Church Government is about Worship, Part IV - 1 Timothy 3:16

(16f)  …(he was) taken up in glory. 

This is the last phrase in the ancient Christian hymn that Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3:16.  Before we get to its meaning, its worth remembering that this hymn is worship.  God in this section gives us a declaration of his own glory in the midst of talking about how the local church is to be governed. 

Why?  Because the Church is to support and hold up the truth – and not merely to hold up the truth as true, but to hold up the truth as glorious and meaningful and holy and awesome. 

And so everything Paul’s been saying about the ministry of the local church serves this point – worship. 

Now, to turn to the phrase, ‘he was taken up in glory.’  This is a clear reference to Christ’s ascension into heaven after his resurrection.  The same word, ‘to take up,’ is even used multiple times in Acts to describe this event; for example, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven”(Acts 1:11). 

This event has multiple implications. 

First, it, as we see in the Acts verse, leads us to the fact that Christ will return to judge the world and to be marveled at among those who believed in him (see 2 Thessalonians 1).  And that is our great hope! 

Second, the phrase points to Christ’s position.  Since he’s been raised from the dead, he now has authority to govern all things.  He is the Sovereign King, ruling over all creation.  Consider Hebrews 1:3 – “After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high.”  Since he reigns over all things, should we not honor him as such, taking comfort in his sovereignty despite our circumstances?  And should we not worship him because of his position? 

Third, the phrase points to Christ’s continuous intercession on our behalf.  “Who is to condemn?  Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised- who is at the right hand of God – who is interceding for us”(Romans 8:34). 

“For Christ has entered… into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf”(Hebrews 9:24). 

It is Christ’s death and resurrection and exaltation that result in our perseverance – in the proof of our justification.  He is now praying for us – and he is now securing for us perseverance and glory at his return – on the basis of his exaltation to the right hand of God.  Sovereign God and sovereign savior!  How great is Jesus Christ, Creator, Sustainer, Savior, Restorer! 

This is the reason for church government – the worship of Jesus Christ – our God and Savior. 

Summary: 

1)  Church government exists for the worship of Christ

2)  Christ’s ascension means that he is sovereign over all things, including our perseverance in salvation, and that he is returning to restore us to himself. 

Prayer:

Holy Christ!  You live in glory.  You reign over all things!  You have all authority and are deserving of all praise!  Holy are you, my God and Savior.  There is no one like you.  And yet – you reign through your death.  Your ever present blood has secured a people for yourself.  You have glorified yourself in your love to sinners here. 

O my God – let us worship you.  Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and lips to sing your praise forever. 

Amen.