Go with me, if you would, to First Timothy, the third chapter.

And we want to talk about ministries tonight.

We want to talk about the local church.

We want to talk about God's structure in these things that he's ordained.

First Timothy, First Timothy Timothy the third chapter

now let me prove to you from this passage of scripture

that the same principles

that are

should be in effect in the home and family

are the principles that God has ordained for the local church

then 1st Timothy the third chapter will begin are the principles that God has ordained for the local church.

Now, in 1 Timothy, the third chapter, will begin in verse 1.

It says, this is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop.

Now, the word bishop, you could also use the word overseer. And also I think this would apply to the

pastor and shepherd. For instance, Reverend Hagen Jr. is our bishop of this church. Now, I don't

know, you know, you might not like to use that title, but if you want to go with this, this

version here, that would be appropriate. It says, a bishop then must be blameless. The husband of

one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not given to

wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler,

not covetous. Now, you could spend some time on each one of those and talk about the qualifications.

But verse four, I want you to notice in five in particular, one that ruleth well his own house,

having his children in subjection with all gravity.

...