Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks

Qualifications for Oversight and Service

3 Trustworthy is the saying: “If any man aspires to the office of overseer,^[a] he desires a good work.” ² An overseer, then, must be beyond criticism—the husband of one wife, clear-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, ³ not addicted to wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money, ⁴ managing his own household well, keeping his children under control with all respectfulness. ⁵ (But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s community?) ⁶ He must not be a new believer,^[b] or he may become puffed up and fall into the same judgment as the devil. ⁷ Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with those outside, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.

⁸ Servant-leaders likewise must be dignified, not double-speaking, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. ⁹ They must keep hold of the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ Also let them first be tested—then let those who are blameless serve as servant-leaders. ¹¹ Women likewise must be dignified, not backbiting; clear-minded, trustworthy in every respect. ¹² Let servant-leaders be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. ¹³ For those who have served well as servant-leaders gain for themselves a good standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Messiah Yeshua.

¹⁴ These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly. ¹⁵ But if I delay, I write so you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God—which is the community of the living God, a pillar and foundation of truth. ¹⁶ Now beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness:

Advice to a Young Leader

4 Now the Ruach clearly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, following deceitful spirits and teachings of demons ² through the hypocrisy of false speakers—whose own conscience has been seared. ³ They forbid people to marry; they command people to abstain from foods that God created for the faithful to share with thanksgiving, having come to know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving; ⁵ for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.

⁶ In pointing out these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Messiah Yeshua, nourished in the words of the faith and the sound teaching that you have been following. ⁷ But avoid godless myths and old wives’ tales; instead, train yourself in godliness. ⁸ For physical exercise has some benefit; but godliness is beneficial for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the one to come. ⁹ Trustworthy is the saying and deserving of complete acceptance ¹⁰ (for to this end we work hard and strive): “We have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially those who trust.” ¹¹ Insist on these things and teach them.

¹² Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but become an example of the faithful—in speech, in conduct, in love, in faithfulness, and in purity. ¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to encouragement, and to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift^[c] within you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands of the elders. ¹⁵ Practice these things—be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be clear to all. ¹⁶ Give attention to yourself and your teaching. Persevere in these things, for in doing so you will save yourself^[d] and those who hear you.