Paul really doesn’t hold back. The church is to be a pillar and foundation of the truth. The church is the house of God. The truth is God’s truth. The truth should be the first and most important part of the church. We must profess truth. We must preach truth. We must live truth.
We see two different things described in this verse. First there is the foundation, the ground floor. Our foundation should be the living God, Who is dwelling in our midst. He is our foundational truth. Second, we read of the pillar. A pillar can be compared to the pillar that holds up a building or a pillar that tacks on an edict. This can be understood as the pillar of truth holding up the church or the pillar displaying the truth before man. Truth holds up the church. If we rid ourselves of truth, the church will collapse. What is the truth? The saving truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Word of God.
The world is trying to get the church to stop sharing the truth. The truth is offensive. The truth doesn’t align with their way of life. The world wants very much for the pillar to fall. The devil and his demons do whatever possible to keep the body of Christ from sharing truth. In doing so, in keeping people from speaking truth, the pillar and foundation weaken. Today, boldly speak truth. Cling to His truth. Stand up for His truth. The church must continue to be a pillar and foundation of the truth of God.
“So that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 3:15 [NLT]
Tania Gutekunst 