1 Timothy 3:6
Verse
Context
Qualifications for Overseers
5For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
Sermons
William MacDonald
Erlo Stegen
Bob Jennings
St. John Chrysostom
Watchman NeeSt. John Chrysostom
J.C. PhilpotSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Fifteenth - It is required that he be not a novice - Νεοφυτον· Not a young plant, not recently ingrafted, that is, one not newly converted to the faith; (old MS. Bible); one who has been of considerable standing in the Christian Church, if he have the preceding qualifications, may be safely trusted with the government of that Church. It is impossible that one who is not long and deeply experienced in the ways of God can guide others in the way of life. Hence presbyters or elders were generally appointed to have the oversight of the rest, and hence presbyter and bishop seem to have been two names for the same office; yet all presbyters or elders certainly were not bishops, because all presbyters had not the qualifications marked above. But the apostle gives another reason: Lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. It is natural for man to think himself of more importance than his fellows when they are intrusted to his government. The apostle's term τυφωθεις, puffed up, inflated, is a metaphor taken from a bladder when filled with air or wind. It is a substance, has a certain size, is light, can be the sport of the wind, but has nothing in it but air. Such is the classical coxcomb; a mere puffball, a disgrace to his function, and despised by every intelligent man. Should we not say to those whom it may concern, "From such apostles, O ye mitred heads, Preserve the Church; and lay not careless hands On skulls that cannot teach, and will not learn." From these words of the apostle we are led to infer that pride or self-conceit was the cause of the devil's downfall. In Ecclus. 10 there are some excellent sayings concerning pride: "Pride is hurtful before God and man." "Why is earth and ashes proud?" "The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God." "For pride is the beginning of sin; and he that hath it shall pour out abomination." "Pride was not made for Men." See verses 7, 9, 12, 13, and 18, of the above chapter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
not a novice--one just converted. This proves the Church of Ephesus was established now for some time. The absence of this rule in the Epistle to Titus, accords with the recent planting of the Church at Crete. Greek, "neophyte," literally, "a young plant"; luxuriantly verdant (Rom 6:5; Rom 11:17; Co1 3:6). The young convert has not yet been disciplined and matured by afflictions and temptations. Contrast Act 21:16, "an old disciple." lifted up with pride--Greek, literally, "wrapt in smoke," so that, inflated with self-conceit and exaggerated ideas of his own importance, he cannot see himself or others in the true light (Ti1 6:4; Ti2 3:4). condemnation of the devil--into the same condemnation as Satan fell into (Ti1 3:7; Ti2 2:26). Pride was the cause of Satan's condemnation (Job 38:15; Isa 14:12-15; Joh 12:31; Joh 16:11; Pe2 2:4; Jde 1:6). It cannot mean condemnation or accusation on the part of the devil. The devil may bring a reproach on men (Ti1 3:7), but he cannot bring them into condemnation, for he does not judge, but is judged [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Not a novice,.... Or one newly planted, the Arabic version adds, "in the faith"; meaning not a young man, for so was Timothy himself; but a young professor and church member; one that is lately come to the knowledge of the truth, and has just embraced and professed it, and become a member of a church, a new plant there: so the Hebrew word "a plant", is by the Septuagint in Job 14:9 rendered by this very word. The reason why such a person should not be a bishop, elder, or pastor of a church, is, lest being lifted up with pride; through the dignity of the office he is advanced to, and the high opinion of men he stands in, and the great gifts qualifying him for such a place, he is supposed to have: for pride on account of these is apt to creep in, and swell and elate the minds of young professors especially; so that there is danger that he fall into the condemnation of the devil; or "of the slanderer", as the word is rendered in Ti1 3:11 and the sense then is, lest he should be censured and condemned by such who are given to calumny and detraction, and are glad of any opportunity to reproach and vilify the ministers of the word: but it is better to understand it of Satan; and then the meaning is, either lest such an one fall under the censure and condemnation of the accuser of the brethren; or rather lest he fall into the same condemnation and punishment the devil is fallen into, their crimes being alike. For it seems from hence, that pride was the first sin of the devil, and the cause of his apostasy from God; being elated with his own knowledge, strength, and dignity; and not being able to bear it, that the human nature should be advanced above that of angels.
1 Timothy 3:6
Qualifications for Overseers
5For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Studies in 1 Timothy-05 1 Timothy-5
By William MacDonald1.2K38:37DEU 25:4LUK 10:71TI 5:23The sermon transcript discusses various instructions given by Paul to Timothy on how to behave towards different classes in the Christian family. It begins by addressing the old and young, male and female, emphasizing the importance of showing honor and respect. The transcript then moves on to discussing the care and support of widows, highlighting the responsibility of the church in providing for them. It also touches on the role of elders in the church, emphasizing the need for financial care, caution in appointing men, and the importance of having multiple witnesses in cases of accusation. Overall, the transcript emphasizes the practical advice given by Paul to Timothy for the care of believers in the Christian assembly.
