The Mystery Of Godliness

-December 16, 2021-

Good morning, happy Thursday,

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.”

(1 Timothy 3:16).

Today’s text is one of the deepest, most precious verses in the NT on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul calls it the mystery of godliness. A mystery in the Bible refers to the uncovering and revelation of truth that was previously unknown. Our Lord and Savior is described in six glorious statements of faith and fact.

God was manifested in the flesh – This relates to His birth into the world as God in the flesh. He was both perfect God and perfect man. His birth, life, death, and resurrection were in keeping with God’s plan of salvation devised before the foundation of the world. John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” He is Immanuel (which can also be spelled Emmanuel), which means God with us.

Justified in the Spirit – Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit through the virgin Mary. He was anointed by the Spirit, led by the Spirit, and empowered by the Spirit. He fulfilled every OT prophesy of the coming Messiah.

Seen by angels – Jesus has been seen by angels since they were created, but in a special way, they saw Him at His birth. They praised and worshipped Him. Gabriel is one of chief angels, along with Michael the archangel. Gabriel is the Christmas angel because he announced the birth of Christ to both Mary and Joseph. He is likely also the angel who spoke to the shepherds and made known to them the birth of Christ.

Preached among the Gentiles – Jesus sent out His followers to preach the gospel, first to the Jews then to the Gentiles. Most of us are Gentiles. We had no part with Jews. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, won multitudes to Christ and planted so many churches. Our mission today is to carry out the Great Commission to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them the Word of God.

Believed on in the world – Since the Day of Pentecost, many souls have believed on Christ and followed Him. Though many reject Him, there are many others who believe. Cornelius the Roman Centurion was the first to be saved and baptized; Lydia was the first convert in Europe; and Philippian jailer and his whole household were saved; and even some of those of the Praetorian guards who were responsible for Paul imprisonment were saved.

Received up in glory – After Jesus rose from the dead He appeared to the disciples and by more than 500 brethren. Luke 24:50 says, “And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried into heaven.” He is now seated at the right hand of God. One day He will receive us into the glory of heaven.

Having read this beautiful verse, we should take off our shoes, for we are standing on holy ground. Let us magnify the Lord Jesus, with praise, worship, and thanksgiving. We have the blessed privilege to live for Him and serve Him in all our ways and in all our days.

Have a blessed day as we get closer to Christmas. Have a Merry Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season. We have so much to be thankful for. Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean