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Here is a trustworthy saying:
If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.
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Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife,
temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
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not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle,
not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
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He must manage his own famikly well and see that his children obey him
with proper respect.
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(If anyone does not know how to manage his oen family,
how can he take care of God's church?)
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He must not be a recent convert, or he may be conceited
and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
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He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,
so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
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Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere,
not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
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They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
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They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them,
let them serve as deacons.
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In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect,
not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
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A deacon must be the husband of but one wife
and must manage his children and his household well.
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Those who served well gain an excellent standing
and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
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Although I hope tocome to you soon, I am writing you these instreuctions so that,
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if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves
in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and
foundation of the truth.
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Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations, was believed on the world,
was taken up in glory.
