Day 18 - I Timothy 3:14-15

A Daily Devotional Guide to I Timothy

Living as Members
of God’s Household

1 Timothy 3:14-15

¹⁴These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; ¹⁵But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you to ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

W

hat is appropriate conduct for a Christian? This is what Paul addresses throughout this letter to Timothy. It is not Timothy’s conduct that Paul has in mind, but the conduct of those in Ephesus to whom Timothy is ministering. As we read, we can almost see Paul writing these words, knowing that Timothy is going to read them in the gatherings of believers in Ephesus.

The Household of God

Modern readers often interpret house of God in v. 15 as referring to a church building. However, there is no evidence of a church building for the first 200 years of the church’s existence. The church in Ephesus met in homes and sometimes in public venues, such as the lecture hall Paul rented while in Ephesus (see Acts 19:9; 20:20). The earliest believers did not see church as a building, but as the people of God gathered together in the name Christ. Also, the Greek word translated “house” is oiko, which literally means “household.” For example, in Acts 16:31 when Paul, told the Philippian jailer that if he would believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, he would be saved and his house (oiko), it is obviously a reference to all the people that made up the jailer’s household.

The Responsibility of Being a Member of God's Household

In the ancient world, the household was more extensive than the nuclear family today, consisting of extended family, tutors, slaves, and servants. Although most were smaller, a household could be large with hundreds of members. Some households gained fame because of the success and exploits of its members. Pride and status became associated with belonging to certain households, and certain standards of behavior were expected of their members. So, Paul is here talking about how believers should behave, not in a church building, but as members of God’s household.

The Church Is God’s Household

Paul says that the household of God is synonymous with the Church. I like to say that the family is a little church and the church is a big family. At least, that is how it should be! Paul also says that the church, which is the household of God, is the pillar and ground of truth. A pillar gives support. “Ground” is a translation of the Greek word edraioma, which literally means “a bulwark or fortification.”

Our Conduct Guards the Truth

Paul’s point is that, as members of God’s household, we have responsibility to live our lives in ways that reflect the character and honor of that household. Paul says, in fact, that the household of God is the bulwark or fortification where truth is kept safe in the earth. This truth is protected, not by mere statements of doctrine and faith, but by the conduct of those who live the truth as members of God’s household. Ephesians 2:19 says that we, who were once foreigners and strangers, have now been made . . .members of the household of God. What a wonderful privilege and sobering responsibility!

Reflection & Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for placing us in Your household and making us a part of Your great family—sons and daughters of the Almighty. What a wonderful privilege and sobering responsibility. May we live lives that honor You and bring glory to Your name. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen!