“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11)
Are you a man of God…a woman of God? Though used frequently in the Old Testament, the term is used only here in the New Testament. It was the term Paul chose to describe and define young Timothy. It was a title that conveyed both compliment and challenge.
What must one do to be worthy of such a title? What are the characteristics of a man of God or a woman of God. Paul reminds Timothy that there are at least four characteristics which should set him a part from others. These are four characteristics for which all men and women of God should be known. Paul lists these four distinguishing characteristics in First Timothy 6:11-14.
We should be known by what we flee from, verse 11 “…flee these things…” Paul reminds Timothy that a man of God will flee from certain things. Here, Paul speaks specifically of lust and pride and greed.
Flee these things. It is important to note that there are some things with which Christians are not to fight or flirt. The only safe option is to flee. Have you ever heard the Holy Spirit shouting to you…RUN! When He does it is a good thing to RUN!
We should be known by what we follow after, verse 11, “…pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness…” Seven noble characteristics are to be pursued. A.T. Robertson reminds us that verse 11 contains vivid verbs which indicate active effort on the part of the man of God. We are to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness as a lion pursues its prey.
We should be known by what we fight for, verse 12, “Fight the good fight of faith…” There is a time to flee, but there is also a time to stand. Someone said that a man who stands for nothing will fall for anything. In a world that is becoming more and more resistant to Christ and His Gospel, it is imperative that the people of God stand fast and fight the good fight of faith.
We also should be known by what we are faithful to, verse 14, “…keep this commandment…” Paul’s use of the word commandment refers to the entire word of God.
What a marvelous title…O man of God! Can God write this title across your life? Roger D. Willmore is Senior Pastor of Deerfoot Baptist Church in Weaver, Alabama. He is a frequent speaker at America’s Keswick
Team YOU: Genesis 29-30; Proverbs 12; Matthew 9:1-17
Motivations: A true and faithful Christian does not make holy living an accidental thing. It is his great concern. As the business of the soldier is to fight, so the business of the Christian is to be like Christ. Jonathan Edwards
Practice to Remember: Level 1: Ephesians 1:13; Level 2: Ephesians 1:7-14
Powered Up: Prayer is striking the winning blow...Service is gathering up the results.
S. D. Gordon
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