1 Timothy 3:14-16

There is a line in my mind concerning who should serve in Church. One is God’s unfailing agape love and mercy toward His creation and the other questions if our past can or should influence our future in terms of being used by God in service by the church. Does one find us lacking in our faith in God’s justification in Christ Jesus OR does the other allow the appearance of hypocrisy to creep into our churches? God forbid that I could be used to bring shame to Him OR that I could deny His power to save whom He wills through Jesus. Is it our works good or bad Or His loving mercy that saves us and forms His Body, His Church? Satan can use our past to stop us from serving God in our future if we allow our minds instead of the Holy Spirit determine it.


Paul’s purpose in writing his first letter to Timothy was to give him instructions on how a local assembly and its leadership should function.

This verse contains an early hymn of the church. The hymn is three couplets. Manifested in the flesh refers to Christ’s incarnation, the fact that Jesus became man. Justified in the Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit’s work in Jesus’ ministry and resurrection. Seen by angels refers to the angelic witness of Christ’s ministry and resurrection. Preached among the Gentiles refers to the proclamation of Christ to the nations. Believed on in the world refers to the response of individuals to God’s plan of salvation. Received up in glory refers to the Ascension; Christ is seated in God’s presence in heaven.


1 Timothy 3:14-16

14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and 8ground of the truth.

16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:


God was manifested in the flesh,

Justified in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,

Preached among the Gentiles,

Believed on in the world,

Received up in glory.