A Title Worth Pursuing

    It is not all that uncommon today to hear a religious speaker introduced with the phrase, “He’s truly a man of God.”  What a title to give someone!  Sometimes I think that we might be putting a person on too high a pedestal by saying this about them.  Let’s consider some things about what it means to be a man of God.

    In Biblical times it was not unusual for a godly person to receive this title.  In fact, it is used 77 times in the KJV.  It is used to describe people such as Moses (Deut. 33:1), Elijah (II Kings 1:11), David (Neh.12:24), and even the Angel of the Lord (Judges 13:8).  It is a title given to someone of great faith and character, someone whom the Lord was with.

    Interestingly enough, this phrase is only used twice in the New Testament.  Both are found in Paul’s letters to Timothy the evangelist.  In I Timothy 6:11, Paul says concerning Timothy, “But flee from these things, you man of God; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”  Timothy is obviously referred to as a man of God.  Paul had just finished talking about some important matters: the attitude of slaves to their masters (Christian or non-Christian) (6:1-2), the qualities of those who advocate different doctrine’s (6:3-5), and godliness as a means of great gain as compared to those who want to get rich.  Timothy is told to flee from those things!  All these things Timothy is to instruct to those whom he teaches (6:2, 17, 18).  I believe we can gather from this that a faithful preacher of the gospel can be called a ‘man of God’.

    The second time in the New Testament that this phrase is used is found in II Timothy 3:17.  This is a familiar passage when put with vs. 16 that shows us what the scriptures are to be used for and the result of its use.  II Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” What a way to be described! What more of a complement could you ever receive than to be referred to as a ‘man of God’.  But that’s exactly what the person is referred to as who uses the scriptures in the appropriate manner. 

    With those great men of the Bible who received the complement of being called ‘men of God’, what a great challenge we have to be considered worthy of this title.  Let’s make sure we use the scriptures for its desired purpose, to equip us for every good work.

                                                                        --Shane Williams