August 30, 2017
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. 1 Timothy 3:6-7 (NIV)
Paul identifies two primary pressures in spiritual warfare.
- Pride
Pride is the enemy within. Has God given you success? Has God blessed your family? Do you know the grace of God enough to handle this with humility? When pride comes, disgrace is sure to follow (Prov. 11:2). - Disgrace
Disgrace is the enemy outside. Satan wants leaders to fall into disgrace, so that he can harm the church. In appointing leaders, it is always right to ask, “Is there anything in your life that, if it was known, would hinder the work of the gospel?”
Richard Baxter says in his book for Christian leaders (The Reformed Pastor): “The tempter will more ply you with temptations than other men… As he hates Christ more than any of us… so he hates the leaders under Him, more than the common soldiers: He knows what a rout he may make among them, if the leaders fall before their eyes… Take heed, therefore, brothers, for the enemy has a special eye on you.” Remember that, and pray for your leaders!
In considering Christian leadership, we may wonder, “Who is sufficient for these things?” The answer is that our sufficiency is of God. “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:5).
Talk to God about your spiritual competence.