The Basic Message1 Timothy 3:14-16

“The Gospel is the counterintuitive, joyous,

exuberant news that Jesus has brought the unending, limitless, stunning love of God

to even us.”

Pastor Rob Bell

“He who was revealed in the flesh,Was vindicated in the Spirit,

Seen by angels,Proclaimed among the nations,

Believed on in the world,Taken up in glory.”

1 Timothy 3:16

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only

begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not

perish, but have eternal life.” 

John 3:16

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of

God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

“By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:         He who was revealed in the flesh,         Was vindicated in the Spirit,         Seen by angels,         Proclaimed among the nations,         Believed on in the world,         Taken up in glory.”

1 Timothy 3:16

DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. Why did Paul say he was writing the church in Ephesus? (1 Timothy 3:14-15a)

He was hoping to come to them, but if he was delayed he wanted them to know how they aught to conduct themselves in the

church.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

2. How does Paul describe the church? (v. 15)

He describes the church as the pillar and supporter of the truth.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

3. How effective do you think the church (universal) is in

carrying out these two purposes?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

4. What can damage the churches effectiveness in the eyes of a lost world?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

5. How should membership in the church be like a refuge?

It should be a safe, non-judgmental place for sinners to gather to support and love

one another.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

6. How is being a part of the “church of the living God” different from being a member of any other organizations?

The church is different because God dwells there.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

7. For a church to be effective, her members must

demonstrate a different lifestyle than the world. How should Christian’s be different?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

8. Paul quotes lines of a hymn in (v. 16). He uses incomplete phrases but the Gospel message is evident. Complete the chart to extract the meaning of each phrase.

Line MeaningHe who was revealed in the flesh The incarnation of Christ

Was vindicated in the Spirit Christ brought spiritual living through His sacrifice

Beheld by angels The angels know of Christ’s supremacy

Proclaimed among the nations The Gospel message is shared

Believed on in the world Many believe and are changed

Taken up in glory The ascension of Jesus

DISCUSSION GUIDE

9. With whom do you need to share the clear, concise message of the Gospel this week?

Names

Laird Hamilton