Main Point: God grounds the health of His church in qualified, servant-hearted men who prioritize the noble work of shepherding and serving over the desire for title or status.

Outline:

1. Elders (3:1-7)
2. Deacons (3:8-13)

 

Elders

1Tim. 3:1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

1Tim. 3:2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1Tim. 3:3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

1Tim. 3:4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,

1Tim. 3:5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?

1Tim. 3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

1Tim. 3:7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

 

Deacons

1Tim. 3:8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.

1Tim. 3:9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

1Tim. 3:10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

1Tim. 3:11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.

1Tim. 3:12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.

1Tim. 3:13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.