“These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” - 1 Timothy 3:14-15

Paul had just finished giving the qualifications of pastors and deacons. While he longed to come to see Timothy and the church at Ephesus, he recognized there might be some time before he was able. In the meantime, Paul wrote to Timothy sharing what the true identity and purpose of the church should be.

Paul first described the church as the “house of God.” If we are saved, we are a part of God’s loving family. Whether we grew up with or without an earthly father, there is a promise that we are the sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, wrapped in His loving care, and forever a part of His family. That is truly comforting and should give us an everlasting hope.

Paul also writes that we are the “church of the living God.” As Christians, we are collectively known as the “church.” It’s not about a fancy building or a place we go, but that we as a visible body of believers are the church with Christ living in all of us. As the church, we exist to first glorify God, but also to lift up and have love towards one another.

Paul continues describing the church as “the pillar and ground of truth.” In any house, the foundation is the most important part of the house. If the foundation is weak, the house will eventually fall apart. With Christ as the true “cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20), He is the foundation of the church. We as the living physical body of believers get to live out the truth that the Lord has given to us in His Word and be a pillar to the world and local surrounding community.

Taking these truths mentioned in verse 15, may we live on mission as the church reaching the community around us for the sole honor and glory of the Lord. What an absolute privilege that we have the truth, know the truth, and get to live out that truth being a part of God’s loving family - the church.