What is a man of God? How can I be one?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The phrase “man of God” describes someone who is wholly devoted to the LORD, honoring Him in both conduct and character. In the Old Testament, it was often used for prophets or leaders chosen to speak God’s truth and lead His people (Deuteronomy 33:1; 1 Kings 17:18). In the New Testament, it applies to all believers who submit to Christ’s lordship and live according to His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Being a man of God starts with belonging to Him through faith in Jesus Christ (John 1:12-13). It involves pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11). A man of God resists sin, guards his integrity, and serves others in humility (Philippians 2:3–4; Titus 2:7–8). Scripture makes clear that this is not achieved through personal strength alone but through the enabling work of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The man of God is recognized by the consistent, Christlike life he lives in public and in private.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• In the Old Testament, “man of God” was a title given to those who spoke and acted under God’s direct authority. For example, Moses was called “the man of God” (Deuteronomy 33:1) because he faithfully delivered God’s law to Israel and interceded on their behalf. His role shows that a man of God listens and obeys Him, leading others to do the same.
• Prophets such as Elijah and Elisha were also known as men of God (1 Kings 17:18; 2 Kings 4:7). They confronted idolatry, performed miracles to confirm God’s message, and called people to return to covenant faithfulness. Their lives illustrate that a man of God is one who stands firm in truth even when it is unpopular or dangerous.
• Psalm 112 shows that a man of God loves God’s ways: “Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!” (Psalm 112:1b). He is one who “is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD (Psalm 112:7) and generous (Psalm 112:9a). So, being a man of God means having godly character which is expressed in everyday life.
• The Old Testament also connects being a man of God with the responsibility to guide and protect others. For example, God charged Joshua to be strong and courageous and to meditate on His law day and night so that he would lead Israel faithfully (Joshua 1:7-9). A man of God, therefore, honors the Lord by not only what he does in his personal life but in how he influences his family, community, and those under his care to also follow God.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Paul directly addresses Timothy as a “man of God,” urging him to flee sinful desires but, instead, to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). Being a man of God means turning away from sin and actively pursuing holiness.
• Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of a man of God. He lived in perfect obedience to the Father (Philippians 2:8), served others selflessly (Matthew 20:28), and laid down His life for the sake of those He came to save (John 15:13). A man of God is one who follows Jesus’ example, imitating His humility and sacrificial love.
• Paul reminds believers that Scripture is given “so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17). Being a man of God is inseparable from knowing and applying God’s Word. Without regular study, meditation, and obedience to Scripture, a man cannot fulfill the calling God has placed on him.
• A man of God protects his witness through consistent behavior that aligns with the gospel he professes. Speaking to younger men, Paul said, “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us” (Titus 2:7-8).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

To be a man of God today is to live in submission to God’s authority in every area of life. Being such a man is not about what culture says, but about belonging to Christ and living in submission to His Word. This means resisting sin, pursuing holiness, and serving others.

As a believing man, your calling is to reflect God’s character in your home, your work, your church, and your relationships. You are to lead with humility, speak truth in love, and act with integrity. This is true even when no one is watching. The man of God takes responsibility for his actions and guards his heart against temptation.

Becoming a man of God is simple but not easy. It requires total submission to God, which goes against our fallen human nature. Indeed, it is so difficult that it can be achieved only by yielding to the Holy Spirit and relying on Him for the power to submit. You cannot do it with your own strength. When you yield to God and allow Him to change you into what He wants, then you will be a man of God. In short, a man of God is one who truly seeks first the kingdom of God and walks humbly with God.

UNDERSTAND

• A man of God belongs to Christ and reflects His character.
• A man of God pursues holiness, resists sin, and follows Jesus’ example.
• The Spirit and Scripture equip the man of God to live faithfully and point others to Him.

REFLECT

• How are you actively submitting your life to God’s authority in your aspirations and decisions?
• In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit’s power to reflect Christlike character more fully?
• What habits, attitudes, or relationships currently challenge you in pursuing holiness and godliness, and how do they affect your walk with God?

ENGAGE

• How can we encourage one another to consistently live as men of God in our families, workplaces, and communities?
• What practical steps can a man take to guard his integrity and resist temptation in today’s culture?
• How do Scripture and the example of Jesus shape our understanding of what it truly means to be a man of God?