Day 351, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Timothy 3-6
Proper Conduct in Church
How should we behave in church? Should we sit down, shut up, read our Bibles and pray? Or, can we shout, sing, and play our music until we blow the roof off? Who determines what is proper conduct anyway? How are we to act, and who is in charge to make sure things don’t get out of hand? Today’s Bible lesson should help us with this.
Bible scholars know that the Apostle Paul wrote two letters to Timothy, a disciple and young pastor of the Ephesian church. In his first, he says, “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” (1Timothy 3:14b-15, NIV). These verses provide the key to understanding how to conduct ourselves in church.
God’s Word is our Guide
Paul writes under the influence or inspiration of the Holy Spirit; therefore, it is God’s Word. He leaves Timothy instructions for proper conduct in God’s place of worship.
The Churches’ Life and its Head
Whose church is it? It is the church of the living God, the holy and righteous, almighty sovereign of the universe. This means we must honor and respect it. The church is not just a meeting place, and neither is it a playground. It should have some sanctity.
On the other hand, however, it is the church of the living God, so the church should also express life. The church is an organism, not merely an organization. It should be caring and compassionate and extend itself to its members and those outside the church. Are we a part of God’s church? It starts with a personal relationship with him (more...).
The Distinguishing Mark
What characterizes this church? It is the pillar and foundation of the truth. Correct teaching of God’s Word should be the distinguishing mark of the congregation. Is our church the place where truth from the Scriptures is continually taught? People need a good foundation to know how to please the Lord.
Requirements for Church Leadership
According to 1Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:6-9, proper conduct within the church starts with leadership. The qualifications for pastors and deacons are not suggestions; they are musts (notice how frequently Paul uses the word “must” in these two passages). The requirements given are for the betterment of the church; not following them is always to their detriment.
Churches often have their own job descriptions for their administrators. Because of this, many churches skirt these Bible passages; they do not wish to embarrass the candidate by investigating him so personally. However, a church congregation, board of deacons, or presbytery is wise if it examines a leadership candidate based on the requirements of these Scriptures.
Popularity or politics shouldn’t determine who should serve as leaders. Church leaders cannot inspire any better conduct than what they possess. Churches should aim high in their leadership selection; character should rank higher than popularity.
The Message
Church leaders are sometimes hesitant to preach or teach all of God’s Word. The Word of God is not always popular, and some false teachers tickle the ears of their audiences by saying what people want to hear instead of the truth. Church leaders must be bold in proclaiming all the Word of God, rightly dividing the word of truth. People need to know what is right and wrong, regardless of how well it may be received. Paul tells Timothy to “command and teach these things, … and to be diligent about these matters.” (4:11,15, NIV). We should do the same. How can people live right if they do not know what is right?
Proper behavior
Churches are to be morally pure and godly. Older men should be given respect as fathers, “younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters with absolute purity” (1 Timothy 5:1-2, NIV).
Timothy ministered to the church in Ephesus. Ephesus was a very immoral, idol-worshipping community. Paul did not want the Ephesian culture to creep into the church and ruin it. We must not allow that either. Godly training starts in the home; it is there where children are first taught respect.
Church leaders and their congregation should be a caring community. Not only are we to love and respect our ministers, but we also need to express spiritual and emotional support to all our members. Some will also need financial or physical help.
Who should we help, and who should we refrain from helping? It is tempting for an exceptionally loving church to extend itself to all people. Paul commands Timothy, however, to let the church help those who are genuinely in need and not to overextend itself. Families have responsibilities to take care of their own before the church helps them. If that is not possible, the church should be happy to lend a hand.
Partiality and favoritism are not to be part of us. It is tempting for many church attenders to form exclusive tiny cells and favor those with positions or money in the community. Gossip and malicious talk, and even inward fighting can be the result. Paul instructs Timothy, “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness (1Timothy 6:11, NIV). We should do the same.
Discussion
What is our guide for proper conduct in the church? Why?
Describe an aspect of church life according to the Bible. Is this different than you observe in our society? How does this change the way we should do things?
Focus Verse
1Timothy 4:16 (NIV) “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
My prayer response:
Dear Father in heaven, you are holy and righteous. I pray that your kingdom will advance, and many people will come to Christ when they see your faithfulness and our good conduct toward church members and outsiders. Please forgive my behavior in church when I got distracted, selfish, or prideful.
May our worship be proper and respectful to set an excellent example for the younger generation. Help me to be forgiving and generous to others. Lead me away from forming cliques but love all. May all things be done for your praise and glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
Please send your comments to me
Looking Ahead: Now that we know proper conduct for the church, how do we live in our ungodly culture? See our Next Lesson for Christianity that Fits. It may not be as you think.
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