1.Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets hearts on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2.Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3.not given to drunkness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4.He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5( If anyon does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6.He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7.He must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. 8.Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not persuing dishonest gain. 9.They must keep hold of the truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10.They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11.In the same way, thier wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12.A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13.Those who have served well gain an eacellent standing and great assureance in their faith in christ Jesus. 14.Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing these instrructions so that, 15.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. 16.Beyond all question, the mystery of godlinss is great: He appeared in a body, 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.
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