 |
| NBC |
In regard to qualifications for an overseer:
1 Timothy 3: 6
New American Standard Bible
6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation [d]incurred by the devil.
English Standard Version
6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
King James Version
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
The new Christian believer is biblically disqualified from the office of overseer, due to the risk of pride. I reason the novice also lacks spiritual, biblical and theological experience; not the only relevant issues, but these are central. This standard does not measure up to the biblical standard of overseer.
Alan G. Nute:
'Recent converts are deemed unsuitable for the task; it has its perils for which they would be ill-equipped.' (1478).
NUTE, ALAN G. (1986) in '1 Timothy', The International Bible Commentary, F.F. Bruce, General Editor, Grand Rapids, Zondervan/Marshall Pickering.
Jon Courson:
'Why was the devil-Lucifer-initially condemned? Because of pride (Isaiah 14: 12-15).'
(Verse 13 from Isaiah 13, my add):
New American Standard Version
“But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven;
I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly
In the recesses of the north.
'Thus Paul warns Timothy not to place a novice in a position of leadership because novices tend to think that if anything good happens through them it is because they're a skilled speaker or a clever person. Only someone who has walked with the Lord awhile understands that if anything good happens through him it's not because of him, but rather in spite of him!' (1378).
COURSON, JON (2003) Jon Courson's Application Commentary, Nashville, Thomas Nelson.
It is biblically clear that a new convert, new believer and novice should not be an overseer.
However, I think Pastor Courson's use of the term 'leadership' is useful in developing an overall ministry principle.
A new Christian or Christian that is relatively inexperienced with spiritual matters, bible, theology and related, should not only be prohibited from the office as overseer; but this person should not have any leadership position in the universal 'catholic' Church, which would require experience and maturity in regard to spiritual matters, bible, theology and related.
By Church, I am not meeting, just or only formal professional Church work, but also parachurch ministry, fellowships and studies.
The biblical principle remains the same.
