The Mystery of Godliness (1 Timothy 3:14-16)

Throughout the first part of 1 Timothy we have been examining the Biblical structure of the church. We have been called to stand for Biblical fidelity, we have answered the questions, what is a woman to do in the church? What is a pastor to be? And what is a deacon to be? However, as we have examined these instructions, perhaps you have wondered, Is this really a big deal? Many of these instructions go directly contrary to modern thinking and perhaps even our own thinking, So why is it so important that we structure the church in a certain way? Why is it so important that we follow biblical roles in the church and demand certain character in our leaders? In this next transitional section in 1 Timothy, Paul gives the answer to these questions. We must follow these instructions and demand certain character of our leaders for two important reasons.

Without question, the issues discussed the last month have been very hard. They have gone directly contrary to our cultures egalitarian demands in the role of women. They have opened old wounds as we discussed what a pastor and deacon are to be. But they have been discussed for good reason. And we must stand for these biblical guides for two important reasons which we find in this text: the vital importance of the church, and the great mystery of godliness.