1Tim3- 2020-04-30
Journal
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Bible Text:
1 Timothy 3:8-16
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 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.
14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.
Reflection & Application
1 Timothy 3:8-10
- A deacon means “one who serves.” Why would it be important for a deacon to “hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience”? What would happen to a deacon who does not? How can I keep hold of the gospel with a clear conscience?
- Why should character come before service? In what ways do modern day Christians ignore this? What character issues do I need to work on in order to be a person that is “dignified” and “blameless”?
1 Timothy 3:4, 12
- Why is it important that an overseer or a deacon manage his own family well? How am I managing my personal affairs?
1 Timothy 3:14-15
- How does Apostle Paul describe the church? For each description, what is the implication for how I ought to live?
Prayer