– on the prowl

– looking to devour

– crafty

– is a liar

– misquotes Scripture

– full of pride

In one of the most important passages of the pastoral epistles, Paul references the devil…

I Timothy 3:6

“He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.”  

He is the ‘potential elder’. Paul is adamant that he must not be new to the faith even if he is wildly gifted and visibly talented. Paul demands that the church leader be seasoned, a Christ follower through multiple seasons of life. 

The caution here is the reference to the devil, who was wildly talented and visibly beautiful. 

Ezekiel 28:17

“Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor.”

Pride was the reason for his downfall. It was pride that ‘corrupted’ his wisdom. He wanted to be ‘like God’. 

Isaiah 14:13-14

“You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God……’

‘I will make myself like the Most High.””

Reflection: The enemy wants all the glory and works toward that end. 

*Action Point: Be a man that daily gives the praise and honor to God that He is due.