MAR 1

1 Timothy 3:14-15
Memorise 1 Timothy 4:6
“study to shew theyself approved unto God, …rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Today’s passage of scripture concerns a very important aspect of the church. The church that is referred to here is not the physical building but is made up of believers. This is the “invisible church” that consists of all believers throughout the ages. In this epistle, Paul is writing to teach Timothy about God’s Word and how it relates to the church. Paul describes the church as the “pillar and ground” of the truth. It is easy to understand this passage incorrectly and think that the Word of God is dependent on the church and that without the church there will be no Word. This is not true. Instead, Paul is saying that God has chosen the church to be the one to bear the Word of God to the world and that a church that is faithful to that task will become a pillar and foundation or ground which the Word of God will come forth out of. This duty and honour that was given to the nation of Israel is now given to the Christian church. This tells us of the deep importance of a faithful church. God has not chosen any other people or manner for His Word to be borne except by the church. It is not that God has limited Himself, but rather it speaks of the great privilege and importance God has chosen to place upon the church. God’s Word is the key to eternal life. The church herein bears a great and grave responsibility to be witnesses of God and to share His Word to the world. However, this passage can have another meaning too. If a church does not bear this responsibility faithfully, it cannot be called a pillar or foundation. In fact, it cannot even be considered a church. In other words, a church that preaches God’s Word wrongly or with error has failed to fulfil this responsibility.

I hope you realise the awesome responsibility and privilege that God has given to every believer to be bearers of the everlasting Word of God. God has appointed you to be His messenger. Knowing this, can you say that you know His Word well? Can you say that you can share God’s Word of truth with another correctly? Are you determined to study God’s Word regularly so that you can be a worthy servant and workman of the Lord?

Thought: Without God’s Word, what will happen to all of us?
Prayer: Father, teach me to understand the value of Your Word and the importance of my responsibilities as Your child.