1Timothy:3

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* THE saying is trustworthy : "If any one aspires to the office of a bishop , he desires a noble work ." * A bishop , then , should be above reproach , true to one woman , temperate , self-controlled , dignified , hospitable , with a gift for teaching , * not given to wine or to blows , but fair-minded , averse to strife , not a lover of money , * presiding well over his own house , with children obedient and respectful . * But if any one does not know how to preside over his own house , how will he take care of the church of God ? * He must not be a new convert , for fear he may be blinded by pride and fall into the condemnation of the Devil . * He must have a good reputation with outsiders so as not to fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil . * Deacons , in the same way , must be dignified , not double-tongued , not given to much wine , not eager for base gain , * holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience . * They must first be tested , and then let them fill the office of deacon if there is nothing against them . * Women , in the same way , must be dignified , not slanderers , temperate , trustworthy in everything . * Deacons must be men true to one woman , presiding well over their children and their own houses . * Those who have filled the office of deacon well win for themselves a high standing and great boldness in the faith in Christ Jesus . * I am writing these things to you , although I hope to come to you soon , * but so that if I am delayed you may know how people should conduct themselves in the household of God , which is the church of the living God , the pillar and base of the truth . * Confessedly great is the mystery of godliness : "Who was manifested in flesh , declared righteous in spirit , seen by angels , proclaimed among Gentiles , believed on in the world , received up in glory ."

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