1 Timothy 3

1Here is a saying you can rely on: anyone who wants to be an overseer is setting their heart on a good work. 2So an overseer must be someone no one can fairly criticize: faithful to his one wife, clear-headed, self-controlled, respected, welcoming to guests, able to teach, 3not a heavy drinker, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not someone who loves money. 4He must manage his own household well and see that his children obey him and are respectful in every way. 5(If someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become proud and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also be well thought of by outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

8In the same way, deacons must be worthy of respect, sincere in what they say, not heavy drinkers, and not greedy for money. 9They must hold on to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They too should first be tested; then, if no charge can be brought against them, let them serve. 11The women likewise must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, clear-headed and trustworthy in everything. 12A deacon must be faithful to his one wife and manage his children and household well. 13Those who serve well earn a good standing for themselves and great boldness in their faith in Christ Jesus.

14I am writing you these things, though I hope to come to you soon, 15so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to live in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16Beyond all question, the mystery of our faith is great: He was revealed in a human body, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.