1 Timothy 3
3
Rules for Choosing Leaders and Deacons
1Here is a saying you can trust. If anyone wants to be a leader in the church, they want to do a good work for God and people. 2A leader must be free from blame. He must be faithful to his wife. In anything he does, he must not go too far. He must control himself. He must be worthy of respect. He must welcome people into his home. He must be able to teach. 3He must not get drunk. He must not push people around. He must be gentle. He must not be a person who likes to argue. He must not love money. 4He must manage his own family well. He must make sure that his children obey him. And he must do this in a way that gains him respect. 5Suppose someone doesn’t know how to manage his own family. Then how can he take care of God’s church? 6The leader must not be a new believer. If he is, he might become proud. Then he would be judged just like the devil. 7The leader must also be respected by those who are outside the church. Then he will not be put to shame. He will not fall into the devil’s trap.
8In the same way, deacons must be worthy of respect. They must be honest and true. They must not drink too much wine. They must not try to get money by cheating people. 9They must hold on to the deep truths of the faith. Even their own minds tell them to do that. 10First they must be tested. Then let them serve as deacons if there is nothing against them.
11In the same way, the women must be worthy of respect. They must not say things that harm others. In anything they do, they must not go too far. They must be worthy of trust in everything.
12A deacon must be faithful to his wife. He must manage his children and family well. 13Those who have served well earn the full respect of others. They also become more sure of their faith in Christ Jesus.
Paul’s Reasons for Giving Instructions to Timothy
14I hope I can come to you soon. But now I am writing these instructions to you. 15Then if I have to put off my visit, you will know how people should act in God’s family. The family of God is the church of the living God. It is the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16There is no doubt that true godliness comes from this great mystery.
Jesus came as a human being.
The Holy Spirit proved that he was the Son of God.
He was seen by angels.
He was preached among the nations.
People in the world believed in him.
He was taken up to heaven in glory.
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1 Timothy 3
3
Leaders in the Church
1It is a true statement that anyone whose goal is to serve as an elder#3:1 whose … elder Literally, “who aspires to supervision.” has his heart set on a good work. 2An elder#3:2 elder Here, literally, “overseer.” See “elders (New Testament)” in the Word List. must be such a good man that no one can rightly criticize him. He must be faithful to his wife.#3:2 faithful to his wife Literally, “a man of one woman.” He must have self-control and be wise. He must be respected by others. He must be ready to help people by welcoming them into his home. He must be a good teacher. 3He must not drink too much, and he must not be someone who likes to fight. He must be gentle and peaceful. He must not be someone who loves money. 4He must be a good leader of his own family. This means that his children obey him with full respect. 5If a man does not know how to lead his own family, he will not be able to take care of God’s church.
6An elder must not be a new believer. It might make him too proud of himself. Then he would be condemned for his pride the same as the devil was. 7An elder must also have the respect of people who are not part of the church. Then he will not be criticized by others and be caught in the devil’s trap.
Special Servants
8In the same way, the men who are chosen to be special servants must have the respect of others. They must not be men who say things they don’t mean or who spend their time drinking too much. They must not be men who will do almost anything for money. 9They must follow the true faith that God has now made known to us and always do what they know is right. 10You should test them first. Then, if you find that they have done nothing wrong, they can be special servants.
11In the same way, the women#3:11 women Probably the women who serve as special servants (see Rom. 16:1). It could be translated, “their wives,” meaning the wives of the special servants, although there is no word for “their” in the Greek text. must have the respect of others. They must not be women who speak evil about other people. They must have self-control and be women who can be trusted in everything.
12The men who are special servants must be faithful in marriage.#3:12 faithful in marriage Literally, “a man of one woman.” They must be good leaders of children and their own families. 13Those who do well as special servants are making an honorable place for themselves. And they will feel very sure of their faith in Christ Jesus.
The Secret of Our Life
14I hope I can come to you soon. But I am writing this to you now, 15so that, even if I cannot come soon, you will know how people should live in the family#3:15 family Literally, “house.” This could mean that God’s people are like God’s temple. of God. That family is the church of the living God. And God’s church is the support and foundation of the truth. 16Without a doubt, the secret of our life of worship is great:
Christ#3:16 Christ Literally, “who.” Some Greek copies have “God.” was shown to us in human form;
the Spirit proved that he was right;
he was seen by angels.
The message about him was told to the nations;
people in the world believed in him;
he was taken up to heaven in glory.
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