The Church is the family of God defending and declaring the Truth Week 1

September 4, 2022 Preacher: Phil Courson Series: 25 in 5

Topic: 25 in 5 Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14–16

25 Years N 5 Weeks
Sunday, September 4, 2022

1 Timothy 3:14-16

The Church is the family of God defending and declaring the Truth

The Church (v.15a)
v.15a – “…you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God…”


Household of God
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:19


Church of the Living God
“For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God…” 1 Thessalonians 1:9

“We also are men of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God who made heaven and the earth…” Acts 14:15


Defending and Declaring the Truth (v.15b)
v.15b – “a pillar and buttress of the truth.”

Pillar and Buttress of Truth
Pillar – a pillar function is to hold up the roof of the immense structure for all to see it.

Buttress – only here in NT and it refers to foundation of the building.

“Here then is the double responsibility of the church vis-à-vis the truth. First, as its foundation it is to hold it firm, so that it does not collapse under the weight of false teaching. Secondly, as its pillar it is to hold it high, so that it is not hidden from the world. To hold the trust firm is the defense and confirmation of the gospel; to hold it highs is the proclamation of the gospel. The church is called to both these ministries.” J. Stott


Truth – this is the divine revelation of Jesus Christ and his gospel.
It is the responsibility of every church to boldly protect and proclaim the truth of God’s Word.


Truth and Confession (v.16)
v.16 – “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness…”

He was manifested in the flesh
Jesus Christ was ‘manifested’ or revealed or made visible in the flesh. Our Savior Jesus made the invisible God visible!
Vindicated by the Sprit

Seen by Angels

Proclaimed among the nations

Believed on in the world

Taken up to glory


Conclusion