“These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14-15)
The English word “ought” is “used to indicate duty or correctness” (Oxford). The Greek word is dei, “it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper” (Thayer). It is important to key in on the word “necessary” in the definition, especially as it concerns the context of 1 Timothy 3.
Paul writes to instruct the disciples on what God requires of their conduct in the church. As Thayer indicates, the necessity comes from “law and command, of duty.” And is, “established by the counsel and decree of God.”
The intent of the Holy Spirit here is not to distinguish between “ought” and “must.” In fact, in the 106 times the Greek word is used in the New Testament, it is translated (in the KJV) “must” a total of 58 times. Too often people seek an out, a loophole. For example, we “ought” to be baptized, but it is not “necessary.” This is the wrong way to look at the phrase.
For example, when a parent teaches their child how they “ought” to behave, it is possible that the child will rebel or fail to meet that standard. Though they have a moral responsibility to do as their parents say, they may choose to disobey. Such failure to obey will bring punishment. They are not free to disregard their parents instructions, just because the word “ought” is used instead of “must.”
The same is true with God. Timothy’s duty was a moral obligation in response to the grace God extended. The “mystery of godliness” revealed both the sacrifice and Lordship of Jesus Christ (16). As such, the instructions of Paul were in no way optional, they constituted a decree from God.
His readers were to “teach no other doctrine” (1:3); “wage the good warfare” (1:18); “pray everywhere” (2:8); “adorn themselves in modest apparel” (2:9); etc. Bishops and deacons “must” have certain qualifications in order to serve (3:2). By the way, the word “must” in (3:2), is also the Greek word dei.
We simply do not have the right to disregard the decrees of God. He is sovereign. He is Lord. Our responsibilities present themselves both as a response to His authority, and to His great gifts of mercy and grace.
It is difficult to understand how anyone could have an understanding of the greatness of the “mystery of godliness”, and respond by diminishing in any way our obligations to God. Paul had a very different response. Consider his words. “I am a debtor…So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel…” (Romans 1:14-15). “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
The next time you read in scripture of something you “ought” to do in response to God’s love and mercy, don’t try to minimize the obligation. Like Paul, think about the debt you owe. Think about the need for total commitment that is required by God. Have you counted the cost? Is God first? Then that “ought” should bring a zeal to obey!
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