But you, man of God… 1 Timothy 6:11 (NIV)
Paul shifts gears here at the end of 1 Timothy 6, and he addresses Timothy directly. Timothy was a young man in his thirties, and he had been given the overwhelming task of leading the church in Ephesus. On top of that, he was timid and shy by temperament.
Timothy must have often felt that he was in over his head, out of his depth, and somewhere near the end of his rope. Maybe you know what that feels like too. How do you keep going when you feel overwhelmed by life, and there are discouragements on every side? You need gospel hope. And Paul shows Timothy (and us) where to find it.
The phrase “man of God” would have gotten Timothy’s attention. This phrase was used in the Old Testament to describe some of the great heroes of the faith. The list includes Moses (Deut. 33:1), Samuel (1 Sam. 9:6), David (Neh. 12:24), Elijah (1 Kgs. 17:18), and Elisha (2 Kgs. 4:7).
Do you think Timothy felt he belonged in that company? Paul was saying to Timothy, in effect, “Timothy, I want you to remember who you are. You are God’s man. I want you to think and speak and act and live as God’s man because that is who you are!”
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we see something wonderful, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The Scriptures are given not to some Christians, but to all Christians. In Old Testament times, God called only a few to be His prophets, His priests, and His kings. But now, every man who is in Christ is “God’s man.” Every woman who is in Christ is “God’s woman.”
If you are in Christ, you are “God’s man” as much as Moses, Samuel, David, and Elijah. If you are in Christ, you are “God’s woman” as much as Sarah, Deborah, Ruth, or Esther.
Do you think you belong in this company? Why or why not?
