The “Church” makes a BIG difference in a community.

Scripture Read: 1 Timothy 3:14-15 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; ¹⁵ but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

Application: Today, many children of God treat the local assembly as a non-essential in their lives. It is true that the “Church” is not a building; we (believers) are the Church. Our physical bodies are therefore God’s temple. However, it is clear from Acts that God led Paul and Barnabas to go out into the world, city by city, and set up local assemblies of believers. These brethren met together in homes, because a “church” building would have not been allowed. In God’s timing He allowed the Body of Christ to observe some time of no persecution for the most part and historically we know, buildings were allowed to be constructed. There is no debate that man has taken this too far, which is what we always do because we are fallen. The building has become too important many times. Even so, God chose to use those local assemblies to impact their society. The Body of Christ needs to continue to do so until the Lord stops it. What is happening today is not the Lord stopping it, but believers becoming selfish with their time and making excuses to “just worship at home.” We should worship at home, but we should also make sure “not to forsake the assembling together of ourselves”! (Heb 10:24-25) The words employed by the Spirit here to describe how important the church is are quite revealing.

Consider: “the pillar and support of the truth.” Pillar – στύλος stúlos; A pillar or column which stands by itself or supports a building. Figuratively, any firm support, persons of authority and influence in the church (Gal. 2:9; Rev. 3:12); of the church as that which upholds the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). Support - ἑδραίωμα hedraíōma; to make stable. A support, stay, ground, basis, foundation (1 Tim. 3:15).^[1]

In 1 Tm. 3:15 the ἐκκλησία (Church) is called στῦλος (pillar) καὶ  (and) ἑδραίωμα (support) τῇς ἀληθείας (truth) . A Church is established which protects and defends the truth against the confusion of myths. It gives the faith and thinking of individuals a sure ground in confession. No longer God alone, but also the Church of God, now guarantees the permanence of the ἀλήθεια. The steadfastness of faith has now become loyalty to the Church and the confession.^[2]

Without “Truth” society is doomed! WE – the Church – need to be actively involved and SEEN in our community. We possess all the power required to impact our society, God has equipped us, we cannot ignore that stewardship because we desire more “leisure time”. Father help us!

Meditation Questions: Do you look forward to fellowshipping with others? Why? Why not? What is the reputation of the “Church” in your community? Do you think it is fair? If so, why? If not, why? What could you do about it? Do think it is important to worship God corporately? If so, why? If not, why? When someone you know that is not a believer attacks the church, what do you do? What should you do? Is thee a difference?

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^[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

^[2] Theological dictionary of the New Testament. 1964- (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.