1 Timothy 3:8–4:16
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not insincere, not devoted to much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, 10 and these also must be tested first; then let them serve if they* are above reproach. 11 The wivesa likewise must be dignified, not slanderous, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who have served well acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Godliness Described
14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you in a short time. 15 But if I am delayed, I am writing* in order that you may know how one must conduct oneself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and mainstayb of the truth. 16 And most certainly, great is the mystery of godliness:
Who was revealed in the flesh,
was vindicated byc the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was proclaimed among the Gentilesd,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
4 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 by the hypocrisy of liars, who are seared in their own conscience, 3 who forbid marrying and insist on abstaining from foods that God created for sharing in with thankfulness by those who believe and who know the truth, 4 because everything created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is* received with thankfulness, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
6 By* teaching these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, trained in the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed faithfully. 7 But reject those ⌊worthless myths told by elderly women⌋a, and train yourself for godliness. 8 For the training of the body is ⌊somewhat⌋b profitable, but godliness is profitable for everything, because it* holds promise for the present life and for the life to come. 9 The statement is trustworthy and deserving of complete acceptance. 10 For to this end we labor and suffer reproach,c because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.
11 Command these things and teach them. 12 Let no one look down on your youth, but be an example for the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, pay attention to the public reading,d to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, that was granted to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Practice these things. Be diligente in these things, in order that your progress may be evident to everyone. 16 Fix your attention on yourself and on your teaching. Continue in them, for by* doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.