Distinctive Character of the Man of God
'But as for you, O man of God'…… Paul is addressing someone he knew very well and had known for a long time. Why does he not call him by his name, Timothy? Paul uses a term which is not common. He calls Timothy a 'man of God.' He also uses this same term in his second letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:17). This is a term used frequently in the Old Testament for Moses, David, Elijah and Elisha as well as other prophets. So why does Paul choose this rather old-fashioned term which is not used anywhere else in the New Testament. Paul is emphasising the need for Godliness and he wants Timothy to major on this attribute - so he deliberately uses the term 'man of God' to associate Timothy with godly living and character. He is also reminding Timothy of the importance of the task he has been given which is on a par with Moses and David. He is wanting Timothy to be different and distinctive from the false teachers in Ephesus who were not interested in godliness. They were self-seeking and interested in self-aggrandisement and generating income.
Could I be described as a 'man of God'? Could the term 'man or woman of God' be applied to you? The first time I spoke on this passage, I was using the King James Version and it supplies ready-made alliteration.
FLEE these things (the conduct of the false teachers)
FOLLOW - righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness
FIGHT - the good fight.
Paul supplies Timothy with a list of attributes which define a 'man of God' or a 'woman of God.' Notice that there is action required from us if we want to be men and women of God. We must 'follow' or 'pursue' a course of conduct which is contrary to our sinful nature and in out-of-step with our neighbours and fellow-citizens. It might sadly be different from some Christians who are part of our church circle.
Righteousness: This is essentially a character of God denoting His faithfulness or truthfulness. Of course, we cannot be righteous before God by our own merits. This is not obtained by following a series of rules. It is essentially a word of God in our lives producing character which makes us like Jesus.
Godliness: This word meaning piety or a Godward attitude which is well-pleasing to Him. The word eusebia is not used in any of Paul's other letters but it is used frequently in the pastoral epistles of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. It is because there was a particular need to stress this characteristic.
Faith: The Greek word means a firm persuasion or conviction based upon hearing and responding to the Word of God.
Love: This is a word which is unique to Christianity and not found in secular Greek literature. It is the defining characteristics of Christians.
Steadfastness: this is translated as patience in the King James Version and is the product of trials and suffering. It literally means 'abiding under.'
Gentleness: or meekness. It does not just refer to a person's outward behaviour nor is it a natural disposition. It is produced by God's grace in the heart and is primarily about our attitude to God. Here is how Vine's Expository Dictionary describes it - "It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting; it is closely linked with the word humility and follows directly upon it."
Paul encourages Timothy to 'fight the good fight of faith.' This was contrary to Timothy's natural disposition which was unassuming and non-confrontational. We are engaged in spiritual warfare and sadly Timothy was to discover that those who were associated with the church in Ephesus were behaving in a way which was contrary to the will of God. He has to challenge their conduct in a gracious but courageous way.
Paul presents a challenge to us today
Follow godliness - and don't be side-tracked by conformity
Pursue godliness - and don't be entangled by legality
Aim for godliness - and don't be diverted by popularity
Strive for godliness - and don't be curtailed by timidity
Postscript:
References to Man of God throughout the Bible
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