The Man of God
Flee, Follow, Fight - I Timothy 6 The Man of God, Flee, Follow, Fight
A Sermon by Dr. Neil Chadwick
Introduction: "Man or Means", or even
"Man of War".
But much more important to us is another phrase, "Man of God". What does it mean?
1. Notice especially the wording in verses 24 and 25, "And God said, 'Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.' God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good."
2. Even as the animals were to be made like their "parents" (making "theistic evolution" hard to accept), so God made man after "God's Kind".
3. To be a "man of God" then is to be a "man like God". Clearly this does not say that a man will be "god", but like Him; bearing qualities that would remind an observer of the origin of this man. Like seeing similarities between a father and son.
4. Beyond that, the only other element mentioned is that of "dominion" - the man was given responsibility to "rule" (NIV). Now this idea of "dominion" should not be interpreted to mean that man can exploit the rest of creation for his own pleasure, but only that man was put in charge, like a steward who has responsibility to manage someone else's property.
Samuel - 1 Samuel 9:6
David - 2 Chronicles 8:14; Nehemiah 12:24
The Prophets - Shemaiah - 1 Kings 12:22; an unnamed prophet - 1 Kings 13:1; Elijah - 1 Kings 17:18; Elisha - 2 Kings 4:7
When describing how the Scriptures came to be, Peter says it was the product of "Men of God". For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:21)
Spiritual Leaders - Jeremiah 35:4;
Angel - Judges 13:6
In so doing, we lower our sights and end up falling far short of what God wants us to be.
There's a popular military advertisement that says, "Be All That You Can Be". I speak to the men when I say, "Be All That God Wants You To Be". What is that? Very simply, to be a "Man of God".
E. To understand what this means, we need to look at the Scripture in the New Testament which contains this phrase, 1 Timothy 6:11 "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness."
What is the "all this" from which the "man of God" should flee? 2. Be respectful toward employer. You may disagree with procedures, but we handle the differences of opinion in a respectful manner. Do not bad-mouth the boss behind his or her back.
3. It would also include complete honesty, and seeking to bring benefit to the employer.
4. What do you work for? Money? That will never bring satisfaction. Work to bring about success for the company you serve.
It's very hard for us to examine our positions and opinions. It's hard to admit that we don't always have understanding. This often becomes a block to a good marriage.
A woman (who lives in another state) said to me, "My husband is an engineer, and he's very good at what he does. But the problem is, he always seems to think that he knows everything about everything!" This leaves little room for meaningful conversation and companionship.
It often becomes a problem in the church as well. Consider the reality that most church spits are the result of power struggles between men. Within the last couple of weeks a very fine Michigan pastor was voted out of his church - the result of the diligent work of one man who was unwilling to submit to the godly leadership of the man God had called to be his pastor.
Paul says, "an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction"
2. What is the positive response? "Agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching."
There's one other place where the phrase "man of God" is found, II Timothy 3:16,17. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
In this regard, the "Man of God" stands in direct contradiction to the world, the culture, or present society. In our day, the measure of a man is the amount of money he controls. But the Bible has another idea. "Godliness with contentment is great gain". (verse 6)
2. GODLINESS - being devoted to prayer, reading/studying/meditating - as Paul says elsewhere "men pray, lifting holy hands". Men are called on to take the lead in family prayer, reading the Scriptures together, and discussing spiritual matters.
3. FAITH - "the Christian Faith", "Trust", "Faithfulness"
4. LOVE - "agape", self-sacrificial love
5. ENDURANCE - staying with the ship during the tough times (notice verse 21, concerning those who "have wandered from the faith")
6. GENTLENESS - often not considered to be a manly disposition, but according to this Scripture, it is how a "Man of God" relates to others. There is absolutely no room for harsh and angry words, to say nothing about striking others. Men, you lay an angry hand on your wife or child, and you have God Himself to answer to.
Think of Paul, persecuting the church, tracking down Christians all the way to Damascus. On the way he becomes a follower of Christ, so now he begins another pursuit, and invites others to join him, in a pursuit of "righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness".
B. What is included in, fighting "the good fight of the faith"?
2. In addition, according to verse 12, it involves "eternal life". Let's always remember, it's all too easy to get wrapped up in the present, and forget that this world is nothing more than a hallway.
3. Paul's last word on this is, "I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame" (verse 14). Nothing short of total effort is acceptable. We're going through another season of watching the Olympic Athletes. They strive so hard and long for the gold and the acclaim, let's be equally determined to achieve the lasting crown of glory.
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