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The Making Of A Man Of God - I Timothy 3 & 4
What an honor to be called into the ministry. The greatest title that could be given to a person, is to be called “a man of God”. I want to share three things that reveal the making of a man of God.
I. The Description Of A Man Of God.
1 Tim 3:1-7
3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. KJV
The bible gives many metaphors to describe a man of God. He is called an “Angel” in Revelation 2:1. That word in the Greek, means messenger of God. This is a perfect description of what God’s man is to be.
He is called an “Ambassador” in 2 Corinthians 5: 20. He represents his country, which is heaven.
He is called a “Laborer” in 1 Thessalonians 5:12. He will find his job as a man of God, to be hard work.
He is called “a Planter”. In 1 Corinthians 3: 6 & 8. There is ground to be worked and seed to be sown in his duties.
He is called a “Watchman” in Hebrews 13: 17. He is to watch out for those that God puts in his path.
I want to share five words that begin with the letter “S” to describe a man of God.
1. HE IS A STUDENT – This reveals his Mentality.
2 Tim 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. KJV
He is to study Diligently – That means he is to study systematically. Adopt a method of daily bible study.
He is to study Devotionally – This means a time of study for himself. Not studying to get sermons, but feeding his soul personally.
2. HE IS A SERVANT – This reveals his Motive.
Ex 21:1-6
1 Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them.
2 If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
3 If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.
4 If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.
5 And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:
6 Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever. KJV
Think of what made this slave remain a servant after it was time to be set free.
The Revelation of the years made him stay. He knew that this was a special master that he could trust with his life. He had been with his master for six years and all the hardships and trials that he had faced his master had brought him through them all.
The Response of the heart made him stay. He stated it publicly, that he loved his master. That scar in his ear (From when he was pinned to the door) revealed a mark of love for his master. When someone saw him walking down the street they would know from that mark, he loved his master.
3. HE IS A SHEPHERD – This reveals his Method.
Ps 23: 1- 6
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. KJV
He oversees Progression - “He leadeth me.” God places him in a position to help people along the way. To give them leadership by his example.
He offers Protection - The job of a shepherd is to look after his sheep.
He protects them from “Fatigue”. “He restoreth my soul”
He protects them from “Fear”. “Thou art with me” A man
of God will lead his sheep in such a way that there will be no friction among them. He offers strong leadership.
He protects them from “Foes”. “thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” He uses the rod to fight off all enemies and uses his staff to hook his sheep and keep them walking with others in the flock.
4. HE IS A STEWARD – This reveals His Ministry.
1 Cor 4:1-2
1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. KJV
His Responsibility as a Steward.
One who has the oversight in the matters of possessions. He must give an account to his master.
His Requirement As A Steward.
He is never to Mix the truth.
Never to use a substitute for the truth.
He is never to Miss the truth.
He is never to neglect the truth even though it may hurt to give it or to receive it.
5. HE IS A SPEAKER – This reveals his Message.
Acts 20:24-32
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. KJV
He is to have an Evangelistic Message.
1 Cor 15:3-4
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: KJV
He is to present the gospel to the sinner. That is “The Death, Burial and the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is to have an Expository Message.
2 Tim 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. KJV
He is to preach the Word to the saints. He is to give an exposition of the scriptures. Tell what it says it the context of the passage wherein it is written.
II. The Duties Of A Man Of God -
1 Tim 4:1-11
4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
11 These things command and teach. KJV
In these verses we learn about the presence of false doctrine and the damage it can do. Also we see the responsibility of the man of God.
His Responsibility Is - - - -
1. To Expose The Corruption Of The False Witnesses. Vs. 1 - 5
There was a Departure From The Faith. Vs.1. Sad to say, that many have departed from the faith, but are still in the local assembly. The man of God must deal with them according to the scriptures.
There was a Denseness in their feelings. Vs. 2-5 They have no feelings for the things of God. No feeling in what they say. Conscience seared with a hot iron. So they speak lies as if they were the truth. No feelings in what they do. Notice the things they forbid. To marry, an open attack on the home. Not to eat meat, which is to be sanctified by the believer by prayer with thanksgiving.
2. To Experience The Commitment Of A Faithful Teacher. Vs. 6-11
Vs. 6 Reveals some things to be remembered. To remember the false teachers and to be faithful to the teachings of God’s word.
Vs. 7 Reveals some things to be refused. Old wives fables were to be refused.
Vs. 8-11 Reveals some things to be received. To labor and suffer reproach. Knowing that God will see us through every situation. Receive it with joy for His glory.
III. The Development Of A Man Of God -
1 Tim 4:12-16
12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. KJV
1. THE EXAMPLE HE IS TO CREATE - I Timothy 4: 12,
He Is To Be An Example In His Living - Vs. 12
He Is To Be An Example In - - - - - -
Word - His Clear Speech –
Yea Yea & Nay Nay.
Conversation – His Correct Behavior -
Means Manner Of Life.
Charity - His Charitable Activity -
Show love to others.
Spirit - His Christian Attitude -
Be Humble
Faith - His Confident Trust - Trust in God.
Purity - His Commendable Character –
Stay Pure.
He Is To Be An Example In His Learning - Vs. 13
He Is To Give Attendance To His - - -
Occupation - ȁtill I come” Hold the fort.
Presentation - “to reading” Give out the Word.
Exhortation - “to exhortation” Build people up.
Revelation - “to doctrine” Teach people the word.
2. THE EXPERIENCE HE IS TO CULTIVATE
1 Tim 4:12-16
12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. KJV
His Work As A Preacher - Vs. 14
His Purpose – “neglect not” He is to stay excited about his ministry.
His Power – “The gift” There is a special gift given in the laying on of hands. Find out what that gift is and develop it.
His Predecessors – “the presbytery” They transferred to him power for life and purpose in ministry.
His Witness As A Leader - Vs. 15
He Is To Meditate – “meditate on these things”
That means to keep thinking of them until they become a part of your life. Assimilate them into your body as a part of your being.
He Is To Dedicate – “give thyself wholly to them”
He is to use the word of God as a mirror to show him what he needs to do.
He is to use the word of God as a mold to shape him
into what he needs to be.
He Is To Illustrate - “that thy profiting may appear to all” He is illustrate to others his growth in the Lord.
His Watchfulness As A Defender - Vs. 16
The Charge He Accepts – “Take heed to thyself and unto the doctrine” Stay true to the word. Do not compromise.
The Continuation He Activates – “continue in them” He must continue in his doctrine and his dedication. There is no place to let up.
The Consequence He Appreciates – “save thyself and them that hear thee.” What he is saved from is error, both from doctrine and deeds.
CONCLUSION:
Again, let me say, what a privilege it is to be called a “Man Of God”. I trust that this lesson describes you, reveals to you your duties and helps you with your development.
Set some special rules in your life and ministry. Watch your finances, don’t over extend yourself. Use caution with your fellowship, stay with the right people. Do not give in to the peer pressures. Be careful with your family. They deserve a great deal of your time. Don’t lose them by staying too busy. God bless you as you serve our wonderful Lord.
Lesson prepared By:
Dr. Bob Daugherty
BOB DAUGHERTY MINISTRIES
134 Gravitt Lane
Chickamauga, GA 30707
Phone: (706) 858-4655
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