5. because if they don’t know how to manage their own household, how can they take care of God’s church?
6. They shouldn’t be new believers so that they won’t become proud and fall under the devil’s spell.
7. They should also have a good reputation with those outside the church so that they won’t be embarrassed and fall into the devil’s trap.
8. In the same way, servants in the church should be dignified, not two-faced, heavy drinkers, or greedy for money.
9. They should hold on to the faith that has been revealed with a clear conscience.
10. They should also be tested and then serve if they are without fault.
11. In the same way, women who are servants in the church should be dignified and not gossip. They should be sober and faithful in everything they do.
12. Servants must be faithful to their spouse and manage their children and their own households well.
13. Those who have served well gain a good standing and considerable confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
14. I hope to come to you quickly. But I’m writing these things to you so that
15. if I’m delayed, you’ll know how you should behave in God’s household. It is the church of the living God and the backbone and support of the truth.
16. Without question, the mystery of godliness is great: he was revealed as a human, declared righteous by the Spirit, seen by angels, preached throughout the nations, believed in around the world, and taken up in glory.