"the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim 3:15).
The whole passage in which 1 Timothy 3:15 is found is this (NIV):
14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He[c] appeared in a body,[d]
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
Paul is saying that what he is writing are the instructions the Church, which is the pillar and foundation of truth, should follow in order for Christians to know how to conduct themselves in the church!
In other words - Paul is CLEARLY saying that HIS WRITING (Written, Holy Word of God) is what should be obeyed - in the church....which is (as it obeys The Written Word such as Paul is providing) the pillar of the truth.
This passage very clearly gives support to “Sola Scriptura” not to the belief that the CHURCH is what is to be obeyed....but the written instructions are to be obeyed...again giving the authoritative endorsement of this letter as part of the authentic Word of the Living God!
God breathed, Paul penned.
Sola Scriptura! Praise His Holy Name Forever!