Pride, the devil, Christian growth... heavy stuff. 1 Timothy 3:6

(6) He must not be a recent convert, so that he won’t become proud and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

God here continues his list of characteristics a pastor must have. Paul couldn’t have said it more strongly at the beginning; “It is necessary that a pastor…”

Why? Because pastors are to do the work of Jesus, loving and instructing and caring for his Church, in Jesus’ physical absence. The task itself is an exceedingly important one.

Here we see that a pastor must not be a recent convert. This indicates to us that there is a process of growth after one’s conversion.

There is a purpose to this requirement – that he not become proud. This to us indicates that, as one grows over time as a Christian, his ability to fend off sin becomes stronger, and he becomes more like his Lord.

God raises the stakes a bit. He says that if a man does become proud he falls into the condemnation of the devil. That’s extremely strong language. Such a man appointed to such a position is to represent Jesus the Lord God Almighty – but if he becomes proud, he falls into the condemnation of the devil.

It’s hard to tell whether this is the condemnation for the devil or if it is condemnation from the devil. The devil is condemned and he does condemn others. He is, after all, the accuser ‘of our brothers.’

It may be useful to note that the devil fell because of his pride, and so, God is warning people against doing the same thing the devil did.

Whichever it is – it’s bad. It’s terrible. The stakes are infinitely high.

Consider how our Lord acted here. First, Jesus is the Ancient of Days. His throne is for forever and ever (Hebrews 1). He is the one Isaiah saw enthroned in Isaiah 6 (see John 12). He is God, all wise, deserving of all glory.

Yet, he took on humanity. He, “though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue convess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:6-10)

Summary:
Pastors must not be recent converts.
Christian growth in holiness happens over time.
Pride is really bad.
Jesus, our Head Pastor, humbled himself, being God, to save us.

Prayer:
Father, first, thank you for the humility of your Son. Without his leaving glory, we would be condemned along with the devil, and rightly so. You are the source of wisdom and glory and honor - protect us from pride. Give us wisdom in fighting against pride and in appointing humble men to lead your Church. in Christ's holy name I pray - amen.