(Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4)
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This saying is trustworthy: If someone desires to be an overseer, he desires a good work.
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Therefore, the overseer must be without reproach. He must be a husband of one wife. He must be moderate, sensible, orderly, hospitable. He must be able to teach.
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He must not be addicted to wine, not a brawler, but instead, gentle, peaceful. He must not be a lover of money.
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He should manage his own household well, and his children should obey him with all respect.
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For if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for a church of God?
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He should not be a new convert, so that he does not swell with pride and might fall into condemnation as the devil.
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He must also have a good reputation with those outside, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the trap of the devil.
Qualifications for Deacons
(Acts 6:1–7)
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Deacons, likewise, should be dignified, not double-talkers. They should not drink too much wine or be greedy.
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They should keep the revealed truth of the faith with a clean conscience.
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They should also be approved first, then they should serve because they are blameless.
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Women in the same way should be dignified. They should not be slanderers. They should be moderate and faithful in all things.
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Deacons must be husbands of one wife. They must manage well their children and household.
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For those who have served well acquire for themselves a good standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Godliness
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I am writing these things to you, and I hope to come to you soon.
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But if I delay, I am writing so that you may know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
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And it is undeniable that the revealed truth of godliness is great: "He appeared in the flesh, was justified by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among nations, was believed on in the world, and was taken up in glory.”
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