I Timothy 3

“I am writing you these instructions so that ... you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth” (15). Paul was deeply concerned about the behavior of church deacons and elders (1-12) because the church was not a social group, but instead, “the household of God”. More than having skills, spiritual leaders “must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience” (9), as those pointing others toward Christ.

“True godliness” that shines in a dark world comes from a relationship with the living Christ, who “appeared in the flesh ... was believed on in the world” (16).