This past Sunday was the graduation ceremony for The Master’s Seminary. These men were supposed to have graduated in May, but because of restrictions in California, the celebration was moved August. It took place outdoors, in a tent, but that did not diminish the joy these students felt at completing their studies.
This was a special day for me because two students from our Washington DC location graduated, and it was a joy to gives thanks to the Lord for their faithfulness, and for the impact of The Master’s Seminary on both coasts of the United States.
Pastor MacArthur charged the graduates to remember Paul’s description of “the man of God” (1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 3:17). The phrase “man of God” is used over 70 times in the Old Testament, and refers to someone who has been given a special word from the Lord for God’s people. It is found in the New Testament only twice, both times of Timothy.
Dr. MacArthur then gave the students four descriptions of the man of God, drawn from 1 Timothy 6:11.
The man of God is known by what he flees from. Paul repeatedly reminded Timothy to run form pointless arguments and disputes (1 Timothy 1:4). He should have “nothing to do with silly myths” (1 Timothy 4:7). One might imagine today Paul telling Timothy to turn of the TV, run from the news, flee politics, and abandon social media. Those things take time and suck energy from the person who should be known as a man of God.
In addition to fleeing arguments and frivolity, the man of God should flee the love of money (1 Timothy 3:3, 6:10). It is impossible to be known as a man of God if you are also known as a man who loves money. Ministry for money is dangerous, as it corrupts the message and erodes confidence in the messenger. The man of God flees that, often times even working with his own hands to avoid being caught in the snare of the love of money (1 Thessalonians 4:11).
Second, the man of God is known by what he follows after. Paul connects the man of God to a list of virtues—he is to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness and gentleness. These things don’t happen naturally, they must be aggressively chased, and the man of God is willing to do that.
MacArthur pointed out that the sum total of a man of God’s reputation should be forged by what happens when he is on his knees, in his own relationship with the Lord, long before and after he is known by the rest of his life. Godliness is cultivated, not assumed, and the man of God is willing to pursue it.
Third, the man of God is known by what he fights for. Paul reminds Timothy that the life of faith is a fight (1 Timothy 4:12). Boxers in Rome would have gloves lines with fur or felt on the inside, but laced with metal on the outside. The loser might have his eyes gouged out. They fought as if their lives depended on it, because they often did.
The man of God has that approach to his faith. He fights to keep it. He labors with eternity in view. He fights against distractions, and he fights for godliness. Whatever things belong to the kingdom of God, the man of God is willing to fight to the death over.
Finally, the man of God is known by what he is faithful to (1 Timothy 4:13-14). Paul tells Timothy to guard the “good confession” and to “keep the commandment” of God. In the context of Paul’s letters to Timothy, this confession is the apostolic recognition of Christ (his divinity and humanity, as well as the nature of the gospel), and “the commandment” refers to all of scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Here is where the link to the Old Testament term is so apparent. If the man of God is anything, he is one who is faithful to God’s word. His life is marked by that faithfulness, and his ministry is flavored by it. IN fact, it is more than flavored by it, it is defined by it.
Pastor MacArthur ended his sermon by charging the graduates not to be known by how they stroke the sheep, but rather by how they feed them. He challenged them not only to be pastors, but to be men of God.
When you think of it, pray for the Master’s Seminary and their students and graduates in the Washington DC area. There are now six graduates from our location here, 16 students currently enrolled at our campus in DC, as well as another 15 in pastoral ministry in the DC metro area. We covet your prayers as we seek to honor Paul’s charge to Timothy to be men of God.