Conduct in the Household of God

Introduction

In 1 Timothy 3:15 Paul gives the purpose of his letter (cf. Jn. 20:31).

This is interesting language considering it is the thematic imagery of Ephesians (Eph. 2:19).

The root word oikos is found with considerable frequency in Ephesians and 1 Timothy (only Jude is more frequent).

The difference is that in Ephesians it goes from the universal church as the household to the physical home as the household.

In 1 Timothy (who is in Ephesus) you have the local church as the “household of God” and then the reflections into individual physical homes.

I think seeing this theme gives us even greater clarity to the various issues that Paul addresses throughout this letter.

The Household Arranged

There is considerable connection between the role of a father and of an elder (1 Tim. 3:4-5, 15).

Servants too must be of honorable and trusted character (1 Tim. 3:12).

The wives of these men must be faithful in their own roles in the home (1 Tim. 3:11; cf. 1 Tim. 5:13; Tit. 2:3).

The members of the household need to understand their roles in relation to one another (1 Tim. 5:1-2).

There are reflections between the spiritual and the physical home but they are distinct (1 Tim. 5:4, 16).

This household has a purpose (1 Tim. 1:4; 2:2; 4:7).

The Household Disturbed

False teaching is a constant disturbance to the household of faith (1 Tim. 1:3).

Does it give rise to speculation or does it help us be about His business (1 Tim. 1:4)?

Does it produce love, clear consciences, and genuine faith (1 Tim. 1:5; cf. 1 Tim. 6:1-5)?

Does it forbid what God has called good (1 Tim. 4:3)?

False teachers are often wrong but never in doubt (1 Tim. 1:7).

The anger and hypocrisy of men destroys homes (1 Tim. 2:8).

Women who abandon their roles destroy homes (1 Tim. 2:9-15).

The love of money ruins households (1 Tim. 6:8-10, 17-20).

The Household and the World

We wish the world well with an eye toward the godly (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

We care what our conduct makes people think of God (1 Tim. 3:7, 10; 4:12; 5:13-15; 6:1-2).

But our view is on a different King entirely (1 Tim. 1:17; 2:5-6; 3:16; 6:13-17).

Conclusion

There is so much more to say about this book.

But putting this message in the framework of this household I think helps us see both some things about how and why the church works the way it does and how our homes ought to reflect those images.

Where do you fit into the household? Do you know your role? Are you even a part of it?

Maybe you are a sojourner. But God hasn’t called you to come alongside His household, He has bid you come it and be a part.