A. Amos Love

Darren

No, I don’t know Piper. He might be a nice guy. He might even be saved. BUT…

You write…
“If any here are blameless they would know better than to pass this kind of judgement on someone who has done so much for the kingdom”

That’s kinda true. I’m certainly not blameless. 🙂
And Piper has done much for the kingdom – some good and some very very bad.

But Piper “takes” a position of Elder/Overseer/Pastor/Reverend. 🙁
In the Bible, an elder who is to be ordained an Overseer – He “must be” blameless.

Why did Paul give qualifications if not important? Very tough qualifications. Yes?
The Bible talks about “overseers” and **qualifications** for elders to be “overseers.”
You can’t have one with out the other – Can you?

1 – A bishop (overseer) then *must be* **blameless**… 1 Tim 3:2 KJV
2 – For a bishop (overseer) *must be* **blameless**… Titus 1:7 KJV

**Hmmm? “Overseers” *Must Be*…

That *must be* is the same Greek word as: …You *must be* born again. John 3:7.
Seems to be a small word – but very important. Yes?

*Must Be* is Strongs #1163, die. – It is necessary (as binding).
Thayer’s – necessity established by the counsel and decree of God.

“Overseers, *must be.* Hmmm? Very important or…?
**Blameless**… How important is this word?

Strongs #423 – anepileptos – inculpable, blameless, unrebukeable.
Thayer’s – that cannot be reprehended, (cannot be, rebukable, reprovable,
cannot find fault) not open to censure, irreproachable.

Dictionary – Without fault; innocent; guiltless; not meriting censure.
Synonyms – faultless, guiltless, innocent, irreproachable, spotless, unblemished.

1 Tim 3:2 ASV – The bishop therefore must be without reproach…
1 Tim 3:2 NIV – Now the overseer must be above reproach…
1 Tim 3:2 NLT – For an elder must be a man whose life cannot be spoken against.

How many, who honestly examine themselves,
Seriously considering this one **qualification,** (*Must Be* **Blameless,**)
can see themselves as **Blameless,** without fault, above reproach,
and thus qualify to be an “overseer?”

And if Piper can see himrself as **blameless:** Is that pride?
And no longer without fault?

Seems Piper was dealing with several speicies of pride. (His words.)
This looks like “species of pride.” He believes he “qualifies.” He is * blameless.*

If he’s NOT blameless, shouldn’t he remove himself from that position. 😉
And be a good example to the flock.

Jesus loves me this I know…