Paul gives us some truth about what we believe. He defines some of our key and core doctrines about who Jesus Christ is. He gives us some powerful words for us to stand on. But do you know what he said right before? Great is the mystery of our religion. We want everything to make sense. We are the children of the Enlightenment. We want it all to make sense and be able to be understood so very easily. But Paul tells us today that there is a mystery. And that’s ok. We don’t know it all; we don’t understand it all. There is a mystery. That is why we must trust and must have faith.

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Good morning, it’s a pleasure to be with you today as we conclude our exploration of 1st Timothy chapter 3. While there’s much more of Timothy to delve into, we’ll wrap up this chapter for now. I’m Andy Stoddard, the lead pastor here at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Madison, and I’m grateful to continue our journey through 1st Timothy with you. Today, we’ll reflect on verses 14 through 16 of chapter 3.

Let’s read the passage together:

“I hope to come to you soon, but I write these instructions so that if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the living pillar of God, the pillar and bulwark of truth. Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great. He was revealed in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the Gentiles, and believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.”

This passage offers profound insights into the essence of our Christian faith. Unlike the controversial topics we’ve explored in the past few days, today’s verses may seem more straightforward. However, what strikes me is Paul’s declaration in verse 16: “Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great.” This resonates deeply with me.

In our United Methodist hymnal, we have various creeds and affirmations of faith, including statements directly quoting this passage. I find particular resonance in the phrase, “Great indeed is the mystery of the gospel.” Paul articulates fundamental truths of our faith—Christ’s incarnation, validation by the Spirit, angelic witness, proclamation to the Gentiles, global belief, and ascension into glory—yet he labels them as mysteries.

In an age where we often seek empirical evidence and logical explanations for everything, Paul’s acknowledgment of the mystery of faith is both refreshing and challenging. As a former camp counselor, I recall a mentor lamenting our collective struggle to teach the mystery of God. Indeed, our inclination to comprehend everything can obscure the profound beauty of faith.

I’ve grappled with my own struggles of faith, often yearning for intellectual certainty. However, I’ve found peace in embracing the mystery, accepting that not everything needs to be neatly understood or rationalized. While I’ve diligently studied and prayed, I’ve come to acknowledge that there are aspects beyond my comprehension.

Yet, amidst the mysteries, certain truths remain steadfast: Jesus’s love, His sacrificial death, and His redemptive grace. These foundational beliefs anchor us even when we confront uncertainty. So, if you find yourself grappling with doubts or uncertainties, remember: the mystery of the gospel is vast, but God’s love and grace are boundless.

As we conclude our reflections on 1st Timothy chapter 3, let’s embrace the mystery of our faith and find solace in its profound beauty. Thank you for joining me today, and I wish you a blessed weekend ahead. If you’re in the Jackson metro area, we’d be delighted to have you join us for worship at St. Matthew’s. Until Monday, take care and may God’s grace be with you.