1 Timothy 3:16 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.

Paul introduces what many believe was an early Christian hymn. A mystery in this context is something once hidden and now revealed in Christ. Godliness applied is a life that reflects the personal holiness of a Christ follower.

God was manifested in the flesh. In the incarnation, God the Son took on flesh. There was never a time when God the Son did not exist, but there was a time when he was manifested in the flesh.

God was justified in the Spirit. The sinless life of Christ, His miracles, and his resurrection all bear testimony to His identity and mission.

God was seen by angels. Angels witnessed the life of Jesus. In his birth, temptation, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension, all of Heaven bore witness to the Son of God.

God was preached among the Gentiles. The Son of God came as a light to the nations. The early church proclaimed the message to the Jews and to the Gentile world. The work of Jesus leads to the mission and the proclamation of Jesus as Savior and Lord.

God was believed on in the world. The only proper response to the message proclaimed is faith. The gospel is guaranteed to be effective. The power of Jesus is transformational.

God was received up in glory. The Son of God is exalted at the right hand of God, and he rules with all authority.

This hymn moves from the incarnation to the exaltation of Jesus.

God, thank you that you were manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory. May the Gospel be rooted in our lives, made known among the nations, and may Jesus be glorified in all things!