How Christians live and relate to one another in the church directly relates to how effective they are in God's work and their continued sanctification. Many things can hinder sanctification, but none are more destructive than an unhealthy church and unhealthy relationships in the church.

This passage teaches three categories of instructions for how Christians are to live, relating to the leadership of elders, ministry to one another, and living according to the will of God.

As children leave the house, parents often give short final instructions. These departing words are not new information but reminders of important things. A mom might remind her children of something they need to do while away. A father might remind his children of his expectations of how they should behave while away. And often, parents tell their children one more time that they love them.

These closing words of Paul’s letter are similar words of instructions. These are not new teachings but reminders of important truths.