It didn’t take me long to figure out after I started preaching that studying for sermons and preaching the sermon were totally different things. In study, I could cover miles and miles of road as I tried to prepare for the next sermon. But when the actual moment to preach arrived, much of what I had studied would never find the light of day. Many times, I’ve walked into a pulpit with “tons” of things to share…only to get started and realize the time was already spent and only a fraction of my study and prayer efforts actually found the ears of real people. Over time, I’ve come to believe that is the case for most pastors and preachers…not just me. Preparation takes time…but the window to preach the sermon is short indeed. Even after all the years of preaching behind me, I still am learning how it all works.

Recently, I preached a sermon at FBC Monticello from 1 Timothy 3:15 where Paul writes, “…so that, 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 the truth.” I spent a fair amount of time talking about the erosion of truth across culture. In our Postmodern world, truth has lost its place in our system of shared values. The absolutes once held by the majority of most of us are now considered beliefs held by individuals and can only be viewed as such. In short, truth went from being “objective” to “subjective.” Thus, we can only speak of truth in terms of personal beliefs…but those beliefs cannot be placed on other folks. For example, I am free to say 1 + 1=2…but I am stepping way out of line if I insist 1 + 1=2 for everybody…it’s only a truth for me. You will have to decide for yourself about 1 + 1. Sounds silly, doesn’t it? But this is what our culture has embraced. There’s not a dirtier word in our vocabulary than “absolutes”.

Obviously, this puts the church of today in a terrible position. The whole of Christianity is built around the truths of God’s Word that spread into every area of life. What makes 1 Timothy 3:15 such an important verse is that it’s one of the key verses in all of Scripture that help define what the church is. According to Paul, part of her definition is that she supports the truths of the Gospel…she holds them up as a pillar. As a buttress of the truth, the church acts as a type of foundation on which truth rests. Talk about a huge responsibility…but this is one of the many reasons the true church of the living God is even here at all. We cannot let culture dictate to us notions about truth.

But how do we as individuals “hold up” the truth? Even with two sermons dedicated to this great verse, I confess both sermons came up short in the much-needed “how to” part. Certainly, the Holy Spirit moves us as we hear the Word and consider how to apply it to our lives. However, in preparing the sermons, I came across a couple of ideas that were helpful…but I ran out of time before I could share them. My blog seemed like the perfect place to pass these on to you. Remember as you read along, I am coming from the Biblical position on the truthfulness of the Gospel, the Word of God, and the historic teachings on the truths of Christianity. While the following might be “subjective” at first glance. Both items come from the position and belief in absolute truth…with the church being called to support it.

William Hendriksen’s New Testament Commentary on 1 Timothy offered a practical thought on how the church could actively support the truth. Hendriksen provided the following:

Hearing and Heeding it: (Matt 13:9), Handling it Correctly (2 Tim 2:5), Hiding it in the Heart (Psalm 119:11), and Holding it Forth as the Word of Life (Philippians 2:16)

He also offered as an alternative rendering:

Digesting it (Rev 10:9), Defending it (Philippians 1:16), Disseminating it (Matt 28:18-20), and Demonstrating its Power in Consecrated Living (Col. 3:12-17)

Hendriksen’s helpful lists are practical in nature and make a strong appeal to each and every follower of Christ. In short, these are things that we all can do in upholding the truth in our day.

John MacArthur presented something similar in his commentary on 1 Timothy that I thought was very practical and helpful. In an answer to the question, “How do Christians uphold the truth?”, MacArthur offered the following 8 ideas which I also found to of great value:

1. Believe it (2 Cor 4:13, Matt 13:9)
2. Memorize it (Psalm 119:11)
3. Meditate on it (Joshua 1:8)
4. Study it (2 Tim 2:15)
5. Obey it (Luke 11:28)
6. Defend it (Philippians 1:16)
7. Live it (Titus 2:10, Col 3:16ff)
8. Proclaim it (Matt 28:19-20)

Though Paul was writing to Timothy, his words were inspired and are laid before us as The Task at Hand. While “truth” has taken a beating, a redefining, and is largely ignored by our culture, the church still believes in “truth” and we all share in the task of upholding it. This was never just Timothy’s job as a pastor in Ephesus. It was the responsibility of the church in Ephesus and all who would later read this letter. Hendriksen and MacArthur both give us practical tips on how we can be faithful in upholding the truth. Their respective lists are sure guides for us all. Read the verse again. Look over these practical helps again…and step forward. One common denominator of the practical helps is that they are within reach of all of us. They are not high, lofty, out-of-reach suggestions for the perceived spiritually elite…they are for every believer. There’s room for all of us to grow in this. The only option not on the table is to do nothing…which is what Satan is hoping we will all do. God forbid.

Blessings guys. Talk soon!

Bro Mark