2.2 KiB
Leaders in the Church
Chapter 3
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This is a trustworthy saying: "If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position."
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So a church leader 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.
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He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.
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He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.
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For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?
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A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.
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Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil's trap.
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In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.
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They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.
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Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.
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In 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.
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A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.
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Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
The Truths of Our Faith
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I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon,
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so 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.
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Without 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.