Our way of conducting church life is entirely given by the Word, and not for us to devise. Each congregation is to proclaim, guard and defend the Word as the only explanation of existence and the only way, through Christ, of reconciliation with God.

Paul's list of graces that should be evident in officer-bearers is chiefly composed of qualities that should form and grow in all believers, if they truly hold the mystery of the faith. Here is that priceless 'secret' (verse 16) and how we benefit.

So much hangs on vigilance in the Christian life. There can be no stand, no defense of truth, and no progress in holiness, without constant watchfulness. Here, not only for overseers but for all, are the principles of vigilance from key exhortations of Christ and of Paul.

One of Paul's five utterly trustworthy sayings is the excellency of a longing to be a preacher of the Gospel. Here is the office of 'over-watcher' or elder, and we look particularly at the elder who labours in the Word, also called a pastor.

'Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.'

Here are God's reasons why women may not be teachers in the church. Here also is how saved women are to be mightily blessed in saving a new generation, and in similarly supportive roles. The key is faith, love, holiness and sobriety (or self restraint).

It is often assumed that Paul is speaking here of the conduct of public gatherings, but this topic does not truly begin until verse 11. Before then we have pastorally precious and profound exhortations to all believers praying wherever they are.

'I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) that ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.'

'Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.'

'I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.'