Alistair Begg: A Charge to a Man of God — Part One
A Call to Embrace Your True Identity as a Man or Woman of God
In a world where so many search for identity—through possessions, achievements, or even fleeting feelings—it’s easy to feel adrift. Yet, for the follower of Christ, Scripture reminds us that our ultimate identity is found not in what we do or own, but in whom we belong to. Today, let’s explore how the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:11-16 offer a timeless encouragement and challenge for every believer longing to live as a true man or woman of God.
Understanding What It Means to Be a “Man of God”
The phrase “man of God” is heavy with meaning. It isn’t just a generic title. Paul chose these words with intention, not merely calling Timothy a colleague, a friend, or even his “son in the faith,” as he did elsewhere. Instead, he declares, “But you, man of God…”
In the Old Testament, this title was reserved for spiritual giants like Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, and David. To open a letter and see such a designation attached to your name would be humbling. But Paul’s intention is not to inflate Timothy’s ego or single him out as extraordinary—instead, he uses the phrase to anchor Timothy’s identity, and by extension, the identity of all believers, in something deeper than their abilities, reputation, or background.
The truth is, if you confess Christ as Lord and trust in Him, you are—regardless of age, résumé, or the world’s opinion—a man or woman of God. This identity isn’t based on human merit, but on the calling and saving work of God Himself.
The Foundation of Our Identity
We live in a culture obsessed with self-creation and external appearance. Yet the Bible cuts through these superficial markers, insisting that who you truly are is revealed by the principles you follow and the life you live. Our actions are the overflow of our identity.
Consider the story of a young man in England who, by his very bearing, was recognized by an old gentleman as a “Westminster Confession man”—someone who lives to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” In the same way, our day-to-day choices, habits, and words testify to whom we truly belong and what defines us.
For Timothy, and for us, knowing ourselves as men and women of God transforms not only how we see ourselves but how we live. We don’t walk around carrying burdens of inadequacy, focusing on our youthful inexperience, natural timidity, or physical weakness. Instead, we are invited to square our shoulders, lift our heads, and walk in the confidence that comes from being called by God.
The Problem of Misplaced Identity
So many today—especially young people—are told they are just accidents of biology, mere collections of chemicals, irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. This narrative breeds hopelessness and confusion about purpose and worth. But God’s Word proclaims a radically different message: you are beautifully, purposefully made, crafted by the Creator with unique fingerprints, a unique DNA, and an irreplaceable value.
Psalm 139 declares that God formed you in your mother’s womb and knows you intimately. That means your life is not trivial or junk; you are God’s handiwork, and that alone gives you dignity and meaning no matter what the world says.
Transformation by Christ: From Ruins to Royalty
Yet the Bible paints a realistic picture of our condition without Christ. Like a castle, once glorious but now marred and ruined by the effects of sin, we may try to patch up our lives with good works, success, or outward adornment. But true restoration comes only when Christ Himself takes up residence within our hearts.
This is the miracle of the new birth. As Jesus explained to Nicodemus, “Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Salvation isn’t merely about believing in a higher power or subscribing to religious rituals—many do that, even demons believe God exists. It’s about surrendering your life, laying down your old standards and calling Christ your King.
When the King is present, the “royal standard” is raised over our hearts. Just as the royal flag signifies the queen’s presence in her palace, so Christ’s presence signals that our allegiance is now to Him. No rival standards—be they pride, rebellion, or even religious effort—can share the flagpole. Either the flag of Christ’s lordship flies, or it doesn’t.
The Call to Holiness: From Identity to Action
Paul doesn’t just affirm Timothy’s identity—he gives him clear direction: “But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.” Our identity as men and women of God isn’t passive. It comes with the urgent call to actively reject what destroys and chase after what brings life.
To be a follower of Christ is to live differently from the world, not seeking financial gain, power, or a life of ease as our first priority. Instead, we run from the things that would ensnare us—greed, division, false teaching, gossip—just as Joseph ran from temptation in Genesis, rather than “walking on the roof” like David, flirting with disaster.
It is easy to bristle at the notion of “dos and don’ts,” as if the Christian life should be all affirmation with no boundaries. Yet there is no meaningful, lasting freedom without boundaries. Just as you can’t safely fly a plane or perform surgery without rules, so also does the Christian life require a decisive break from sin—what the old theologians called the “mortification of the flesh.”
Only God’s Power Can Change Us
Yet we must recognize that such strength does not come from ourselves. Relying on our own effort to