This term is tossed around quite a bit in Christian circles. As far as I can find, only one man in the whole New Testament is called a “man of God.” There is a short list in the Old Testament: Samson’s mother describing the angel of the Lord as a man of God (Judges 13); Moses is called a man of God (Deut. 33); an unknown prophet that rebuked the High Priest Eli (I Sam. 2); an unknown prophet that denounced Jeroboam, the evil king of Israel (I Kings 13); and Elijah (II Kings 1); Elisha (II Kings 4); Samuel (I Samuel 9); an unnamed man that warned Amaziah not to go to war (II Chronicles 25); Shemaiah (I Samuel 9); and David (Nehemiah 12). You see that the list is short and some of these men aren’t even named. That tells me that it is God that keeps the record. We will be astounded at the Judgment Seat. I believe there are pastors that minister in isolated places without any fanfare at all that will be at the front of the line when the Lord starts honoring the faithful. It may not be those that are popular by worldly standards that receive the accolades.

The only “man of God” in the New Testament referred to by this title is Timothy. I Timothy 6:11, Paul describes this young man by saying “But thou, O man of God…” I believe there are others in the NT that could have been called “man of God”, but they were not. Timothy was the only one that I could find. Paul was giving this young man instructions. It was more intense than just advice or opinions. He wanted this boy to be used of God, so he personalized this letter and 6:11 is no different, “But thou, O Man of God…” Paul went on to give him a list to follow. “…flee these things (love of money v.9-10) and follow after (key phrase) righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” Psalm 63:8a says, “My soul followeth hard after thee:” Following hard means to pursue. The primary meaning of pursue is to “overtake, to capture, to chase.” The Psalmist spoke of his soul trying to do this. Paul admonished Timothy to pursue several things and in the same verse he calls him a “man of God.” He lists six things to catch, capture, and pursue.

  1. Righteousness. Timothy was to be a man of integrity.
  2. Godliness. He was to have a reverence for God and a hatred of sin.
  3. Faith. Trust in God was paramount for the young man.
  4. Love. He was to seek the highest good in other people.
  5. Patience. Be willing to wait on God. God’s timing is always right. Don’t get anxious.
  6. Gentleness. There must be a meekness (gentleness) about this man of God. The best description I have ever heard concerning this word is strength under control. Think of a racehorse, strong and fast with a desire to run, yet it is under control with the bridle and reins of the rider.

Sunday, we will honor two of the most wonderful people ever to work in the Lord’s vineyard. Darryl and Martha Wade. During the night, I had many memories cross my mind about these two servants of God. I’ll share some of these on Sunday morning. They had been married only a short time when the Lord sent them to Corinth. That day was a good day. From the start they worked and served in various areas. Always faithful, always loyal, always excellent. Darryl was multifaceted with gifts and talents when he began on staff and no matter what he was leading, Martha was a faithful vine helping him day by day. Now, 39 years later, Darryl will be retiring. They are still planning on being a part of the church family and serving where they can as long as they can. Praise the Lord. The first part of this blog was a reference to the “man of God.” I believe that Darryl Wade is a “man of God.” My Christian life started a long time ago. During all these years I have met some of the most wonderful Christians. It has been my privilege to be around some preachers that have done great exploits for God. I have admired these men and their work for God, seeking to try to do that myself not always with success. In all these years with all these experiences, I have never met a man that I think loved God more than Darryl. Thinking about the list Paul gave Timothy, I truly believe that Bro. Darryl exhibits each of these attributes in spades. Righteousness? Check. Godliness? Check. Faith? Check. Love? Check. Patience? Check. Gentleness? Check. Being used of God is a beautiful thing and Darryl Wade has been used mightily of God. But let me close this by saying that none of this would have been possible had it not been for his “help-meet.” Without Martha nothing in the past 39 years would have been possible. She is a wonderful example to the young mothers and wives for those that have enough wisdom to learn. I don’t think I’m doing the scriptures a dis-service by writing this, but it is my conviction that Martha Wade is a “woman of God.” Let’s honor this couple on Sunday in a way that glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. Debbie and I plan to give them a card with a little gift as a small token of thanks. I hope you will do the same if the Lord leads you.