The church must be grounded in faith and truth of Christology. We must base our practice of faith on WWJD.

1. Our Only Foundation
1 Timothy 3:14-16

2. What is TRUTH?
Who defines it?
How do I find it?
Can I know it with certainty?
Why is it so important?

3. Introduction
• TRUTH is the foundation of any
valuable worldview.
• The pastoral letters are practical
theologies – a worldview acted out.

4. Building or People?

5. Introduction
• The text of 1 Tim 3:14-16 contains a 6-
line hymn.
• It’s main theological emphasis is
Christology.

6. Aor Pass 3rd Sg
Verb
Prep
Structure
Dative Noun
Object

7. Structure
Incarnation (l.1)
Baptism (l.2)
A trouble spot? Ministry (l.3)
Preaching (l.4)
Following (l.5)
Ascension (l.6)

8. manifested in the flesh
• The incarnation of Christ models
revelatory compassion
 The church must preach the truth of
Christology wrapped in acts of grace

9. vindicated by the Spirit
• The baptism of Christ identified Him as
the Messiah and launched His ministry
 The church must be a Spirit-filled
organization and a godly institution

10. seen by angels
• The life, death and resurrection of
Christ was a public display of His
mission
 The church must be publicly witnessing
to the power of the resurrection

11. proclaimed among the nations
• Jesus came to teach; He trained His
disciples to preach. Both Jew and
Gentile gathered to hear His message
 The church must be preaching the
gospel “until the whole world knows”

12. believed on in the world
• Many came to Jesus by faith, and
having their sins forgiven, followed Him
 The church will be successful only if its
members are converted, committed
and connected by grace through faith

13. taken up in glory
• Jesus finished His earthly ministry and
was exalted and elevated to Heaven
 The church is now the effective Body of
Christ, left behind to influence the
world; we are awaiting glorification

14. Structure (better?)
Christ’s actual
life on the • Lines 1-3
earth
Christ’s
representative • Lines 4-6
life on earth

15. Conclusion
• The gospel of JESUS CHRIST is a
significant, foundational doctrine.
• The longevity of this LOCAL CHURCH
depends on it.
• Our doctrinal statement is a declaration
of what we BELIEVE.
• What we believe affects how we
BEHAVE.

16. Conclusion
GREAT is the uniqueness of Christianity
GREAT is the importance of the Church
GREAT is the truth of the gospel
GREAT is the example of Christ
GREAT is the mystery of godliness