Behaviour in the House of God

1 Timothy 3:15 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.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

The word church is often misunderstood to mean the building where the saints meet. A careful study of the scripture will show that the church is actually the people. However, in this passage, there is a certain element of teaching proper behaviour when and where the saints assemble. It is a holy time and ought to be met with sobriety. In the least, all things are to be done “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). As we approach the time of preaching or instruction, we should be ready to hear and slow to speak (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3). At the time of invitation, as the Lord moves in our hearts to repent and do right, we should pay [keep] what we vow [promise] (Ecclesiastes 5:4-7). The house of God is the pillar and ground of the truth and we should treat it as such.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Samuel was not in a church service when he said, "Speak; for thy servant heareth"; yet, it would be good for us to pray that prayer when we meet with God's people. Samuel listened to God and was able to tell Eli what God said. Can you tell Dad or Mom something you remember about the pastor's message from God?

• (For everyone): How do you behave when you go to the house of God? Do you take the gathering of saints as a holy time or as a time to see what people are wearing or as a time to laugh and cut up?

• What are some ways we can show respect when we gather with other believers at the place of worship? How can our behaviour effect the world’s opinion of the house of God?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

• Ask the Lord to teach you how to behave when you gather.

SONG: O Lord, 'Tis Matter of High Praise

Pastor Andrew Ray

Devotions on Church Attendance