Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 1-4
     New Testament Reading: 1 Timothy 3

I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory (1Timothy 3:15-16).

In this chapter, the Apostle Paul lists the qualifications for Church Leaders. Leaders must know God’s Word and have a mature Christian lifestyle. There is nothing special about this list of qualifications, as they are characteristics taught throughout the New Testament for Believers to develop as they gain Christian maturity and bring glory and honor to God. Every Christian ought to pursue these characteristics, and leaders must already have them.

Paul states he has listed these characteristics so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth (v15). This is not a reference to any building, but to the people who make up the true church. Those who claim that Christ is Lord over their life should act as though He really is Lord over their lives. In short, Christians should look like Jesus in their behavior.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Paul inserts a part of an early church hymn proclaiming the incarnation, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory (v16).

As we inspect this hymn, we can see that passionate worship combines with accurate theology form the foundation of meaningful ministry. Without spirit and passion, the service we perform becomes drudgery. Have we lost our passion for ministry?

If our relationships, professions, thoughts, and service in the church have become drudgery, let’s live our lives considering our confession, that the Son of God clothed Himself with humanity, died in our place, rose from the dead in glory, and ascended back to the Father’s right hand.

When theological truth inspires us to worship, our ministry will be filled with passion.