One Thing I Desire
By Erlo Stegen9781:02:30Knowing ChristPSA 27:4PRO 13:20JHN 8:111CO 3:16EPH 5:251TI 3:62TI 4:16In this sermon, the preacher starts by acknowledging his attempts to help others but is confronted with the realization that he was given resources to keep life turning and protect financial welfare. The sermon then shifts to the story of Moses leading the children of Israel and God's frustration with them. The preacher emphasizes the importance of choosing the right friends and being faithful before marriage. The sermon concludes with a story about an artist who fails to portray the Lord Jesus in his work and the message that believers should reflect Jesus to the world.
Self-Exaltation and Humility
By Bob Jennings52646:59HumilityMAT 20:21MAT 23:12LUK 14:11LUK 18:141TI 3:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and serving others. He encourages the congregation to have a humble attitude and to be willing to serve, rather than just seeking to be served. The preacher references biblical passages, such as Deuteronomy 17-18 and James 1-21, to support his message on humility and receiving the word of God with humility. He also highlights the dangers of arrogance, laziness, lying, and not dealing with sin, as these behaviors are connected to pride and hinder humility.
Homily 65 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 18:27EXO 5:2PSA 138:6PRO 22:4ISA 66:2MAT 20:28LUK 14:111TI 3:6JAS 4:6JAS 4:10John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of humility and lowliness of heart, contrasting it with the dangers of arrogance and pride. He emphasizes how true greatness comes from serving others and being meek, drawing examples from Scripture and the lives of saints. Chrysostom highlights how God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, showing that humility leads to exaltation while arrogance leads to downfall. He encourages the listeners to embrace humility, as it not only pleases God but also brings honor and blessings in this life and the life to come.
I. the Origin of the Tempter
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual WarfareThe Nature of TemptationGEN 3:5ISA 14:13JHN 14:302CO 4:4EPH 2:21TI 3:61PE 5:82PE 2:4REV 2:9REV 12:9Watchman Nee explores the origin of the tempter, revealing that he was once a beautiful and wise creature who fell from grace by aspiring to be equal with God. This pride led to his judgment and the establishment of his kingdom, where he tempts humanity with the allure of becoming like gods. Nee emphasizes the importance of recognizing the tempter's various names and roles, as well as the reality of his influence in the world today. He warns Christians to remain vigilant against pride and to fully embrace Christ as their identity to avoid falling into the same judgment as the devil. Ultimately, Nee calls for a deeper understanding of the tempter's tactics and the need for believers to be watchful and discerning.
John 1:11
By St. John Chrysostom0PRO 16:5JHN 1:10ROM 3:23ROM 11:71TI 3:6John Chrysostom preaches about the rejection of Jesus by His own people, highlighting the blindness and pride that led to their unbelief despite witnessing miracles and hearing the words of the prophets. He emphasizes the contrast between the Jews, who rejected Christ, and the Gentiles, who embraced Him through faith, showing that salvation is freely offered to all. Chrysostom warns against the dangers of pride, explaining how envy and arrogance can lead to a hardened heart and separation from God's lovingkindness, urging humility and gratitude for God's grace.
The Call and Qualifications for the Ministry
By J.C. Philpot0DEU 32:2EPH 6:19COL 4:31TI 3:6TIT 1:9J.C. Philpot delves into the importance of a divine call and necessary qualifications for the Gospel ministry. He emphasizes that a true call to the ministry involves a deep inward witness from God, a great backwardness to the work, strong leadings in providence, and a willingness to endure suffering and sacrifice. Philpot also discusses the need for grace and gifts as qualifications for the ministry, highlighting the essential experience of the things of God, a clear understanding and defense of truth, and a continual flow of divine life to give power to one's gift.
Zeal's Precocity
By Miles J. Stanford0MAT 16:24ROM 10:21CO 8:1PHP 2:31TI 3:6Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of having zeal for God accompanied by true knowledge and understanding. He warns against misdirected zeal and the dangers of being awakened to the fact that we may lack the necessary knowledge and behavior expected of us in God's grace. Stanford highlights the need for self-judgment, deeper communion with Jesus, and the importance of doing the right things in the right way through practical grace and love.
Pastor's Perspective
By Robert S. Rayburn0GEN 3:5PRO 11:2PRO 16:18MIC 6:8MAT 23:12ROM 12:31CO 4:7PHP 2:31TI 3:6JAS 4:6Robert S. Rayburn preaches on the destructive nature of pride, highlighting how it leads to self-worship, dishonesty, and a lack of appreciation for God's grace. He emphasizes that pride is the root of all sin, tracing back to Satan's primary sin of pride and man's fall in the Garden of Eden. Rayburn stresses the importance of humility in the Christian life, noting that true goodness requires the killing of pride and living for God and others rather than for oneself.
