God's Household

The Church is a glorious, amazing thing.  We are part of that church.  In 1 Timothy 3:14-15 Paul reminds Timothy and us of just how amazing God’s family, the church really is.  Paul writes “I am writing you these instructions so that…you will all know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household…”  here is how Paul describes the Church:

• The Church is God’s household

• It is the Church of the Living God

• It is the Pillar and Foundation of Truth

We should be in awe of the family we are part of.  Paul uses the household/family metaphor in 1 Timothy 3 because:

• It is a common structure, relatable to Timothy in his day and to us in ours.

• Family has a defined order:  Father, mother, children.

• Family has specific roles within that order.

Leadership in the family should follow the Jesus model, emphasizing a broad range of qualities required to meet the various challenges and needs of family:

• Integrity

• Character

• Love and respect

• Wisdom

These qualities should apply to all people within the Church of the Living God, but for men tasked with leading a family they are required in fuller measure.

In the Church, the fullest measure of these qualities must be present in order for a man to serve as an Elder or Overseer.

• High calling, not to be taken lightly

• Responsibility and commitment

• Builds security

• Protects the family

• Protects the church

• Protects the truth

Why does Paul develop this model of a family for us in 1 Timothy?  As with the letter to Titus, the Church has experienced challenges to the truth of God’s word and the living out of that Word.  As in todays’ culture, the unqualified and the sinful can be vocal and outspoken.  Paul speaks to this challenge in 1 Timothy 1:6-7 and 1 Timothy 4:1-3. His response is the letter of 1 Timothy, in which Paul speaks with absolute clarity on issues of doctrine, salvation and love.  His words are not couched in parable or poetry.  Issues of sin, gender, family roles, life station and employment, are addressed directly and with steady tone as he instructs Timothy on how to teach proper doctrine. Paul charges Timothy, likewise, to speak as an Evangelist and appoint and empower men of great character to serve as Elders. Their task? Through both life and doctrine to lead the family of God.

I Timothy 3:15-16 closes Chapter 3 of this great epistle demonstrating Paul’s heart for God, for the gospel, for the church and for the truth. May we also be committed to God, the word, the family and the truth!

"I am writing you these instructions so that…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. Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,

    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.”