Living in God’s Household

Living in God’s Household: Foundations of Faith

In our world of performance metrics and efficiency goals, relationships often become transactional. We evaluate connections based on what we receive rather than who we serve. But Paul’s instructions to Timothy offer a refreshingly different vision for community.

When addressing the church in Ephesus, Paul doesn’t outline an organizational flowchart. Instead, he describes a household where every relationship reflects divine love. Older men aren’t just respected elders—they’re fathers deserving gentle guidance. Young men aren’t subordinates—they’re brothers walking alongside us. Older women carry the honor of mothers, while younger women deserve the protective care we’d offer our sisters.

What would happen if we truly embraced this family model in our churches? Imagine Sunday morning conversations transformed not by policy manuals but by genuine familial affection. Picture meetings where disagreements occur within the safety of committed relationships rather than political positioning.

The beauty of God’s household lies in its contrast to worldly systems. While society often abandons the vulnerable, God’s family ensures widows receive care. While workplaces may tolerate toxic leadership, God’s household holds leaders accountable with both protection and transparency. While economic structures may dehumanize workers, God’s community recognizes the sacred worth in every person.

Following Jesus isn’t about compartmentalizing our faith—Sunday devotion separate from Monday ethics. It’s about living as family members whose relationships display gospel transformation in tangible ways. From teenagers to seniors, newcomers to longtime members, professionals to service workers—each bears God’s image and belongs at the table.

In a fractured world desperate for genuine connection, let’s be the household that shows what redeemed relationships actually look like.

Caleb McCaughan, Preacher Minister

Dinner Table Conversations: 

Adult & Teen Table Talk: 

• How does seeing fellow church members as “brothers and sisters” change how you might interact with people of different ages or backgrounds at church? What would be different if you approached church relationships this way?
• Paul gives specific instructions about honoring widows and caring for vulnerable community members. Who are the equivalent “widows” in our society today—people who might be overlooked or undervalued?

Little Learners’ Table Talk: 

• In God’s family, we don’t just love each other on Sundays. How can you show God’s love to people at school or when you’re playing with friends?
• Jesus wants us to take special care of people who might be sad or lonely. Who is someone at church or in your neighborhood that might need a friend?

Sermon Title: Living in God’s Household
Sermon Series: Foundations of Faith
Preached: Sunday, May 5, 2025
Sermon Text: 1 Timothy 5:1 – 6:2a
Closing Scripture: Ephesians 2:19–22