Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household…
Summary: Yes, God cares about us and what we do. Paul helps us understand what God expects of us.
What a blessing that Paul took time to write down his ‘instructions’ for God’s household!
Paul’s choice of words here is important. We are not only worshippers of God. We are not just things he saves from being tossed out with the garbage so he can put them in his junk drawer. We are members of God’s household.
What does that mean?
The word “household” in Greek is “oîkos.”* It refers primarily to a dwelling place, but by extension, it also includes the family that lives in that place.
Paul wants Christians to know (A) that they are part of God’s family, and (B) that God’s family has certain expectations about how family members should act.
Does this mean we are no longer family if we don’t behave in a certain way?
No, of course not. Faith is not measured by how well we do something. Instead, it is measured by how much we trust in God (Hebrews 11:1).
So why is God concerned about our conduct? Why did he have Paul write this?
When we visit someone’s house, if we respect them, we abide by their rules. Some people ask that you take your shoes off in the house, while others may not care. Some hosts will take your coat and hang it up; others say, “Toss it anywhere.” Standards vary. God has standards, too.
In God’s house, everything is perfect. His house is well-run and filled with love. He invites us in, not only to be a guest, but to become a member of his family — forever. (Love is like that! See John 1:12-13)
If we accept his invitation, if we realize that life without God is both pointless and hopeless, then God takes us in and begins the process of lovingly teaching us his ways (John 14:26). He is patient (2 Peter 3:9) and kind (Romans 2:4), and he cares enough to provide discipline when we need it (Hebrews 12:5-6).
By explaining how God wants us to behave, Paul is helping us transition into our new life in Christ.
Application: Live to please God.
Food for Thought: If we ignore what God wants and do things our way, how does that work out in the long run?
*”G3624 – oikos – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NIV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 27 Apr, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3624/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
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