Recently, we became aware that a wall—a supporting structure at our house—needed to be reinforced in order to stabilize the weight distribution of the roof. It wasn’t until all of the drywall was removed that we were aware of this need. So, I am very grateful for this revelation, because we can now take measures to place a vertical structure [pillar] and cross beams of wood to rebuild a very strong wall of support.
In our passage today, Paul refers to the Church [covenant people] as the “pillar and foundation of the truth.” In other words, the church is the body where the truth is supported, elevated, as well as modeled by God’s people. Paul reveals the heart of the gospel, when he teaches about the humanity and the divinity of Christ. Jesus lived a perfect life and modeled godliness while on earth. Therefore, godliness should never be something hidden; Christ should always be exalted and release through the lives of believers in order to bring glory to God. Only when we follow and obey the Lord, can we learn to live a godly life that pleases our Father.
Apostasy—the refusal to obey or the act of stepping away from the Truth—has always plague humanity. It is throughout the Bible. Jesus himself taught his disciples, in the last days, apostasy will be rampant before his second coming (Mat. 24:10-14). As well, Jesus taught about false teachers that would dilute the Word of God at the end of the age.
Satan is a liar and a deceiver; therefore, one of his tactics is to dilute the gospel and offer an imitation of the Truth. If we know the truth, then we will be able to recognize the world’s lies about any topic. Jesus modeled the truth so we would know how to live with the things he provides even in this fallen world. Truly, God is the giver of every good and perfect Gift (Jas. 1:17).
1 Timothy 3:14-4:5 AMP
3:14 I hope to come to you before long, but I am writing these instructions to you 15 in case I am delayed, so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 And great, we confess, is the mystery [the hidden truth] of godliness:
He (Jesus Christ) who was revealed in human flesh,
Was justified and vindicated in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory.
4:1 But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 [misled] by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared as with a branding iron [leaving them incapable of ethical functioning], 3 who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from [certain kinds of] foods which God has created to be gratefully shared by those who believe and have [a clear] knowledge of the truth. 4 For everything God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified [set apart, dedicated to God] by means of the word of God and prayer.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being our support and Truth. As your covenant people, raise us up so we can exalt your name as the One true God. Help us reach out to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. As apostasy increases, please keep us flowing in your wisdom and help us live the Truth in your power and grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.