Man of God ( Short Homily )

Paul gave counsel to Timothy 4:16 to “Keep a close watch on yourself”. While caring for the needs of his people, Timothy needed to care for himself as well.

The false teachers were men of the world, but Timothy was a “man of God.”

This special designation “Man of God” was also given to Moses (Deut. 33:1), Samuel (1 Sam. 9:6), Elijah (1 Kings 17:18), and David (Neh. 12:24); so Timothy was in some good company.

In this passage Paul gives four admonitions to Timothy that, if obeyed, would assure him success in his ministry and a continued testimony as a “Man of God.”

Flee (v. 11a). The first is to Flee. “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things…”
There are times when running away is a mark of cowardice. “Should such a man as I flee?” asked Nehemiah (Neh. 6:11).

But there are other times when fleeing is a mark of wisdom and a means of victory. Joseph fled when he was tempted by his master’s wife (Gen. 39:12), and David fled when King Saul tried to kill him (1 Sam. 19:10).

The Greek word interpreted “flee” that Paul used here does not refer to literal running, but to Timothy separating himself from the sins of the false teachers. To separate from those Paul called “depraved of the mind” “From such a man you should flee.”

There are times when a servant of God should take a stand against false doctrine and godless practices, (P) and separate themselves from them. They must be sure, however, that they act on the basis of biblical conviction and not because of a personal prejudice or worse a carnal spirit.

Follow (v. 11b). Second to Follow; the Greek word translated to "follow or pursue" (diôke) is strong.

It means to run after; to run swiftly after; to hotly pursue; to seek eagerly and earnestly. It has the idea of aiming at and pursuing until something is gained; of never giving up until we have reached our goal.

According to Paul There are six things the man of God is to hotly pursue, righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

Make a mental list of these qualities. There are only six of them. Ask yourself “Is this happening in my life?" There are no more practical guidelines in the Scriptures than Paul’s words in his Second letter to the Corinthians, "Examine yourselves whether you be in the faith or not," (2 Cor 13:5).

Fight (vv. 12–16). Flee, Follow and now to Fight, the verb means “keep on fighting!” It is from this word we get our English expression to agonize, and it applies both to athletes and to soldiers. It described a person straining and giving their best to win the prize or win the battle.

The true nature of the Christian life: is a battleground and you will never be given much of a breather.

This is a parallel passage to that famous words in Ephesians 6, where Paul says, "Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, and stand in the evil day," (Eph 6:11).

Near the end of his own life, Paul wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race” (2 Tim. 4:7).

We are called to strive and agonize for the prize.

Be faithful (vv. 20–21). Flee, Follow, Fight and Lastly be faithful. God had committed the truth to Paul (1 Tim. 1:11), and Paul had committed it to Timothy. It was Timothy’s responsibility to guard the deposit and then pass it along to others who would, in turn, continue to pass