A Good Grip on the Message

5-9 I left you in charge in Crete so you could complete what I left half-done. Appoint leaders in every town according to my instructions. As you select them, ask, “Is this man well-thought-of? Is he committed to his wife? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?” It’s important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God’s house, be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Bible: Large Print Edition, Burgundy Leather-look
The Message Bible: Large Print Edition, Burgundy Leather-look
Retail: $69.99
Our Price: $55.99
Save: $14.00 (20%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language - eBook
The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language - eBook
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $16.49
Save: $13.50 (45%)
The Message Compact, Leather-Look
The Message Compact, Leather-Look
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $7.99
Save: $22.00 (73%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The One Year Bible MSG, Large Print Thinline Edition--softcover
The One Year Bible MSG, Large Print Thinline Edition--softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $19.99
Save: $5.00 (20%)
The Message, Large Print Premium Leather, Black
The Message, Large Print Premium Leather, Black
Retail: $149.99
Our Price: $105.99
Save: $44.00 (29%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message The Book of Proverbs
The Message The Book of Proverbs
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $4.19
Save: $0.80 (16%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars