1 Timothy 3:4–15

^4*he must be able to manage his own family well and make his children obey him with all respect. ^5*For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God? ^6*He must be mature in the faith, so that he will not swell up with pride and be condemned, as the Devil was. ^7*He should be a man who is respected by the people outside the church, so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the Devil’s trap.

Helpers in the Church

⁸Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money; ⁹they should hold to the revealed truth of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve. ¹¹Their wives^d also must be of good character and must not gossip; they must be sober and honest in everything. ¹²A church helper must have only one wife,^e and be able to manage his children and family well. ¹³Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.

The Great Secret

¹⁴As I write this letter to you, I hope to come and see you soon. ¹⁵But if I am delayed, this letter will let you know how we should conduct ourselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.