1 Timothy Chapter 3
Caracteristics of Elders
1 It’s a reliable statement: “If anyone aspires to being an overseer, he’s aspiring to do a good thing.” 2 He needs to be above criticism, faithful to his wife, moderate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. 3 He must not be pushy or addicted to wine. He should be gentle, not combative or greedy for money. 4 An overseer needs to manage his family well; his children need to be obedient and well-behaved. ( 5 If someone doesn’t know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He shouldn’t be a new convert; he can get proud and fall into the devil’s condemnation. 7 He needs to have a good reputation among people that aren’t Christians so he won’t fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.
1 Tim 3:1-7
Characteristics of Deacons
8 Deacons, too, need to have good character, not be two-faced, addicted to a lot of wine, or greedy for dishonest gain, 9 men who maintain the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They should be examined first, then serve as deacons if they’re blameless. 11 Their wives need to have good character too, not be inclined to malicious gossip, but temperate, faithful in every respect. 12 Deacons need to be faithful to their wives, managing their children and family well. 13 Deacons that serve well gain good standing and added boldness in the faith that’s in Christ Jesus.
1 Tim 3:8-13
14 I’m writing to you in hopes of coming soon. 15 But if I’m delayed, this way you’ll know how to conduct yourself in God’s house, the church of the living God, the foundation and pillar of the truth. 16 Everybody agrees that the mystery of godliness is great:
“He was revealed in flesh,
vindicated in spirit,
seen by angels,
presented among nations,
believed on in the world, and
taken up in glory.”
1 Tim 3:14-16