inspired, then the N.T. cannot be, for the O.T. histories, doctrines, types and prophecies

are so inextricably interwoven into the Gospels, Epistles and the Apocalypse, that the

inspiration of the N.T. is impossible if the inspiration of the O.T. be denied.

There can be no doubt in the mind of any who will prayerfully ponder the passage that

is before us, but that one of the most important factors in the training of the Christian

worker is the equipment provided by an intense belief in and love of the Holy Scriptures.

This characterized our Lord Himself and every one of His faithful followers, and should

now certainly be the outstanding characteristic of any teacher who professes to follow the

example of the Saviour or the pattern left by Paul.

We have seen that the Holy Scriptures are able to make even a "child" wise unto

salvation, and that they also are equally able to equip, most thoroughly, the "man" of

God. Merely to contrast the "child" with the "man", however, is not enough, for the title

"Man of God" in the O.T. had a definite meaning with which Timothy would be well

acquainted.  He would not fail to perceive the high honour, as well as the great

responsibility, that the conferring of such a title upon him implied. The comment against

the title of Psalm 90: in the Companion Bible is, "There are seven specially so called",

and it is highly probable that these seven named men of God will provide a perfect

picture of this high office.

We will not attempt to survey the whole of these occurrences, but rather give a

representative selection, so that what is intended and covered by the office of "man of

God" may be kept in mind as we consider its bearing upon the position of Timothy and of

all who follow in his steps. So wonderful is the Scripture, so completely does the Lord

know the end from the beginning, that it is not putting too great a strain upon our faith to

anticipate that much that is said of the different "men of God" mentioned in the O.T. will

be focused upon the one "man of God", Timothy. Let us search and see.

The first occurrence of the title is found in Deut. 33: 1, "This is the blessing,

wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death". The

last is "A prayer of Moses the man of God" (Psalm 90:). The first and last references

have this in common, that either Moses or Israel forfeited inheritance in the land. Moses'

death, mentioned in Deut. 33: 1, is explained in 32: 48-52. Moses was to see the

land of Canaan from Mount Nebo, but he was to die before Israel entered: