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Having laid down the characteristics of Elders and Deacons, the Apostle Paul concluded that Christians in the household of God, especially those serving in leadership positions, must have exemplary behaviour. It is not enough for leaders to do the appointed work in the Church of praying, preaching and pastoring but they must exhibit godly behaviour. It is “walking the talk” that matters for Church leaders. This sets the example for proper conduct to the rest of the Church members in the household of God – leadership by example. The Church will then have the moral mandate to demonstrate to the unbelieving community around that it is the “the pillar and foundation of the truth” of the living God. The Church is the testimony of God’s message to the world; it is the trustee of the truth with the task of promoting andprotecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Bible commentator Matthew Henry writes about this Gospel: “Let us take care to publish it, and to transmit it safe and uncorrupted unto posterity.”
What is the Church “the pillar and foundation of the truth” of? The Church upholds the mystery of godliness. This mystery washidden before Jesus came into the world but is now revealed (Rom. 16:25). More importantly, it is a mystery that is destined for our glory even before time began (1 Cor. 2:7). Indeed it is a tremendous and grand privilege for the Church to be entrusted with this mystery for it is a glorious heritage that has been endowed upon those who believed.
Throughout his letters to Timothy, the Apostle Paulwrote about “godliness” numerous times – living in godliness (1Tim. 2:2), value in godliness (1Tim. 4:8), godliness with contentment (1Tim. 6:6), pursue godliness (1Tim. 6:11) and a form of godliness (2 Tim. 3:5). But 1 Tim. 3:16 ismost crucial as it is here that Paul teaches about this mystery – the crux of godliness and the very origin of godliness. What is godliness? It is found in the Person of Jesus and described to be the fullness of Jesus from His incarnation to His ascension to glory. We can simply substitute the word “godliness” with “Christ-likeness”. Thus Paul fervently desires Christians to live peaceful and quiet lives in Christ-likeness, for this has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the future life. For the people of God are to pursue righteousness, Christ-likeness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness, and with contentment, it is great gain.
