An Expository Study of 1 Timothy 3:15
Key Text
“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
— 1 Timothy 3:15 (KJV)
Introduction: Conduct Is Central to Christianity
The Christian faith is not only doctrinal; it is demonstrative. In 1 Timothy 3:15, the Apostle Paul establishes that right conduct in the church is taught by Scripture and expected by God. Christianity is not merely about believing correctly; it is about behaving consistently with what we believe.
Christian etiquette, therefore, is biblical order expressed through godly conduct.
1. “How Thou Oughtest to Behave” — Conduct Is Taught, Not Assumed
Paul writes so believers may know how to behave. This means godly conduct must be learned, understood, and practised.
“Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them.”
— 1 Timothy 4:11 (NLT)
Christian behaviour in church is shaped by:
Sound doctrine Spiritual instruction Obedience to the Word
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
— James 1:22 (KJV)
2. “The House of God” — The Church Is Sacred
The church is not ours; it is God’s house.
“How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”
— Genesis 28:17 (ESV)
Because God owns His house:
Behaviour must be reverent Worship must be honourable Fellowship must be holy
“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God…”
— Ecclesiastes 5:1 (KJV)
3. “The Church of the Living God” — God Is Present
The church is alive because God Himself dwells among His people.
“Ye are the temple of the living God… I will dwell in them, and walk in them.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:16 (KJV)
Awareness of God’s presence shapes:
Our attitude Our speech Our posture in worship
“Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.”
— Psalm 2:11 (KJV)
4. “The Pillar and Ground of the Truth” — Conduct Upholds the Gospel
Truth is not upheld by words alone but by lives that agree with the Word.
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.”
— Philippians 1:27 (KJV)
When believers behave rightly:
The Gospel is beautified The church’s witness is preserved Doctrine is defended
“Having a good conscience… that they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”
— 1 Peter 3:16 (KJV)
5. Biblical Expressions of Proper Church Conduct
Scripture consistently teaches godly behaviour in the assembly:
Reverence and Order
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:40 (KJV)
Love and Honour
“In honour preferring one another.”
— Romans 12:10 (KJV)
Submission to Spiritual Authority
“Obey them that have the rule over you.”
— Hebrews 13:17 (KJV)
Holiness of Life
“Be ye holy in all manner of conversation.”
— 1 Peter 1:15 (KJV)
Salvation: The Foundation of Right Behaviour
Right behaviour in the house of God begins with a right relationship with God. Etiquette without salvation is external; salvation produces internal transformation.
“For as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.”
— John 1:12 (KJV)
Without Christ:
Behaviour becomes religious effort Reverence lacks spiritual life
With Christ:
Conduct flows from a regenerated heart
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
Salvation Prayer
If you desire to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, pray this sincerely:
“Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus.
I acknowledge that I am a sinner and I need Your salvation.
I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again for my justification.
I receive Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Saviour.
I confess Him as Lord over my life.
Thank You for saving me.
I am now a child of God.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
— Romans 10:13 (KJV)
Welcome & Invitation
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God. Salvation is the beginning of a new life, and growth happens best within a Bible-teaching, Spirit-led church community.
You are warmly invited to connect with:
The Dream Centre of the Life Oasis International Church
🌐 Website: http://www.dreamcentreoftheloic.org
📧 Email: info@dreamcentre.org
📞 Phone: +2348037252124
Join us Live & Online:
YouTube: DreamCentreLiveSTREAMING
DCIRadio: dciradio.org
Facebook: @ReverendAreogun
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At The Dream Centre, you will be taught the Word, built in truth, and discipled into your divine destiny.
Conclusion
The church is God’s house.
God is alive in His church.
Truth is upheld by the church.
Therefore, how we behave in church matters eternally.
The Message Bearer (SmilingPreacher), Cornelius Bella
corneliusbella 