The Mystery of Godliness

14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

Paul concludes this chapter with a particular direction to Timothy. He hoped to shortly come to him, to give him further directions and assistance in his work, and to see that Christianity was well planted. Paul is instructing Timothy on how to conduct himself in the church. Paul explained the church as "a pillar and buttress of truth," one that "builds up" the gospel. I hope this is my attitude in the church as well! I pray that I would be one to "build up" my church for the glory of God and the gospel. May I realize how little I am in comparison to Christ’s majesty and glory!

While reading these verses I kept thinking of the hymn “How Deep the Father’s Love” In particular the following lines:

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
John 3:16- “For God so love the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

To make a wretch His treasure
Romans 5:8- “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

“Christianity is a mystery, a mystery that could not have been found out by reason or the light of nature and which cannot be comprehended by reason, because it is above reason. What is the mystery of godliness? The mystery of godliness is that He is God manifest in the flesh. He is justified in the Spirit, He was seen of angels, He is preached unto the Gentiles, He was believed on in the world so that He was not preached in vain, and He was received up into glory.” –Matthew Henry

Christ is a GREAT mystery! May I humbly adore and believe in Him! I can’t comprehend His love for me and by His grace I am now set FREE!