The Man of God

The Man of God

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:10 and 1 Timothy 6:11–16

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

In 1 Timothy 6:11, Paul calls Timothy a “man of God,” a title formerly applied to the likes of Moses, David, and Elijah. Men of God pursue God and his righteousness, righteousness that comes from God and depends on faith (Philippians 3:9). This quest is always about slaying the old nature and depending on Christ’s nature, his Spirit within us. In pursuing his righteousness, we quiet our conscience, putting to rest the otherwise endless pursuit of self-righteousness, the works and other law-keeping that would have us depend upon self instead on God. 

When we overstep here by doing pious deeds in order to be godly, we demonstrate that we not God’s people. Indeed, we proove who we believe our god really is: ourselves. We may not say it or admit it, perhaps because we do not see it, but we are in effect, claiming to be god when we take on the task of being Christ and savior. We must not in any way depend upon our works for salvation, but always pursue our righteousness in God, by appealing to his mercy instead of our deeds. We are forgiven for God’s sake (Psalm 25:11), even as David and other men of God were pardoned for their constant faith in God instead of through their inconsistent actions. 

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