"...the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15, KJV).

(A) Background

Paul left Timothy in charge of the church at Ephesus while he likely went on to Macedonia. From Macedonia Paul writes Timothy this letter (epistle) to instruct Timothy on how he should lead and manage the church at Ephesus (3:15). Paul explains to Timothy here what the church represents (God) and the church's role in this world as the pillar (support) and ground (foundation) of the truth. And, that highest truth is found in verse 16, "...without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" (KJV).

(B) Faith Lesson

When referring to someone who is a "pillar" such as in Galatians 2:9 (James, Peter, and John), in the New Testament sense, it means someone well rooted and grounded in the truth and strong in the faith (William Burkitt NT Commentary on 1 Timothy 3:15). However, when the church is referred to as the "pillar" and "ground" of the truth it means the church should be holding fast to the truth (as well as proclaiming it). And, the highest truth is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11) which is found in the Word of Truth (John 17:17), written by God who cannot lie (Titus 1:2).

The truth in us is the light that shines in this dark, evil world. If it is dim or if it is hidden, people will not be able to to distinguish truth from lies. The church should be a refuge that opposes heresy, false teaching, untruths, false doctrine, false signs (Matthew 13:22, 24:24), and anything else contrary to the truth. People should feel safe in the church - safe from lies and deceit.

The truth does not compromise - it cannot. Truth is truth and will always prevail over falsity. Even 99% truth is not truth. The truth must be kept pure for there are many false truths (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10) that lead people away from THE truth (John 14:6).

However, holding to the truth does not mean simply knowing right doctrine, but living it as well. What more untruth can there be when a church holds to the truth but its members fail to live it and exemplify it, fail to bear fruit from it?

Sadly, some churches do well in proclaiming the truth but fall short of holding to it.

Sadly, some churches do well in holding the truth but fail in proclaiming it.

Sadly, some churches do well in proclaiming and holding the truth, but fail to live it.

Sadly, some churches do none of these.

(C) Life Application

Why is it important (for individuals and churches) to be the pillar and ground of the truth?

In what ways can Christians deviate from the truth?

How/Why do you think Christians get away from the truth?

In what ways to churches get away from the truth?

How do we maintain the integrity of the truth?

What should our response be when we encounter false truth?

Jerry is a bi-vocational, helping pastor-teacher, Christian life coach, TESOL trainer & manager, author, and freelance writer, with degrees in Christian education, teaching-English, business, theology, and divinity, currently residing in the Philippines. His interests include practical theology.