Note 18 at 1 Tim. 3:6: The Greek word from which our English word "novice" was translated NEOPHUTOS, and means, "newly planted, i.e. (figuratively) a young convert" (Strong). Paul is saying that a young convert should not be made a pastor regardless of his zeal or spiritual gifts. There is a depth of character that cannot be developed any other way than through time.

Note 19 at 1 Tim. 3:6: Paul applied this standard of not being a novice to those who were desiring the office of the pastor or bishop. This same truth holds true and is a good rule to follow for any leadership position in the church.

No one who is born again is a completely mature Christian initially. We must grow in the soulish realm through the renewing of our minds. Regardless of what position a person held and what admiration it may have brought him in the world, it is wrong to take someone like that upon conversion and put him in leadership in the body of Christ. He needs time and experience to grow and build an immunity to pride.

Note 20 at 1 Tim. 3:6: Paul gives the reason why a novice should not occupy this top position in the local church. It's because he is too susceptible to pride. Pride was the devil's original sin (see note 4 at Mt. 4:9, p. 77) and it lies at the heart of every temptation.

It's one thing to see what the scriptures have to say about pride and choose to walk in humility, but it is an entirely different thing to actually be humble. Pride is not easily or quickly overcome.

The pastorate, and indeed all ministry positions, are heady jobs. These ministry positions have eternal effects on people's lives. People have an affinity with their pastors that they don't have with any other person who serves them. Add to this mix, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and powerful manifestations of the anointing of God that touch people's hearts, and you have a recipe for man worship. The pastor must be beyond this or Satan will get him.

There is a certain amount of humility that comes with experience. People who have been in ministry very long have made big mistakes. If they continue to seek the Lord and see God's blessing and favor on their ministries continue, they know in their hearts that it's God's faithfulness and not their own, that makes the difference. That perspective is essential for godly leadership.

Note 21 at 1 Tim. 3:6: There are two ways this falling "into the condemnation of the devil" can be taken. Both are scripturally correct.

First, anyone who becomes lifted up in pride allows the devil to condemn him. Through his arrogance he will fall (Prov. 16:18) and condemnation and shame follow.

More correctly, this verse says that those who are lifted up with pride will fall under the same sentence or judgment that Satan came under. The NIV and Philip's translation of this verse says, "He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil" (NIV). The Philip's translation says, ". . . sharing the devil's downfall."

Satan's original sin was pride (see note 4 at Mt. 4:9, 77). Satan is proud and the author of all arrogance. Those who operate in pride are yielding to Satan and will experience the same judgment that Satan is under. God will oppose them. His word says, ". . . God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace unto the humble" (1 Pet. 5:5). God is not against the person who is proud, but He resists the pride itself. God is a humble God (Mt. 11:29), and His person and kingdom operate in humility. Those who operate in pride will find themselves on the wrong side of God's power and anointing.