1 Timothy 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. I. HIS RELATIONS TO GOD are suggested by the title itself, "man of God." This had formerly been distinctive of a prophet, and especially of Elijah, the great reformer, who so realized the truth underlying it that he began many a message by the favourite formula, "The Lord God of Israel, before whom I stand." In Ephesus, Timothy had to take up as decided a stand against prevailing evils as Elijah had maintained in the kingdom of Israel; and he too was to find strength and wisdom in the presence of God, whence he might come forth to the people as God's representative and spokesman. Any devout man may be called a "man of God" if he is — 1. Living near God and coming forth to his duties, as Moses came from the mount of communion, reflecting the light of heaven. 2. Representing God is the outcome of communion with Him. Reflection of light can only result from the incidence of light. A mirror shut up in a pitch-dark cellar is not to be distinguished by the eye from a flagstone, but placed in the sunlight it may reflect a whole heaven of beauty. If you would let your light shine before men, you must put yourself in true relation to the Sun of Righteousness. And, again, no one would be called "a man of God" unless he was — 3. Seeking God's ends. It was because Timothy was by profession and in character "God's man" that the apostle assumes that his course would of necessity be different from that of the worldly — that he would flee the things they loved. Everyone would discredit the assertion of one who said he represented a drapery establishment if, day after day, he was engaged in buying and selling timber or coal, and left all soft goods unregarded. II. HIS RELATIONS TO SIN are those of unconquerable repugnance. 1. The nature of these sins is exemplified in the words uttered just before by Paul against the love of money, the hurtful lusts of the human heart, and the foolish and evil practices to which these lead. 2. The means of escape from these are twofold. Sometimes we may meet and conquer a temptation, and sometimes we may more wisely flee from it. III. HIS RELATIONS TO VIRTUES. Negative precepts distinguished the Old Dispensation, but the New Dispensation is not content with them. The virtues mentioned here are arranged in pairs. 1. Righteousness and godliness include all conduct towards God: obedience to His law, trust and reverence, devoutness and prayer. 2. Faith and love are the two essentials to such a life, for righteousness is the offspring of faith, and godliness is the offspring of love. 3. Patience and meekness have regard to our dealings with our fellow-men, especially with those who persecute or wrong us, and they are among the most difficult graces to exhibit. (A. Rowland, LL. B.) Parallel Verses KJV: But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. |
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