SOAP: Friday, April 11, 2008

1 Timothy 3:1-13 (NLT)

1Ti 3:1 This is a trustworthy saying: "If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position."
1Ti 3:2 So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.
1Ti 3:3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.
1Ti 3:4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.
1Ti 3:5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
1Ti 3:6 An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.
1Ti 3:7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.
1Ti 3:8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.
1Ti 3:9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience.
1Ti 3:10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.
1Ti 3:11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
1Ti 3:12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well.
1Ti 3:13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.