Are most of the words positive or negative, or are they a mix of both?
Bible passage
Reasons for Paul’s instructions
14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing to you with these instructions so that, 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.
4 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Explore
Paul sets high value on the church (see Ephesians 3:10 and 5:25) and here lists three descriptions of it.
First, it is the household or family of God that puts us in relationship with all other Christians, with a concern to love them and a desire to see them reach their God-given potential. Second, it is the church of the Living God. The Ephesians were surrounded by temples and religious communities, but Christianity was unique in its worship of the living God, who promises that he is with us. And third, it is the pillar and foundation of truth.
A building needs a firm foundation so that it doesn’t sink. It has pillars to raise the roof high to be noticed by all around. Paul recites a creed to remind the Ephesian church of the truth that is the basis of Christian belief – Jesus is both man and God; he is revealed to heavenly beings and humans, and is exalted on earth and in heaven (16b). Anything that leads people away from this truth is false.
In Ephesus (as in our world), there were many confusing voices (4:1–5). Perhaps remembering the shouts of the rioting Ephesians – ‘Great is Artemis’ (Acts 19:34) – Paul encourages God’s people to guard the truth with focus on the Word and prayer (4:5).
Respond
Reflect on each phrase of verse 16. How would you describe God’s greatness?
Deeper Bible study
Father, may your word dwell in me richly today. Amen.
‘The church depends on the truth for its existence; the truth depends on the church for its defence and proclamation.’1 While not referring to a particular building, rather the body of believers, Paul emphasises ‘God’s household’ (v 15) in terms of a pillar and foundation of truth. John Stott uses this image in describing the double responsibility of the church regarding ‘truth’. First, truth is the foundation to hold it firm so as to not collapse under the weight of false teaching. Second, truth is its pillar, to lift it high so as to be visible to the world. This double responsibility is ours, too, within God’s household.
Paul reminds us of the truth by quoting what was most likely an early hymn (v 16). There is speculation as to why Paul includes this hymn at this point of the letter. I think there’s a clue in what immediately follows. Having held up the truth in full view, Paul returns to the issue of false teachers, instructing Timothy to stand against them. The hymn, introduced with ‘the mystery from which true godliness springs’ serves as the firm foundation of truth from which the censure of false teaching can flow.
The New Testament has many references to mysteries. What comes to mind when you consider a mystery? My initial thought is of Scooby Doo and his gang who have another ghostly puzzle to solve. Our ears should prick up when we hear of a mystery in the New Testament. I recall hearing a wise old preacher explain that a mystery, when quoted Scripture, is best understood as a secret that God has chosen to let us in on. What a joy is ours that he draws close enough that we can hear his voice.
‘God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you.’2 Thank God for what he has made known to you.
1 John Stott, The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus, IVP, 1996, p106 2 Col 1:2
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 8,9; Psalm 102
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for the Communications and Marketing team who have the difficult task of keeping supporters up to date with all that God is doing through Scripture Union. Pray particularly for Eddie Nock who leads the small team, especially for wisdom and direction as he seeks ways to connect with younger supporters.
