Qualities Worth Duplicating - Not For Sale

After addressing women specifically in 1 Timothy 2 , Paul tells Timothy the requirements for elders and ministers in the church. As they apply, both men and women would find them worthy of practicing. I look at them and see a warning for those who would live contrary to what they say. We would all benefit from following these. 

1 Timothy 3   ISV

1This is a trustworthy saying:a

The one who would an elder be,

a noble task desires he.

2Therefore, an elder must be blameless, 

• the husband of one wife,b 
• stable, 
• sensible,
• respectable, 
• hospitable to strangers, 
• and teachable.c 
• 3He must not drink excessively 
• or be a violent person, 
• but instead be gentle. 
• He must not be argumentative 
• or love money. 
• 4He must manage his own family well 
• and have children who are submissive and respectful in every way. 
• 5For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church? 
• 6He must not be a recent convert, so that he won’t become arrogant and fall into the devil’s condemnation. 
• 7He must be well thought of by outsiders, so he doesn’td fall into disgrace and the trap set for him bye the devil.

8Ministers,f too, must be serious. 

• They must not be two-faced,g addicted to wine, or greedy for money. 
• 9They must hold firmly to the secret of the faith with clear consciences. 
• 10But they must first be tested. Then, if they prove to be blameless, they may become ministers.h 
• 11Their wivesi must also be serious. 
• They must not be gossips, but instead be stable and trustworthy in everything. 
• 12Ministersj must be husbands of one wifek and must manage their children and their families well. 
• 13Those ministersl who serve well gain an excellent reputation for themselves and will have great assurance by their faith in the Messiahm Jesus.

Not all ministers have sold out to ear tickling and gone after money. I know there are Godly ministers across our country who are not for sale and I praise God for you! This song is a warning to those teachers who have sold out. It is also a wonderful word to those of you who are not for sale! God bless you!!!