The inspired writers describe the church in numerous ways throughout the New Testament. Paul often refers to the church as the body of Christ (cf. (Romans 12:4–5; 1 Corinthians 10:17; 12:12, 27; Ephesians 4:12; 5:23, 30; Colossians 1:24). Jesus introduced the idea of a spiritual family in Matthew 12:49–50, a concept that appears in the epistles of Paul as well. The church is God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16) and spiritual Israel (Galatians 6:16). She is the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–27; Revelation 21:9). Each of these images helps us understand God’s design for the church and its role in fulfilling His plans.
In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul describes the church in architectural terms, as “a pillar and buttress of the truth.” A pillar bears weight in a building, often in the interior, holding up a portion of it. A buttress typically supports an external wall of a building. Both bear weight and work in concert with the foundation. How does the church serve as a pillar and buttress of the truth?
Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am…the truth.” We learn in 1 Corinthians 3:11, “no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Jude says, “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (v. 3). The church does not bring forth new truths. It cannot. All the truth that we need has already been revealed. The church upholds that truth.
We lift up the truth when we come together in Bible study, devoting ourselves to growing in grace and knowledge. We do not study the Bible for merely academic purposes. We use critical thinking and we open our hearts, believing that the Bible came from men who were led by God’s Spirit (cf. 2 Peter 1:21).
We lift up the truth when we assemble on the first day of the week, according to God’s command, and share in a sermon – an exhortation from God’s Word. Both the preacher and the congregation should interact with the Word during the sermon hour in a way that proves our conviction that the Bible reveals God’s timeless, changeless truth.
We lift up the truth when we live for God’s glory in our daily thoughts, words, and actions. Dear Christian, as God’s church, we have the wonderful, daunting task of holding up God’s truth in the world. Work mightily, knowing this very truth can bring the greatest sinner into communion with an even greater God!
Clay Leonard
