1 Timothy 3:14-16 says,
"I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory."
In order to thrive in all that God has called us to, we must know what we believe, know why we believe it, so that we know where we are going so we can discern how to actually do it and get there.
This is what Paul wanted Timothy to know in the midst of a broken system, a sinful world, and facing a relentless enemy. We have to know what we are about to walk with confidence, to stand firm, and to accomplish what God actually has us here for. We need a robust, practical, full-bodied understanding and conviction of the church – her purpose and mission – so that we can properly engage everyone with grace. This means that we understand the church in terms of a relationship: a new relationship to God because of the work of Christ, a new relationship to each other in terms of a family, and new relationship to the world, who we are called to not fear, but engage with the gracious declaration of the gospel.
The above was excerpted from a sermon by Pastor Jordan, called "Real Knowledge in Confusing Times." You can read or listen to the whole thing here!
