1Timothy 3

Leaders in the Church

3This is a trustworthy saying: "If someone aspires to be an elder

, he desires an honorable position."G4103G3056G1536G3713G1984G1937G2570G20412So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife

. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.G1985G3767G1163G1511G423G435G3391G1135G3524G4998G2887G5382G13173He must not be a heavy drinker

or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.G3361G3943G3361G4131G3361G146G235G1933G269G8664He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.G4291G2573G2398G3624G2192G5043G1722G5292G3326G3956G45875For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?G1161G1536G1492G3756G1492G4291G2398G3624G4459G1959G1577G23166An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall

.G3361G3504G3363G5187G1706G1519G2917G12287Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil's trap.G1161G2532G846G1163G2192G2570G3141G575G1855G3363G1706G1519G3680G2532G3803G12288In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.G5615G1249G4586G3361G1351G3361G4337G4183G3631G3361G1469They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.G2192G3466G4102G1722G2513G489310Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.G1161G1381G3778G2532G4412G1381G1534G1247G5607G41011In the same way, their wives

must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.G5615G1135G4586G3361G1228G3524G4103G1722G395612A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.G2077G1249G2077G435G3391G1135G4291G5043G2532G2398G3624G257313Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.G1063G1247G2573G4046G1438G2570G898G2532G4183G3954G1722G4102G3588G1722G5547G2424

The Truths of Our Faith

14I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon,G5023G1125G4671G1679G2064G4314G4571G503215so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.G1161G1437G1019G2443G1492G4459G1163G390G1722G3624G2316G3748G2076G1577G2198G2316G4769G2532G1477G22516Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith

: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.G2532G3672G3173G2076G3466G2150G2316G5319G1722G4561G1344G1722G4151G3700G32G2784G1722G1484G4100G1722G2889G353G1722G1391