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1 Timothy 3:1-13 Instructions for Church Leadership

1 Overseers and Deacons
Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.
2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Cross References for 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Proverbs 11:30 - The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. Click to read the verse Proverbs 11:30 Click to read the verse Proverbs 11:30

Acts 20:28 - Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. B... Click to read the verse Acts 20:28 Click to read the verse Acts 20:28

Numbers 4:3 - Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work in the Tent o... Click to read the verse Numbers 4:3 Click to read the verse Numbers 4:3

Hebrews 12:15 - See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble... Click to read the verse Hebrews 12:15 Click to read the verse Hebrews 12:15

Titus 1:7 - Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick... Click to read the verse Titus 1:7 Click to read the verse Titus 1:7

1 Peter 5:2 - Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must,... Click to read the verse 1 Peter 5:2 Click to read the verse 1 Peter 5:2

1 Peter 2:25 - For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of... Click to read the verse 1 Peter 2:25 Click to read the verse 1 Peter 2:25

Titus 3:8 - This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have tru... Click to read the verse Titus 3:8 Click to read the verse Titus 3:8

Deuteronomy 18:6 - If a Levite moves from one of your towns anywhere in Israel where he is living, and comes in al... Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 18:6 Click to read the verse Deuteronomy 18:6

James 5:19-20 - My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, Click to read the verse James 5:19-20 Click to read the verse James 5:19-20

1 Thessalonians 5:14 - And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be pati... Click to read the verse 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Click to read the verse 1 Thessalonians 5:14

1 Timothy 1:15 - Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to... Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 1:15 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 1:15

Acts 1:20 - “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms, “‘May his place be deserted; let there... Click to read the verse Acts 1:20 Click to read the verse Acts 1:20

Romans 11:13 - I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I make much of my m... Click to read the verse Romans 11:13 Click to read the verse Romans 11:13

Luke 15:10 - In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one s... Click to read the verse Luke 15:10 Click to read the verse Luke 15:10

Matthew 26:10 - Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful ... Click to read the verse Matthew 26:10 Click to read the verse Matthew 26:10

1 Timothy 3:2-7 - Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlle... Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 3:2-7 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 3:2-7

Ephesians 4:12 - to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up Click to read the verse Ephesians 4:12 Click to read the verse Ephesians 4:12

Philippians 1:1 - Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, toge... Click to read the verse Philippians 1:1 Click to read the verse Philippians 1:1

2 Timothy 2:11 - Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 2:11 Click to read the verse 2 Timothy 2:11

1 Peter 4:15 - If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even a... Click to read the verse 1 Peter 4:15 Click to read the verse 1 Peter 4:15

1 Timothy 4:9 - This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 4:9 Click to read the verse 1 Timothy 4:9