The Mystery of Godliness

In one paragraph

On Mother's Day 2018, Pastor Carl walked First B through 1 Timothy 3:14-16, three verses that close with what scholars agree is an early Christian hymn about Christ. He used the occasion to let the congregation speak, asking people to name the hymns they hold onto, and weaving those songs into the passage's argument about who the church is and how that shapes the way we live. Paul's shift in 1...

Read together

1. 1 Timothy 3:14-16 the main text of the sermon, covering behavior in the household of God and the Christ hymn
2. Matthew 16:18 quoted to describe Christ building His church and the gates of hell not standing against it
3. Isaiah 43:1-2 quoted when discussing passing through the waters, God redeeming and calling by name
4. Acts 17 mentioned as an example of Paul quoting pagan philosophers
5. Luke 12:31 quoted at the close as seek the kingdom of God above all else and he will give you everything you need

Talk about it

1. Pastor Nathan talked about Paul reminding Timothy that his instructions about church behavior were written down so Timothy would have them even if Paul was delayed. What does it mean to you personally that the church is called 'a pillar and buttress of the truth,' and how does your own daily behavior connect to that role?
2. Pastor Nathan said 'all of our behavior is grounded in who our savior is,' using the example of telling someone Jesus loves them and then cutting them off in traffic. Where in your own life do you notice the biggest gap between what you say you believe and how you actually act?
3. The early church hymn Paul quotes describes Christ as manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, and taken up in glory. Which of those six descriptions of Christ means the most to you right now, and why?
4. The congregation shared hymns they hold on to in hard times and good times. What is a hymn or song of faith that has stayed with you through a difficult season, and what truth about God does it carry for you?
5. Pastor Nathan closed by asking the congregation to sing 'Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow' as an affirmation before walking out the door for the week. What does it actually cost you to follow where God leads you right now, and what would it look like to do that more faithfully this week?