Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks

Qualifications for Leaders in the Church

3 This is a trustworthy saying:^[a]

² Therefore, an elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife,^[b] stable, sensible, respectable, hospitable to strangers, and teachable.^{[c] 3} He must not drink excessively or be a violent person, but instead be gentle. He must not be argumentative or love money. ⁴ He must manage his own family well and have children who are submissive and respectful in every way. ⁵ For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church? ⁶ He must not be a recent convert, so that he won’t become arrogant and fall into the Devil’s condemnation. ⁷ He must be well thought of by outsiders, so he doesn’t^[d] fall into disgrace and the trap set for him by^[e] the Devil.

⁸ Deacons,^[f] too, must be serious. They must not be two-faced,^[g] addicted to wine, or greedy for money. ⁹ They must hold firmly to the secret of the faith with clear consciences. ¹⁰ But they must first be tested. Then, if they prove to be blameless, let them serve in ministry.^{[h] 11} Their wives^[i] must also be serious. They must not be gossips, but instead be stable and trustworthy in everything. ¹² Deacons^[j] must be husbands of one wife^[k] and must manage their children and their families well. ¹³ Those who serve well in ministry^[l] gain an excellent reputation for themselves and will have great assurance by their faith in the Messiah^[m] Jesus.

¹⁴ I hope to come to you soon. However, I’m writing this to you ¹⁵ in case I am delayed, so that you may know how to behave in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶ By common confession, the secret of our godly worship is great:^[n]

A Prophecy about the Future

4 Now the Spirit says clearly that in the last times some people will abandon the faith by following deceitful spirits, the teachings of demons, ² and the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences have been burned by a hot iron. ³ They will try to stop people from marrying and from eating certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For everything God created is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

How to be a Good Servant of the Messiah Jesus

⁶ If you continue to point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good servant of the Messiah^[s] Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the healthy teaching that you have followed closely. ⁷ Do not have anything to do with godless myths and fables of old women. Instead, train yourself to be godly. ⁸ Physical exercise is of limited value, but

⁹ This is a trustworthy saying that deserves complete acceptance.^{[t] 10} To this end we work hard and struggle,^[u] because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, that is, of those who believe.

¹¹ These are the things you must insist on and teach. ¹² Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for other believers in your speech, behavior, love, faithfulness,^[v] and purity. ¹³ Until I arrive, give your full concentration to the public reading of Scripture,^[w] to exhorting, and to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect^[x] the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy when the elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Think on these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to your life and your teaching. Persevere in these things, because if you do so, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.