12 Marks of the Man of God (Part 2)

12 Marks of the Man of God (Part Two)

5. Disciplines Himself for Godliness (4:7-9)

“Rather train yourself for godliness...”

In his letter to Timothy, Paul admonishes the young man to exercise himself unto godliness. The English Standard Version says “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” The term godliness is used 30 times in the New Testament. With this term being used so many times, it certainly means that God does not want believers to overlook its significance. Strong’s Concordance defines godliness as “ piety and holiness.” 1 Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines godliness as “to be devout, denotes that piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well pleasing to Him.” 2 When we recognize someone as godly or someone permeating with godliness, we understand that he or she is more than just someone who attends church. Godliness is the act of being devout and totally devoted to Christ. It is not just an ideal or a religion or a specific church. A believer who is devoted to God is a person who is pleasing to God. He or she walks and lives in obedience to God.

This disciplining would take work, effort and toil for Timothy to be godly. It would be Timothy’s personal responsibility to work on and exercise his own godliness. Timothy could not rely on his grandmother or mother’s godliness (). Timothy would not be able to claim Paul’s own godliness, even though Paul was his spiritual father.

Because godly people are disciplined people, we must train ourselves unto godliness. If we want to exude power, strength and muscle in the physical body, we have to exercise the physical body. More importantly, to demonstrate godliness we have to exercise the spiritual man.

6. A Hard Worker (4:10)

Whitley, Nathan (2013-04-01). The Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines (Kindle Locations 339-341). Echo Publications. Kindle Edition.

1 Timothy: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary An Excellent Minister Is Committed to Hard Work

The ministry of excellence is not only a heavenly pursuit demanding divine power, but also an earthly task, demanding hard work

“For to this end we toil and strive...”

The ministry of excellence is not only a heavenly pursuit demanding divine power, but also an earthly task, demanding hard work

“The ministry of excellence is not only a heavenly pursuit demanding divine power, but also an earthly task, demanding hard work” - John MacArthur

(labor) means “to work to the point of weariness and exhaustion.” (strive) is the source of our English word “agony.” It means “to engage in a struggle.

Both the discipline for godliness and excellence in ministry are hard work. Ministry is serious work. This is not for the lazy or the procrastinators. Hard work in ministry isn’t just in the study. It’s in the prayer room. It’s in counseling sessions. It’s overseeing the flock. It’s late nights and early mornings. And most of the time the only reward you will receive is in eternity. Applauds and accolades from people pale in comparison to God’s approval.

Whitley, Nathan (2013-04-01). The Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines (Kindle Locations 301-309). Echo Publications. Kindle Edition.

An excellent minister lives with hope and is not motivated by instant gratification or immediate fulfillment. He has fixed his hope on the living God

Whitley, Nathan (2013-04-01). The Lost Art of Spiritual Disciplines (Kindle Locations 300-301). Echo Publications. Kindle Edition.

Our hope is in the living God. When ministry becomes wearisome we can cast all of our cares on Him for He cares for us ()

7. Teaches with Authority (4:11)

“Command and teach these things”

As a minister your duty is to know and proclaim the Word of God. Some believe that preaching is yelling and teaching is telling. That’s an lighthearted way to look at it. However, you cannot teach what we do not know. The same is true for preaching. Preaching is proclaiming and teaching is explaining.

The word “command” in the Greek means to prescribe, to command or to order.

Teaching carries the implication of passing on truth to other. We cannot teach what we do not know, and we cannot teach with authority if we do not have convictions about what our subject.

Paul says, “these things.” Going back to the beginning of chapter four Paul exhorts Timothy to avoid and confront false doctrine (4:1-5). Then in verse 10 Timothy’s hope was in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe. In other words Timothy is to command and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and continue to confront false doctrine. To know and teach correct doctrine you must have the absolutes.

You must have a commitment to the authority of God’s Word. If you have doubts concerning the absolute authority of God’s word then you will have faulty preaching and teaching. You must accurately interpret Scripture, you must cut it straight in the study. Preaching and teaching that lacks authority, and authority does not mean saying it loudly, but saying it with conviction that you know it is true.

8. Example of Spiritual Maturity (4:12)

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity...”

Timothy was a young man overseeing the largest body of believers in Christianity at that time in history. Many were concerned about his youth or inexperience. Which could be understandable.

Paul tells him not to let anyone despise his youth. Timothy was going to have to earn the respect of the people despite his age. Greek culture placed high value on age. The Greeks respected the elderly, and if anyone who was young would have to earn respectability, especially if they were going to be leading and preaching.

As young ministers you must not allow your youth to be a stumbling block for others. Instead set the example. What was Timothy, and what are we to be a model for? Speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.

We are to be models, we are be the pattern for others.

Speech: According to Jesus a man’s speech reflects what is in his heart (). The mouth speaks what the heart is filled with. It can either be evil or good. Lay aside carnal, worldly speech. Our generation needs an example of good speech from the young ministers. This is not just a command for the pulpit, but in every situation and at all times.

Conduct: A minister needs to be an example of good conduct and behavior. Don’t live by the motto: “Do as I say, not as I do.” There have been many young ministers who have been influenced by ministers who say one thing in the pulpit but do contrary out of the pulpit. This shouldn’t be named among us brothers! If we want the respect of our elders, and the people we shepherd we must set the pattern for holy living and conduct. This is in our speech and our conduct.

Love: I said this on Twitter the other day, “If I speak and know the mysteries of theology and doctrine, but don't love people, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”

The minister is to love. Not just love preaching. But love people. Love the church. Love sinners. Love your family. Love your city. Too many fall in love with the pulpit but don’t love people. Too many love crowds but don’t love people.

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Jesus Christ is our example, He is the ultimate pattern of loving people. For he laid down His life for His friends.

Faith: The word Paul uses here is not in reference to saving faith, or belief. No, this is referring to faithfulness. Though you are young, be committed. Be faithful. Be faithful to church. Be faithful to the ministry. Be faithful to your family. Be faithful to the work that God has called you to. If you are not committed, then the people you lead will not be committed. If you are constantly missing from your duties, or continually wanting find something else to do, then you will not be respected. Be faithful, brothers.

Purity: This word for purity in the Greek is referring to sexuality. Paul tells Timothy in to flee youthful lusts. Do not allow your youth and emotions to get the best of you. Set the example in purity. This is just as connected to the previous three commands, be pure in your speech, your conduct, your love, and your faith. Don’t be apart of filthy conversations. Don’t act crude and vile. Be pure in your conduct. Be committed to your wife, be a one woman man that Paul speaks of in . Present your life as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.

If you will do these things, if you will pursue this, then no one will be able to look down on your youth.