I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but 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. By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:
He who was revealed in the flesh,
Was vindicated in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory. [1 Timothy 3:14-16 NASB]
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy after his release from Roman imprisonment. He sent Timothy ahead of him to Ephesus - intending to catch up with him at a later date - so that he could correct the corruption and false teaching that had arisen within the leadership. He was tasked with replacing certain leaders with godly men, as well as raising up more godly leaders.
He encourages Timothy by reminding him of the value of the church. As the pillar and foundation of truth, the church must be cared for. This should not be misconstrued to think that the church is the source of truth. We know that God alone is the source of truth.
A pillar in the ancient world served as more than just a support for the building. Public notices were attached to the pillars of prominent buildings for all to see. In the same way, the church is the pillar upon which the truth of God is displayed. And what is that truth? Paul reminds Timothy with these verses.
The phrase, "by common confession," simply means that what follows is commonly known throughout the churches.
The lines in verse 16 are given to us in the form of a poetic verse. They were most likely the words of a hymn that circulated among the early church.
The first two lines proclaim that He who came in the flesh was fully man, and vindicated in the Spirit, He is fully God.
"Seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations," He is glorified in both heaven and earth.
"Believed on in the world, taken up in glory," we trust in Him in the world, and He is waiting for us in heaven.
This is an example of Paul's admonition;
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. [Colossians 3:16 NASB]
The book of Psalms, which is the largest book of the Bible, is a collection of songs. It was given to us because God knows that music has a profound influence on our hearts and minds. This makes it important that we choose well what kind of music we listen to.
I am not one of those who preaches that all secular music is of the devil (although the lyrics of some music seems to be demonically inspired). We don't have a legalistic obligation to listen exclusively to Christian music. In fact, I sometimes enjoy the upbeat rhythms and positive lyrics of Creedence Clearwater Revival. But I make a habit of listening to positive Christian music.
I compare secular music to sour cream and cheddar potato chips. They make for a tasty treat, but they don't satisfy. And a diet of chips alone will lead to malnutrition. You need nourishing food.
Music has the power to influence your spirit. I think it is wise to listen to music that proclaims God's grace, that teaches you how to live the Christian life, and that encourages you to worship God. This kind of music will nourish your spirit and help you to grow.
Father, I thank You that You have put the gift of music in the heart of mankind. I pray that You will give me the wisdom to hear Your Spirit in the music. Please give us the wisdom to admonish and teach one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.
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