1 Timothy 3:1-16
Qualifications for Overseers
1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
Qualifications for Deacons
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Godliness
14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We all need leaders of high reproach who are deemed to have acquired good traits and set forth good examples for us all. Though we are all sinners , we belivers have been forgiven and have begun a new life in God’s service. Therefore , as Christians , we should strive daily to be more like Christ and let our light shine to show others the way to a better and everlasting life.
I will strive for godliness in all things.
I BELIEVE!!
Lord, we pray for Your grace and protection, not only for our pastors and deacons, but also for ourselves, that we may walk in godliness as Your church, standing as a pillar and support of the truth, upholding and sharing Your gospel and the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ, the mystery of godliness.
Heavenly Father,
When I read your word help me to always seek your truth and hear from you only. Thank you for your word and how you tell us how we should live knowing that none of us will be perfect because you are the only perfect and holy one. Help us not to be deceived by the things of this world and plant our feet on solid ground that we share your truth with others. Help us to love more and to look at the heart as you look and see the heart of mankind. As we keep our focus on you, let us walk in the light and pull away from the darkness of this world. I pray these things in Jesus name. Amen
Father,
I lift up to you the dying church in America.
Please LORD, do not give up on your church.
Light a fire in our hearts, dear LORD.
Speak through your servants.
Bring conviction, bring repentance, bring conversion.
May your preachers and teachers and leaders
Stay on their knees until they touch the hem of his garment.
May your leaders hear from you.
May your leaders be filled with your Spirit.
Let’s be going and doing and working to help save
One more for your son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.