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