1 TIMOTHY 3 (NIV)
- Here is a trustworhty saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
- Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitalbe, able to teach,
- not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
- He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.
- (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)
- He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
- He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
- In the same way, deacons are to be worhty of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
- They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
- They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
- In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworhty in everything.
- A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.
- Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
- Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,
- 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.
- Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.