Make Me A Blessing (1 Of 3)

Look at verse 11. We read, “But thou, O MAN OF GOD...”

To be referred to as a “man of God,” or a “woman of God,” is one of the greatest titles that could be given to any Christian.

(1) The term MAN OF GOD is often given to MINISTERS of the gospel.

(2) Also, the clergyman is called THE MAN OF CLOTH. This term MAN OF THE CLOTH started in the 17th century when clergymen began to wear robes.

But just because a minister may wear clergyman garb the title MAN OF GOD does not mean he is a MAN OF GOD.

The greatest title that can be given to any Christian is that they are a MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD.

Illus: David was known to be a man of God because the Bible tells he was a man after God’s own heart.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN HE WAS A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART?

The phrase "a man after after God’s own heart" is used to describe someone who has similar values, interests, or beliefs as God.

David is described as a man after God's own heart BECAUSE he loved and valued the same things God valued.

It is great honor to be known as a MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD.

There are all kinds of titles for people such as Doctor, Lawyer, Plumber or Carpenter etc. that describes the life of people

Many titles that many wear indicate a high level of prestige, but the highest honor that could be bestowed on a man or woman is to be referred to as a MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD!

• Moses was referred to as a MAN OF GOD, in Deut. 33:1.

• Samuel is referred to as a MAN OF GOD in I Samuel 9:6.

• David is referred to as a MAN OF GOD in II Chron. 8:14.

• Elijah is referred to as a MAN OF GOD in I Kings 17:24.

• Elisha is referred to as a MAN OF GOD in II Kings 4:9.

This is a title every Christian should strive to earn, and it is a fact that titles are not given but titles must be earned.

Illus: For example, when a soldier goes into the army, he is not asked, “What title would you like to have while you serve your country?”

Those young recruits are not asked, “Would you like to be a:

• Sergeant.

• Colonel.

• Lieutenant.

• General.

That is not the way it works! Those titles have to be earned.

To be called A MAN, or WOMAN OF GOD, is something each Christian also has to earn.

Paul spoke of a MAN OF GOD in verse 11, and then he proceeded to show us what a person must do to earn that title.

1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

When the translators of the King James Bible translated this from the Greek text, they gave us an alliterative outline of what it takes to be a “MAN OF GOD.”

I will preach about one of these topics in this sermon and the other two will follow in the weeks to come.

As we look at these things we discover they refer to THREE THINGS in this alliterated outline. They are…

• VICES, (1 of 3)

• VIRTUES, (2 of 3)

• VICTORIES. (3 of 3)

Today I will be preaching on VICES we must flee from in order to be a MAN OR WOMAN OR WOMAN OF GOD.

Notice in this passage of scripture the first thing…

I. THE MAN OF GOD IS TO FLEE.

The word translated “flee” is from the Greek word “pheugo” from which we get our English word, “fugitive.”

Illus: There use to be a program on television call the FUGITIVE.

The actor David Janssen played as a doctor who was wrongly convicted for the murder of his wife. He escapes custody and in each episode, he was FLEEING as a FUGITIVE to find the real killer of his wife!!!

A fugitive is always on the run!!!

Christians, did you know the devil is hot on your trail EVERYDAY?

Look at I Peter 5:8, where he said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

That verse simply means that Satan is on the prowl every day and is looking for victims like you to pounce upon!

• Now, I do not know about you, but if I ever see a lion, I am going to FLEE as fast as I can.

• Why? Because I know a lion can kill you. I am not going to play around with a LION…I KNOW BETTER!!!