House Rules

but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:15 NASB

Household of God – How are you supposed to behave in the “church”? (Yes, I know that the Greek word here should probably not be translated “church” but bear with me for a moment).  Are you supposed to take a little holy water upon entering, kneel at the pew, cast a glance at the cross? Or maybe you’re supposed to grab a cup of coffee, greet your fellow parishioners, bow your head when you pray and be sure to tithe. Perhaps you’re supposed to clap during the stage band performance, shut off your cellphone, read the sermon points on the big screen and sing Christmas carols at the right time of the year. Just exactly what are you supposed to do? Which tradition do you follow?

Apparently Paul wanted Timothy to know what to do to honor God in His house. So he wrote Timothy a letter of instructions. He gives Timothy quite a few pointers. First, don’t pay any attention to myths and speculations. I wonder how much of our behavior is really built on these. Second, instruct in love aimed at achieving a pure heart. How? By paying close attention to the “Law” (1:8) that was made for the instruction of men who are not yet righteous. Obviously, Paul meant Torah. There is no other possibility here. Third, stay away from the practices of the ungodly and sinners (Paul gives a list that is very politically incorrect). Fourth, lead a quiet and tranquil life (makes me wonder about deliberate controversy). Fifth, pray (2:8), lifting up holy hands. Sixth, dress properly. Seventh, receive instruction. Then follows a brief description of the character of those who lead. Paul concludes with the verse we are examining. Noticeably absent are any instructions that we assume are part of our behavior in church. There is not a single mention of tithing, musical instruments, holy water (or coffee), singing or sermons. Of course, that doesn’t mean these things didn’t happen (except coffee maybe :)). It just means that they weren’t important enough to mention. Conduct in the household of God was concerned with keeping Torah and developing godly character. What mattered most was being the person God wanted—observant, righteous, hospitable, trustworthy. The rest is tradition, subject to change.

Oh, we might notice one other oddity about this verse. The oiko theou (household of God) is the ekklesia, not the “church.” And certainly by now we know that the ekklesia of the first century was an assembly called to follow the same patterns of behavior you would find in the synagogue (see the extensive material on these two words). “Church” does not enter the picture until centuries later when ekkelsia is detached from its Jewish heritage. But it’s OK if you want to call it “church.” Just remember that Paul didn’t mean anything like what we think of by this term.

So, how do you behave in the oiko theou? Is character more important than creeds? Is the spirit more precious than the sermon? Is mercy of more value than money? Do you arrive to see your fellow believers face down on the floor praying? Or is Starbuck’s in the air? Does it make a difference if you don’t know everyone? Does it matter if you don’t share their burdens because they are just one of the crowd? Is the Messiah more important than the mission?

Topical Index: household of God, oiko theou, church, 1 Timothy 3:15