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/>.
If we ignore what God wants and do things our way, how does that work out in the long run?
Not good at all; rebellion against God is contradictory to a good relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit convicts us to the areas of our life that are contradictory to God’s Will. To ignore those convictions and choose our own path is the opposite of obedience and inhibit our ability to come before God in humility and honesty.
John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Additionally, we will find ourselves in a state of wandering and unrest, and “going our own way” leads to death and destruction at the end.
Hebrews 3:7-11
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,
“Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
on the day of testing in the wilderness,
9 where your fathers put me to the test
and saw my works for forty years.
10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation,
and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart;
they have not known my ways.’
11 As I swore in my wrath,
‘They shall not enter my rest.’”
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death.
Thank you, Chris.
You make a very important point. If we rebel against God, it inhibits “our ability to come before God in humility and honesty.” This reminds me of the “hard heart” syndrome:
Hebrews 3:15
“As has just been said: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.’”
Thanks CH. you covered this well. I thought of Proverbs 14 : 12 (also 16:25) as well.
Another good devotion this morning. Thank you.
Thanks, Rich! 🙂
If we ignore what God wants and do things our way, how does that work out in the long run?
Since creation, God has made certain His will for mankind has been made known to His created beings.
“Before Christ”, Isaiah 30:21, Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it.
Genesis 3:1-24, Adam and Eve ate from the tree..
Numbers 20:7-12: Moses struck the rock he was told to speak to.
1 Samuel 13:8-14, Saul offered up a burnt offering.
2 Samuel 11:14-16, David instructs Uriah be killed.
Jonah 1:1-3:10, Jonah went away from Niniva.
Luke 15:11-32, The Prodigal Son took and wasted his inheritance.
“After Christ,” John 16:8, When He comes, He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.
God has sent His Holy Spirit to reveal truth regarding right and wrong. Each has freewill, freedom to choose the path we wish to take and will receive the the rewards or consequences of our choice.
The vast majority of mankind, will seek life in sin rather than righteousness. The results of poor choices unspeakably poor results.
Thank you, Ron!
I love your conclusion: Poor choices lead to poor results.
Amen!