Gr. anastrephō, “to conduct oneself.” Paul instructs Timothy with respect to the administration of the local church, and particularly concerning the high moral conduct required of all leaders. When Timothy faced the frequent and varied problems common to all congregations, he would find in Paul’s letter a ready source book policy and procedure.

 Or, “family” (see on Eph. 2:19; 1 Tim. 3:4). In a day when Christians did not own church buildings (see p. 18) the thought that God was nevertheless in their midst, both personally and collectively, was profoundly reassuring. A building cannot reflect a “living God,” but a converted Christian can. Thus, God’s church is primarily the spiritual union of all its converted membership, whether worshiping in the same room or separated by great distances.

 Gr. edraiōma, “a prop which makes stable,” “a support,” “a buttress.” The church of redeemed men and women, actively engaged in the program of restoring in man “the image of his Maker” (see Ed 15), is a prime exhibit of the supreme sufficiency of the “truth.” It is not enough merely to assent to the principles of truth; they must be fully reflected in the life (see on John 8:32).

 See Gal. 2:9. Genuine Christians are God’s witnesses to the power of His grace and to the wisdom of His purposes. When they fail to cooperate fully with the divine plan to restore in man the image of God, the day of the restoration of this earth is inevitably delayed (see COL 69). Unless God’s power and purposes are worked out in the lives of His professed people Satan’s charges will be vindicated (see on Job 1:9 PP 42). Hence, Paul urges church members to reflect in their lives the principle of truth they profess.

Worshiping a “living God” requires a living faith, one that recognizes God’s purposes at work from day to day. Only as Christians live enthusiastically for the extension of the gospel program can they be dwelling places for the living God.