Question:

In 1 Timothy 3:6, what is the verse referring to when it refers to “falling into the same condemnation as the devil”? How does this verse tie in with Romans 8:1?

1 Timothy 3:6 is quoted from the New King James Bible: “Not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” The King James Bible, and as far as I can see in my Greek translation, the word same does not appear.

The reason this is important is because the ultimate condemnation that the devil will face includes being cast into the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 20:10). The word condemnation in 1 Timothy 3:6 is the Greek work KRIMA. According to Vine’s expository dictionary of New Testament Words KRIMA denotes (a) “a verdict and the decision resulting from an investigation.” Whereas in Romans 8:1 the word for condemnation is KATAKRIMA. Here the word includes “the sentence pronounced with a suggestion of the punishment following.” As Christians we must remember that indeed we are guilty and deserving of punishment for sin but our punishment was paid in full by our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8,9).

If there is a condemnation that a “novice” may fall into, it is the shame that might occur to this individual if he is “lifted up with pride.” This can occur more easily in a newly converted, or young believer. Remember though that any Christian of any maturity level can fall into “the condemnation of the devil” if we act with characteristics that are attributed to and similar to those of the devil. If we are saved we could, for a while, fall from our usefulness in God’s service. The good work that is described in 1 Timothy 3 is the office of a bishop. It’s not so much a position or title but the action of caring for the sheep (1 Timothy 3:5).

The devil lost his created place as the anointed covering cherub when the iniquity of pride, because of his beauty, was found in him (Ezekiel 28:14-17). In a lot of ways those involved in the good work of caring for the church of God may be hindered if it is made evident that pride and arrogance are seen in them. I believe that this is the type of condemnation that may be included in verse 6 of the third chapter of 1 Timothy. “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up” (James 4:10).

In no way does 1 Timothy 3:6 suggest loss of one’s salvation. It does mean though that the same shame and characteristic of pride might be seen in this individual.

The second part of the question asks: “How does this verse tie in with Romans 8:1?”

The condemnation in this verse is the Greek word KATAKRIMA. As stated before it includes the verdict of guilt and the punishment that follows. None who are in Christ Jesus will suffer this condemnation.

Some who believe that a Christian can lose everlasting life after they have it have said that Romans 8:1 teaches that to have no condemnation one must walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. The verse as read in the King James Bible and born out of the Greek translation that I have says: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” It does not say, ”If they walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

So this clause as rightly understood is not a conditional qualifier for salvation, but rather a properly believed presupposition that this is in fact what will follow true believers. One need only read the next two verses of chapter 8 for more confirmation that Christ has indeed secured us by what He did for us and not by anything we do for Him.

It is right to believe that a Christian will not walk after the flesh but after the Spirit. The main thrust of Romans 8:1 is that those that are in Christ Jesus will never suffer the punishment of hell, which I believe is the condemnation referred to in this verse. The condemnation in 1 Timothy 3:6 is not the same, but is the shame caused because God cannot use us because of pride that caused the devil “reproach and the snare” (verse 7), and which may be found in any individual, saved or unsaved.