A note from our Pastor:

”Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.”

1 Timothy 3:6

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this week, the Apostle continues to provide Timothy with instructions on how to qualify a man for the role of pastor within the community of believers. The Apostle Paul had dedicated his life to the teaching of Christ after his conversion and had a great desire to make sure the under-shepherds who would lead the community after his death were appropriately ready for the task set before them.

In this verse, the Apostle tells Timothy the man being considered for the role of pastor should not be a novice. This instruction was not regarding the person’s physical age. One could be quite young or even quite old and still be a novice. Rather, the Apostle was speaking about two aspects of their discipleship.

First, it is important to remember the make-up of the community of believers at the time of the Apostle and Timothy. Today, we have many who were raised in homes who for generations have been disciples of Christ. However, in this day most of the community were converts from either Judaism or other religions. Thus, this instruction to Timothy is to ensure the one being considered for the role of pastor had actually been in the faith long enough to prove his understanding of the doctrine of Christ.

Second, the Apostle was concerned with the appearance and perception of being a pastor as a position of authority. The instruction to Timothy for a pastor to not be a novice is a statement of warning. The community of believers should have the man teaching, preaching, and being before the people for a period of time to test not only the soundness of his message but his ability to be present, patient, and encouraging with the congregation.

Finally, the Apostle warns Timothy if one is chosen as a pastor but ends up being a novice their own pride is likely to bring destruction on their ministry. This is not to say the only pastors who are destroyed by their own pride are novices. Many ministers have been pastoring for years and have a change in circumstances which brings attention to their ministry and pride surges and destruction follows. But with a novice, it is more likely to happen and this is the warning the Apostle is leaving with Timothy.

As with all things, patience in the community of believers is necessary to build true discipleship.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah