The Preacher's Heart: A New Threat~ Losing the Mystery of Salvation 1 Timothy 3:14

For over four decades our nation was locked in a dangerous and trying time known as the Cold War. It was during this time following the close of WWII that communities erected fallout shelters, and made preparations to survive a possible nuclear war. This era was the inspiration for numerous films, books, and radio shows. We faced attacks both at home and abroad.

Not only did we face the possibility of nuclear war with Russia but we were subject to internal conflict, espionage, and betrayal. Perhaps one of the greatest threats of the cold war was the subversion of the Soviets into American society. Just after we had finished fighting one of the bloodiest wars in American history we faced a new threat… division.

In much the same way the church is engaged in a combat like that of the cold war. While there is no physical conflict using weapons and other physical means, there is a large battle going on behind the scenes. The threat we face is not that of nuclear annulation, rather of eternal torment. Physical lives, and communities are not the only things at risk; the souls of every man woman and child are being threatened.

Our enemy is not one we can see with physical eyes (Eph 6:10-12). And our own ranks have been invading by his subtle trickery and depict. We must be ever watchful over the way we live our lives. The devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour and his favorite place to linger is in the halls of the church, the living room of the family. He seeks to lead away those who are weak in their faith and destroy them.

It is for this reason that the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy and the church of Ephesus urging them to watch the way they live their lives. Let us look at several keys in his writing to Timothy in chapter 3: 14-16:

¹⁴I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; ¹⁵but 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. ¹⁶By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:

He who was revealed in the flesh,
Was vindicated(lit: Justified) in (or by)the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory.

Paul is not speaking of the way Christians are to act in a building. Rather Paul is instructing the Children of God to live as children of God. His purpose is to remind them of the way that God’s children are called to live and act in contrast to the children of the devil. It is important to live a distinct life so that the world can distinguish between the genuine and the counterfeit. We are to conduct our lives as imitators of Christ; because, we are the church of the living God. This phrase has a rich OT meaning and it implies that we are God’s possession. Thus we cannot simply live any way we please we must obey our Father’s wishes.

Next Paul goes on to explain the function of every believer. He borrows the imagery of the Temple of Diana in Ephesus when he describes the pillar and the ground. The Temple of Diana was supported by 127 gold platted, marble pillars and it sat upon a large rock foundation. Paul tells the church that we are to live a life that upholds the truth of God. Our life and actions serve as a foundation a starting point for God’s word to be made know.

In other words, you may be the only bible someone ever reads. Our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors read us every day. Before anyone will ever see Jesus they will first have to meet His followers. It is for this reason that we ought to let the words of God always is on our lips. Because of the responsibility we have to be the spokesperson of the Almighty God, we should be on our faces in His presence daily asking for His Spirit to fill us.

Paul reminds us that children of God are to live a life that reflects the mission of Jesus. He recites a common portion of an early church hymn. In verse 16, Paul summarizes the entirety of the gospel. Our faith is a mystery. Matthew Henry writes “Christianity is a mystery, a mystery that could not have been found out by reason or the light of nature, and which cannot be comprehended by reason, because it is above reason, though not contrary thereto. It is a mystery, not of philosophy or speculation; but of godliness, designed to promote godliness; and herein it exceeds all the mysteries of the Gentiles. It is also a revealed mystery, not shut up and sealed; and it does not cease to be a mystery because now in part revealed.”

But what is this mystery? The mystery is Christ.

1. He is the “God who was manifested”

a. The Eternal Word

b. God who became a man John 1:14

2. He was Justified by The Spirit

a. He was sinless

b. He Bore our sins and punishment

c. His sacrifice was accepted

3. He was seen by angels

a. Both fallen and elect

b. It speaks of the mystery of Christ that angels were interested in Him.

c. He is the Lord of Angels

4. Proclaimed among the nations.

a. If he was just an ordinary man, a prophet, or a great teacher the mystery is why would the world care?

b. The mystery is through His death now those who were without hope now have freedom! Both Jews and Gentiles

5. That the world believed on Him.

a. Who would have thought that a sinful world would believe that a Jewish man who was crucified could save them?

b. It still a mystery to me how we can believe on Him.

6. The fact that He was received into glory

a. How could a man rise up from the grave

b. What power can cause a man to ascend to the right hand of the Father?

The power of the cross is still a mystery to me. There is no human logic that can explain these things. Only the power of the one true God can do such a mighty thing to bring us sinners into his home!

But we must be careful for we know that as the end draws near people will lose the wonder of the power of the cross. Churches will turn away from following the wonder of the power of God and turn the Christian faith in to an academic exercise. If in our Christian service purpose ever gives way to pompous and action gives way to apathy the “church” will cease in its effectiveness.

As wonder, amazement, and passion for the power of God gives way to legalism doubt and rationalizations we fall from a place of true Christianity! If we ever lose the wonder of the power of God we lose all legitimacy as a church! If we are more concerned with programs than the power of and the mystery of our salvation we are LOST!

God is standing at the door seeking to restore your life. He is the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, (He) says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. ‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. ‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. ‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. ‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Have you lost the wonder of the power of God? Have you forgotten the greatness of the joy of your salvation? Have you fallen into the trap of rationalizing your faith?

God is knocking at your hearts door this morning! Won’t you let Him in? Can’t you see that without Him your life is nothing! Don’t wait!