How to Behave as a Christ-Follower
1 Timothy 3:1-16
In his letters to Timothy, Paul continues to encourage Timothy to fight the good fight in his church amidst division. Understanding the struggles that the church had faced, Paul gives guidance how one should conduct themselves as Christ followers. Similarly, we as Christ followers and as a congregation are also called to be transformed to help build God’s kingdom here, starting with God’s church and his people.
There are three key reasons to conduct ourselves in accordance with 1 Timothy 3:1-16:
The requirements and qualifications should serve as a model for all Christians, not just church leaders. Although we lack the title of “overseer” or “deacon” in our church, the translation of the titles are meant to apply broadly to “followers,” “servants,” “church officers,” or “people chosen to be God’s helpers or servants.” As such, every Christian is called to help and serve the church. The Bible was not written to be academic but in spoken language. Thus, we should not try to overcomplicate but simply what God is telling us. Paul urges us to reflect on our lives, and highlights various challenges, for example, raising obedient children, as effective qualities to bring to our ministry in church. Just as we would vet the qualities of someone building our house, God expects His church to uphold qualities that reflect His character.
We are entrusted by God to build His church. Church is the pillar and foundation of truth. Regardless of the heights of buildings, in architecture, the foundation is the most important part in keeping the building upright and afloat. If our foundation is weak, we cannot do anything, but if our foundation is strong and rooted in Christ, we can do anything. Church is the foundation of truth. Regardless of how much we preach to the world, if the church is not founded on Jesus, no one will listen. Church is important and many churches fail because those in or leading were not qualified.
Jesus is the truth that we hold to. Church is not a place for fellowship or events, but the place that holds the truth. We believe that God was manifested in flesh and came down, He was seen by angels when He was crucified, believed in the world and was proclaimed by the nations. The importance of everything falls back on God’s love for us through the lens of Jesus Christ, who came to our lives and lit the candle of hope and truth into our lives.
As we strive to embody these qualities, let us reflect on our role in upholding the church as the foundation of God’s truth. The call to live as Christ followers is not just about meeting qualifications but about embracing transformation, aspiring to reflect God’s character proclaim the hope and truth that is in Christ Jesus.
Reflection Questions:
What were your main takeaways from this week’s message?
Pastor Daniel had us reflect on some characteristics that we felt that we lacked during service. What things did you highlight? What avenues for growth in these areas can we make?
Does our vision of church as the foundation of truth change the way we perceive and engage with the world? Why or why not?
