1 Timothy 3:6 - Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without, lest he fall into repoach and the snare of the devil.
The Proof - "not a novice" - Newly sprung up or, figuratively, one who is but lately converted to Christianity and newly implanted in the Church, newly instructed or a novice (1Ti_3:6; Sept.: Job_14:9; Psa_144:12). Syn.: ápeiros (G552), inexperienced.
Timothy had been taught the Scriptures from a child, and Paul indicates that he was his "son" in the faith, so Timothy was grounded in the Word of God, certainly not a notice.
Many a seasoned pastor has face the nightmare of a "bull in a china shop"; a young "know it all" who being filled with pride created problems for the body of Christ. Many a church has had to suffer the consequence of calling a novice fresh out of school or in school with a head full of knowledge and a heart full of nothing. Professors rarely understand nor teach the practical part of proving before pastoring. Young man, get under someone's wing, humble yourself, respect another's authority, and do what you are told until you learn to be responsible with your knowledge.
The Pride - Pride is the most subtle of sins and often disguises itself as confidence. It glorifies what can only be crucified. It deifies what can only be denied. It honors what can only be hated. It enthrones what MUST be dethroned.
It was pride that caused Lucifer's fall and it is often one's own pride that is the cause of downfall in the pastorate. The pastor should be on fire, but not a wildfire. The phrase "lifted up with pride" literally means "to wrap up in smoke". So this guy may be "smoking", but he's burning everthing and everyone around him.
BLESSINGS!
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