I Timothy 3:6

Let us go back to the New Testament again in the instructions in I Timothy 3, regarding what to look for in ordaining an elder. It says to not ordain,

There is a little bit of disagreement over the word "condemnation" here. Some commentators say that it ought to be translated "criticism" or "snare," but I think from what it says in Ezekiel 28, we can be safe in saying that Helel was created far different from the Satan that he became, that pride was what led to Helel's downfall by providing motivation. It plowed the way, and it completely obliterated his knowledge of God and His power, and eventually it produced rebellion.

Paul's warning here is that a converted person can fall into this snare, or this criticism, or this condemnation, if he is not mature enough to fight and overcome its influence. If he does not recognize it, he is really in trouble. There will not be any fight at all. If he does recognize it and he is mature, then it can be overcome, because he will do the things necessary to make sure that it is in check. As long as there is a Satan the Devil, and as long as we are human, and as long as we have this human spirit, and as long as that spirit can be triggered by Satan the Devil, then we can fall prey to this if we are not aware of its working within us.

I Timothy 3:6

Now in these scriptures, we are shown the direction and effect that pride has on our thoughts. Pride moves us to step out even above the place or position that God has created for us and given to us. Pride causes us to first think that we are somehow up here when in fact we are down here. Once the prideful thoughts come in, eventually there is an action that follows those close behind. What is interesting is that in I Timothy 3:6, Paul warns of promoting novices lest they be puffed up with pride. And here we can see the mention of pride growing or puffing up. It has action.