3This is a trustworthy saying: "If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position."G4103G3056G1536G3713G1984G1937G2570G20412So an elder 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.G1985G3767G1163G1511G423G435G3391G1135G3524G4998G2887G5382G13173He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.G3361G3943G3361G4131G3361G146G235G1933G269G8664He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.G4291G2573G2398G3624G2192G5043G1722G5292G3326G3956G45875For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God's church?G1161G1536G1492G3756G1492G4291G2398G3624G4459G1959G1577G23166An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.G3361G3504G3363G5187G1706G1519G2917G12287Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil's trap.G1161G2532G846G1163G2192G2570G3141G575G1855G3363G1706G1519G3680G2532G3803G12288In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.G5615G1249G4586G3361G1351G3361G4337G4183G3631G3361G1469They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.G2192G3466G4102G1722G2513G489310Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.G1161G1381G3778G2532G4412G1381G1534G1247G5607G41011In 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.G5615G1135G4586G3361G1228G3524G4103G1722G395612A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.G2077G1249G2077G435G3391G1135G4291G5043G2532G2398G3624G257313Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.G1063G1247G2573G4046G1438G2570G898G2532G4183G3954G1722G4102G3588G1722G5547G2424
The Truths of Our Faith
14I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon,G5023G1125G4671G1679G2064G4314G4571G503215so 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.G1161G1437G1019G2443G1492G4459G1163G390G1722G3624G2316G3748G2076G1577G2198G2316G4769G2532G1477G22516Without 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.G2532G3672G3173G2076G3466G2150G2316G5319G1722G4561G1344G1722G4151G3700G32G2784G1722G1484G4100G1722G2889G353G1722G1391
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, he desires an honorable position."G4103
