2. The Church The Pillar and Buttress of the Truth Church of Christ at Medina April 7 th, 2013

3. Paul’s Purpose in Writing to Timothy Paul began the letter with instructions to Timothy: – “…so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.” (1:3-4, ESV) – “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men…” (2:1, NASB)

4. Paul’s Purpose in Writing to Timothy Paul makes a statement at the end of chapter 3 that summarizes the entire purpose of the letter: – “I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 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.” (3:14-15, NASB) The word for conduct is also translated as behave. It literally means “to go up and down” or “backwards and forwards” in a place. In other words, it means to dwell in it. Paul’s letter, then, was designed to teach Christians how they should live.

5. The House of the Living God Paul describes the church in this passage as the household of God. It is a similar concept given in other passages. – Galatians 6:10 – 1 Peter 4:17 – Hebrews 3:5-6 – These passages describe the church then as a family. A family with God as the Father, Jesus as the Savior, Son of God and Brother to Christians, and the church as the children of God. The term also provides a reference to an actual building. (Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:4-6) The behavior or conduct described in the letter then is for those who are part of God’s family, His house and His spiritual temple.

6. 1.Defend: Jude 3, Titus 1:9-16, 2 Timothy 2:15, Galatians 2:1-14, 1 Peter 3:15 2.Practice: 2 John 4-6, 3 John 3, 1 Timothy 4:12, Titus 2:7 3.Propagate: Acts 8:5, Acts 8:35, Acts 9:20, Acts 10:36, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 2 Cor. 4:5 4.Support: Philippians 4:14-20, 1 Corinthians 9:3-14 Support The Truth Defend Practice Propagate Individually Collectively

7. Great is the Mystery of Godliness! The truth that the church is to support is the mystery of godliness that God revealed in His plan. This mystery revealed includes: 1.Jesus manifested in the flesh. 2.Jesus vindicated in the spirit. 3.Jesus seen by angels. 4.Jesus proclaimed among the nations. 5.Jesus believed on in the world. 6.Jesus taken up into glory.