Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.
- 1 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
Paul gives Timothy a list of things to take care of in the church: pure doctrine (vv 1:3-20), prayer (vv 2:1-7), proper conduct (vv 2:8-15), and leadership (3:1-13). Now Paul quotes a creed/hymn that is hard to connect with what was just said.
While godliness is usually understood to mean a duty which people owe to the Lord, here Paul uses the term to refer to the basis of Christianity. I am reminded that at the heart of my faith is Christ, not a pattern for better living, nor a rule for pleasing God, but Jesus Himself.
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