Heaven and Hell
By Sadhu Sundar Singh0DEU 30:14ISA 14:12EZK 37:1LUK 23:39JHN 3:8ROM 8:19ROM 14:171CO 15:501TI 3:6REV 3:20REV 21:4Sadhu Sundar Singh preaches about the concepts of heaven and hell, emphasizing that they are states in the spiritual realm originating in the heart of man. He explains that true peace is found in communion with God and that desire is not to be eradicated but fulfilled by finding satisfaction in God. The sermon also touches on repentance, the cleansing of the heart by God's love, and the eternal joy and peace found in heaven. Sadhu Sundar Singh highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit's presence in bringing true happiness and peace to believers, contrasting it with worldly philosophies and emphasizing the need for spiritual harmony.
The Practical Way of Victory.
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual WarfareFaith and PurityMAT 5:372CO 2:112CO 11:3EPH 4:271TI 3:6Watchman Nee emphasizes the importance of maintaining simplicity of faith and purity of thought towards Christ to avoid being beguiled, as Paul warned the Corinthians. He highlights the necessity of careful speech and the act of forgiveness to prevent giving Satan an advantage in our lives. Nee points out that even innocent believers can fall prey to the enemy if they allow pride or unforgiveness to take root. He stresses that Christians must remain vigilant and not give any ground to the devil, as he has certain rights over those who do. The sermon serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face and the need for constant awareness and adherence to God's principles.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Fifteenth - It is required that he be not a novice - Νεοφυτον· Not a young plant, not recently ingrafted, that is, one not newly converted to the faith; (old MS. Bible); one who has been of considerable standing in the Christian Church, if he have the preceding qualifications, may be safely trusted with the government of that Church. It is impossible that one who is not long and deeply experienced in the ways of God can guide others in the way of life. Hence presbyters or elders were generally appointed to have the oversight of the rest, and hence presbyter and bishop seem to have been two names for the same office; yet all presbyters or elders certainly were not bishops, because all presbyters had not the qualifications marked above. But the apostle gives another reason: Lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. It is natural for man to think himself of more importance than his fellows when they are intrusted to his government. The apostle's term τυφωθεις, puffed up, inflated, is a metaphor taken from a bladder when filled with air or wind. It is a substance, has a certain size, is light, can be the sport of the wind, but has nothing in it but air. Such is the classical coxcomb; a mere puffball, a disgrace to his function, and despised by every intelligent man. Should we not say to those whom it may concern, "From such apostles, O ye mitred heads, Preserve the Church; and lay not careless hands On skulls that cannot teach, and will not learn." From these words of the apostle we are led to infer that pride or self-conceit was the cause of the devil's downfall. In Ecclus. 10 there are some excellent sayings concerning pride: "Pride is hurtful before God and man." "Why is earth and ashes proud?" "The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God." "For pride is the beginning of sin; and he that hath it shall pour out abomination." "Pride was not made for Men." See verses 7, 9, 12, 13, and 18, of the above chapter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
not a novice--one just converted. This proves the Church of Ephesus was established now for some time. The absence of this rule in the Epistle to Titus, accords with the recent planting of the Church at Crete. Greek, "neophyte," literally, "a young plant"; luxuriantly verdant (Rom 6:5; Rom 11:17; Co1 3:6). The young convert has not yet been disciplined and matured by afflictions and temptations. Contrast Act 21:16, "an old disciple." lifted up with pride--Greek, literally, "wrapt in smoke," so that, inflated with self-conceit and exaggerated ideas of his own importance, he cannot see himself or others in the true light (Ti1 6:4; Ti2 3:4). condemnation of the devil--into the same condemnation as Satan fell into (Ti1 3:7; Ti2 2:26). Pride was the cause of Satan's condemnation (Job 38:15; Isa 14:12-15; Joh 12:31; Joh 16:11; Pe2 2:4; Jde 1:6). It cannot mean condemnation or accusation on the part of the devil. The devil may bring a reproach on men (Ti1 3:7), but he cannot bring them into condemnation, for he does not judge, but is judged [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Not a novice,.... Or one newly planted, the Arabic version adds, "in the faith"; meaning not a young man, for so was Timothy himself; but a young professor and church member; one that is lately come to the knowledge of the truth, and has just embraced and professed it, and become a member of a church, a new plant there: so the Hebrew word "a plant", is by the Septuagint in Job 14:9 rendered by this very word. The reason why such a person should not be a bishop, elder, or pastor of a church, is, lest being lifted up with pride; through the dignity of the office he is advanced to, and the high opinion of men he stands in, and the great gifts qualifying him for such a place, he is supposed to have: for pride on account of these is apt to creep in, and swell and elate the minds of young professors especially; so that there is danger that he fall into the condemnation of the devil; or "of the slanderer", as the word is rendered in Ti1 3:11 and the sense then is, lest he should be censured and condemned by such who are given to calumny and detraction, and are glad of any opportunity to reproach and vilify the ministers of the word: but it is better to understand it of Satan; and then the meaning is, either lest such an one fall under the censure and condemnation of the accuser of the brethren; or rather lest he fall into the same condemnation and punishment the devil is fallen into, their crimes being alike. For it seems from hence, that pride was the first sin of the devil, and the cause of his apostasy from God; being elated with his own knowledge, strength, and dignity; and not being able to bear it, that the human nature should be advanced above that of angels.