Daily Devotions
1 Timothy
"Not a novice..."
Text: 1 Timothy 3:6
NEW CONVERTS
It is always a joy to see people come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and be genuinely converted to Christianity. The following things are often observable in a young convert.
1. He shows zeal.
2. He shows enthusiasm
a) In reading the Bible.
b) In fellowship.
c) In service.
It is always heart-warming to see new converts in action. However having zeal alone is not sufficient. He is certainly not suitable as a candidate for the role of a bishop.
A STRONG WORD OF ADMONITION
The apostle Paul gave a strong word of admonition to Timothy in this text.
“Not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride
he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.”1 Timothy 3:6
1. “Not a novice”
a) This is a reference to a new convert.
b) This is not a slur being cast on the new convert.
c) The novice must concentrate on cultivating his knowledge and his character.
2. Danger afoot
a) The new convert if he is appointed to a high office (bishop) is in danger.
b) He may become puffed up with pride.
c) The sin of pride could be his undoing!
d) The sin of pride tends to lead to other related sins.
3. “Fall into the same condemnation as the devil”
a) Pride was one of the reasons why the Devil fall from the grace of God.
b) Pride caused Satan to vie with God for power and authority.
c) The sin of pride can hurt the individual badly.
d) It can also hurt the church ministry badly too.
The danger of failing in ministry is all too real! A novice in the faith is judged incapable of fulfilling the ministry of a bishop!