Something Greater

1 Timothy 3: Not A Recent Convert 1 Timothy 3:6-7 "[An overseer] must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil." 1 Timothy 3:6-7 (ESV) What do you think? What negative consequences can result from a young believer being appointed to a position of leadership? How would Paul's concern affect the appointing to leadership a man well-experienced in business, or counseling or teaching, but only recently confessed himself belonging to Christ? How would you define "recent"? Plant Growth "Recent convert" brings to mind the image of a newly sprouted plant. RECENT CONVERT: neophytos "neh-OF-oo-tos" (newly planted, a young convert; "neophyte"); from neos ("new", youthful, fresh or regenerated) and phyo (to "puff" or

Laying Down the Law Paul has asked Timothy to remain at Ephesus, to serve as pastor of the church. Timothy would be challenging an existing leadership that has swerved away from three pillars of genuine love: a pure heart a good conscience a sincere faith The crux of the crisis are teachers who are teaching without understanding the very law which they confidently assert they are upholding. Paul accuses the religious leaders of using the law "unlawfully": "Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.