1 Timothy 3
3
Elders in the Church
1What I say is true: Anyone wanting to become an overseer desires a good work. 2An 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. 3He must not drink too much wine or like to fight, but rather be gentle and peaceable, not loving money. 4He 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?) 6But 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. 7An 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
8In 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. 9With a clear conscience they must follow the secret of the faith that God made known to us. 10Test them first. Then let them serve as deacons if you find nothing wrong in them. 11In the same way, women must be respected by others. They must not speak evil of others. They must be self-controlled and trustworthy in everything. 12Deacons must have only one wife and be good leaders of their children and their own families. 13Those 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
14Although I hope I can come to you soon, I am writing these things to you now. 15Then, 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. 16Without doubt, the secret of our life of worship is great:
He was shown to us in a human body,
proved right in spirit,
and seen by angels.
He was proclaimed to the nations,
believed in by the world,
and taken up in glory.
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1 Timothy 3: NCV
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The Holy Bible, New Century Version, Copyright © 2005 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.
1 Timothy 3
3
Guidelines for Leaders in the Church
1This is a statement that can be trusted: If anyone sets his heart on being a bishop, he desires something excellent. 2A bishop must have a good reputation. He must have only one wife, be sober, use good judgment, be respectable, be hospitable, and be able to teach. 3He must not drink excessively or be a violent person, but he must be gentle. He must not be quarrelsome or love money. 4He must manage his own family well. His children should respectfully obey him. 5(If a man doesn’t know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6He must not be a new Christian, or he might become arrogant like the devil and be condemned. 7People who are not Christians must speak well of him, or he might become the victim of disgraceful insults that the devil sets as traps for him.
8Deacons must also be of good character. They must not be two-faced or addicted to alcohol. They must not use shameful ways to make money. 9They must have clear consciences about possessing the mystery of the Christian faith. 10First, a person must be evaluated. Then, if he has a good reputation, he may become a deacon.
11Their wives must also be of good character. They must not be gossips, but they must control their tempers and be trustworthy in every way.
12A deacon must have only one wife. Deacons must manage their children and their families well. 13Those deacons who serve well gain an excellent reputation and will have confidence as a result of their faith in Christ Jesus.
14I hope to visit you soon. However, I’m writing this to you 15in case I’m delayed. I want you to know how people who are members of God’s family must live. God’s family is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16The mystery that gives us our reverence for God is acknowledged to be great:
He #3:16 Some manuscripts read “God.” appeared in his human nature,
was approved by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was announced throughout the nations,
was believed in the world,
and was taken to heaven in glory.
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GOD'S WORD® Translation ©1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God's Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.