Young People's Group

The Commitments of a Man of God

by Mitchell Tan
March 31, 2017

FLEEING WRONG DESIRES

The title of “Man of God” was specially given to those who were distinguished and faithful servants of His. Moses, Elijah and Elisha were called “Man of God”. Even King David was also honoured with such a title (Nehemiah 12:24, 36). The apostle Paul used this title to address Timothy on two occasions (1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 3:17). It was meant to inspire and instruct Timothy to be that man of God. It was also meant to instil within him the courage and faith to be such. There are things that a man of God must pour his heart into doing. One of them is to flee from wrong and dangerous desires.

“But you, O man of God, flee these things”
1 Timothy 6:11

A servant of God is to “run away” from the things that can cause grave danger to him. What are these things that Timothy must flee from?

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”
1 Timothy 6:9-10

Timothy was meant to flee from materialism. He was to flee from any desire to be rich and having a love for money. When we have such wrong desires, it can lead us into being greedy and materialistic. They become a trap and a snare to us. Once we are ensnared, there is the danger of falling into many foolish and harmful lusts. This can also cause people to stray from the faith. The result is that we can end up destroying our life and being pierced with great sorrow. Thus, it is most vital that we flee from these wrong desires.

PURSUING RIGHT CHARACTERISTICS

“And pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness”
1 Timothy 6:11

On the other hand, Timothy was meant to pursue after the right characteristics associated with being a man of God. The word “pursue” has the idea of vigorously chasing after. It is putting in effort to “hunt” these things down.

1. Righteousness

Timothy was meant to pursue after personal righteousness. He was to walk righteously before God.

2. Godliness

We are meant to exercise ourselves towards godliness.

3. Faith

The challenge is to exercise sincere faith in the Lord and in His word.

4. Love

Let’s seek to have a love that is from a pure heart as we relate to others.

5. Patience

We are meant to endure through everything that may come our way as we serve Him.

6. Gentleness

Let’s seek to be gentle and kind towards everyone that we may come across.

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