1 Timothy 3

Elders in the Church

1 What I say is true: Anyone wanting to become an overseer desires a good work.2 An overseer must not give people a reason to criticize him, and he must have only one wife. He must be self-controlled, wise, respected by others, ready to welcome guests, and able to teach.3 He must not drink too much wine or like to fight, but rather be gentle and peaceable, not loving money.4 He must be a good family leader, having children who cooperate with full respect.5 (If someone does not know how to lead the family, how can that person take care of God’s church?)6 But an elder must not be a new believer, or he might be too proud of himself and be judged guilty just as the devil was.

7 An elder must also have the respect of people who are not in the church so he will not be criticized by others and caught in the devil’s trap.

Deacons in the Church

8 In the same way, deacons must be respected by others, not saying things they do not mean. They must not drink too much wine or try to get rich by cheating others.9 With a clear conscience they must follow the secret of the faith that God made known to us.10 Test them first. Then let them serve as deacons if you find nothing wrong in them.11 In the same way, women 12 Deacons must have only one wife and be good leaders of their children and their own families.

13 Those who serve well as deacons are making an honorable place for themselves, and they will be very bold in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The Secret of Our Life

14 Although I hope I can come to you soon, I am writing these things to you now.15 Then, even if I am delayed, you will know how to live in the family of God. That family is the church of the living God, the support and foundation of the truth.

16 Without doubt, the secret of our life of worship is great:
He 

1 Timothy 3

1 Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.2 The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach;3 no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money;4 one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;5 (but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)6 not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil.7 Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.8 Deacons in like manner must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.10 And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless.11 Women in like manner must be grave, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.12 Let deacons be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.13 For they that have served well as deacons gain to themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly;15 but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.