Instructions on Worship
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—
for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and
holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a
knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ
Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. And for this
purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher
of the true faith to the Gentiles. I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or
disputing. I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or
gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to
worship God. A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to
teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And
Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But
women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
Overseers and Deacons
Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.
Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled,
respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not
quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children
obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he
take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall
under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he
will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect,
sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the
deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing
against them, let them serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of
respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. A deacon must be the
husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have
served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. Although I
hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know
how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God,
the pillar and foundation of the truth. Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He
appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the
nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
1Timothy 2:1-14 & 1Timothy 3:1-16