Read the New Testament in 24 Weeks

Elders in the Church

3 What I say is true: Anyone wanting to become an overseer desires a good work. ² An overseer must not give people a reason to criticize him, and he must have only one wife. He must be self-controlled, wise, respected by others, ready to welcome guests, and able to teach. ³ He must not drink too much wine or like to fight, but rather be gentle and peaceable, not loving money. ⁴ He must be a good family leader, having children who cooperate with full respect. ⁵ (If someone does not know how to lead the family, how can that person take care of God’s church?) ⁶ But an elder must not be a new believer, or he might be too proud of himself and be judged guilty just as the devil was. ⁷ An elder must also have the respect of people who are not in the church so he will not be criticized by others and caught in the devil’s trap.

Deacons in the Church

⁸ In the same way, deacons must be respected by others, not saying things they do not mean. They must not drink too much wine or try to get rich by cheating others. ⁹ With a clear conscience they must follow the secret of the faith that God made known to us. ¹⁰ Test them first. Then let them serve as deacons if you find nothing wrong in them. ¹¹ In the same way, women^[a] must be respected by others. They must not speak evil of others. They must be self-controlled and trustworthy in everything. ¹² Deacons must have only one wife and be good leaders of their children and their own families. ¹³ Those who serve well as deacons are making an honorable place for themselves, and they will be very bold in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The Secret of Our Life

¹⁴ Although I hope I can come to you soon, I am writing these things to you now. ¹⁵ Then, even if I am delayed, you will know how to live in the family of God. That family is the church of the living God, the support and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶ Without doubt, the secret of our life of worship is great:

A Warning About False Teachers

4 Now the Holy Spirit clearly says that in the later times some people will stop believing the faith. They will follow spirits that lie and teachings of demons. ² Such teachings come from the false words of liars whose consciences are destroyed as if by a hot iron. ³ They forbid people to marry and tell them not to eat certain foods which God created to be eaten with thanks by people who believe and know the truth. ⁴ Everything God made is good, and nothing should be refused if it is accepted with thanks, ⁵ because it is made holy by what God has said and by prayer.

Be a Good Servant of Christ

⁶ By telling these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus. You will be made strong by the words of the faith and the good teaching which you have been following. ⁷ But do not follow foolish stories that disagree with God’s truth, but train yourself to serve God. ⁸ Training your body helps you in some ways, but serving God helps you in every way by bringing you blessings in this life and in the future life, too. ⁹ What I say is true, and you should fully accept it. ¹⁰ This is why we work and struggle:^[c] We hope in the living God who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Command and teach these things. ¹² Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life. ¹³ Until I come, continue to read the Scriptures to the people, strengthen them, and teach them. ¹⁴ Use the gift you have, which was given to you through prophecy when the group of elders laid their hands on^[d] you. ¹⁵ Continue to do those things; give your life to doing them so your progress may be seen by everyone. ¹⁶ Be careful in your life and in your teaching. If you continue to live and teach rightly, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.