The Man of God – 1 Timothy 6:3-11

Nicknames are not real names but names given to a person based on something about them. Some nicknames are serious like the nazi Klaus Barbie who was called the ‘Butcher’ for massacring Jews and others. Most nicknames are fun like the pro basketball player Donovan ‘Spida’ Mitchell describing his style of playing. Some Christians earn the nickname ‘man of God’ because of how they lived. In the Old Testament, we have examples such as Moses and David. In 1 Timothy 6:11 apostle Paul addresses the man of God, speaking specifically to Timothy. However, that term can be generally applied to all Christians, both male and female.

Characteristics of the man of God

The man of God is called. Moses was called to lead the people of Israel and David was called to be king. You are also called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28-30). You are called to serve, specifically as ambassadors for Christ, to proclaim the gospel message to the world (2 Corinthians 5:19-20). We have been created and saved for God, to serve him and give him the glory.

However, we must realize, the man of God is imperfect. Even Moses doubted repeatedly though God personally called him and spoke to him (Exodus 4:1). We are also not perfect and we confess our sins every day. Nevertheless, the man of God is faithful. They use what the Lord has given to them to serve their master (Matthew 25:23).

The man of God faces suffering. Moses endured a lot of hardship at the hands of the people he was called to lead (Numbers 11:14-15). It is expected that Christians who are godly will face suffering (2 Tim 3:12). This is the result of pursuing godliness and faithfulness. It is not a smooth and comfortable position but we must pursue it right because we are called.

Additionally, we are called a people of God (1 Peter 2:10). A people of God means, individually, we are the man of God. God is the one who gives us that name. We cannot call ourselves the man of God unless God does so.

What does the man of God do? Apostle Paul says, ‘Flee from these things’. The verb tense of the verb ‘flee’ means that the Christian is to be constantly fleeing. It is not a one-time thing or only when necessary. It denotes a constant urgency in our lives. We should flee like Joseph and Mary fleeing Bethlehem to avoid Herod’s edict to massacre all the babies (Matthew 2:13). Fleeing means we do not debate or negotiate. Joseph in the Old Testament fled from his master’s wife without hesitation, even leaving his clothes behind.

What are the things we are to flee from? “These things” is referring to verses 3-5. Flee from false teachers and any type of false teaching. Jesus also gave similar warnings (Matthew 7:15). You must flee from false teachers because they sound good in the beginning but underneath they are wolves. Be especially mindful of the prosperity gospel peddlers. Their message has a mix of truth and in the beginning they sound good but underneath it all, they are after money. In John 18 during Jesus’ arrest and trial, Jesus was alone throughout the whole ordeal. No one, not even his disciples, not the priests, not Pilate, no one was standing beside him. Yet, Jesus stood with the truth and testified to the truth (John 18:36-37). So flee from falsehood and stand in the truth.

True godliness is from contentment In 1 Timothy:6-10 explains the goodness of contentment and folly of greed. The man of God firmly understands and rests in the goodness of God. They are always content with what God gives. You must flee from the love of money. It is idolatry. If we serve money we are serving the creature, not the Creator. Money (currency) started as a way to buy or sell goods instead of bartering. It started with a good purpose. In fact, money in itself is neutral. Lots of saints of old and even today have money. The problem with money is coveting.

Jesus never said money is evil and that Christians should be poor. Instead, we should care for the poor. We provide financial support for our churches and those who need it. Many women supported both Jesus and Paul financially. Earning money is a godly principle for the worker deserves his wage (Luke 10:7).

The problem is the love of money. How many tragedies and crimes have been committed because of money. So many families broken, people murdered, wars waged, and people oppressed. People believe money has the power to do anything (Ecclesiastes 10:19) so they will go to great lengths to get more of it. People worship money and put their trust in it. The love and endless pursuit of money reveal the destructive power of sin. Coveting money is wicked idolatry. Jesus clearly states in Matthew 6:24 you cannot serve God and wealth.

The man of God must be content. God knows you need all these things (Matthew 6:32). We should be like John Wesley, never holding on tightly to our money but always quick to use it for the Lord.

Why must we flee from money? Because of money, many have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Timothy 6:10). By not fleeing from money, it reveals that their salvation is not complete. The rich young ruler also lacked in this very thing (Mark 10:25). Demas also deserted the faith (2 Timothy 4:10). We are created to glorify God and enjoy Him fully. If we serve money then our salvation is incomplete and we cannot enjoy God.

The love of money hinders our sanctification. Ananias and Saphira lied to the church and to the Holy Spirit because they wanted to keep a little money (Acts 5:1-2). Sanctification is a ‘separation from all that is unclean, with an unreserved and exclusive devotement to the Lord’ – A. W. Pink. Those who love money try to blend both God and money instead of serving God wholeheartedly.

Dear Christian, remember that money cannot bring happiness. Our Lord Jesus was the happiest and blessed even though He had nowhere to lay his head. There are countless examples of the wealthy being unhappy. Even the richest men admit that their joy does not come from their riches. Do not pursue it. What should we do instead? We invest in the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). We are given a unique and wonderful opportunity to invest our time and money and energy in the Lord. It’s not a sacrifice because God will give a greater return.

There are ways to tell if you are fleeing or not. If you are obsessed with money more than the gospel then you are not fleeing. The gospel is worth much more and yet you are obsessed with other things. Those who are not satisfied with money are not fleeing it. Those who overspend are not fleeing. Remember that God is the one who gives you what you have (Deuteronomy 8:18). Those who have a divided heart. For example, serving God on Sunday but serving money on weekdays. Check to see who sits on the throne of your heart. Those who gain money through illegal or sordid means. Apostle Paul rebuked the Corinthian church because they made money at the expense of their brothers (1 Corinthians 6:7-8). We must check our hearts and lives for these signs, to see if we are fleeing or not.

In conclusion, God says, we have brought nothing into this world, so we can take nothing out of it either (1 Timothy 6:7). So do not love the things of this world and do not commit idolatry by serving them. While we are alive, we are simply God’s stewards, to use the things we have been given wisely and for His glory.