When I was growing up in the church, I remember looking to the minister as someone of Godly authority, who was well respected within the congregation, and a man who followed Biblical instructions. These men were not perfect, but my parents taught us to have respect towards God’s ministers, and to listen to what they would teach us each week at Sabbath services. Being able to get to know God’s ministers was a special thing; after all, they were representatives of God and Jesus Christ, and had been put in that role for a reason.

I was taught that being a minister of God is a great privilege and honour. It’s not a right that men are given, but a special calling to that office. But how do you recognise a man of God, such as this? What should you notice in these men, if they are “men of God”?

An article from the visualcapitalist.com states that there are over 4,000 different religions today! It says, “According to some estimates, there are over 4,000 religions, faiths groups, and denominations that exist around the world today. Researchers and academics generally categorize the world’s religions into five major groups: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism.”

What is hard to imagine is that in these religions, there are thousands of adherents who would believe that THEIR minister, teacher, or sheikh is a true minister of God or a true leader within their religious system. All would profess to be “men of God,” or men of whatever god they worship.

But how can you recognise a man of God in this day and age? To answer this question, our source has to be the Bible.

Satan has confused and deceived this whole world (Rev 12:9). Many today openly give their perspective on religion, beliefs, values, and philosophy. It might seem so confusing, but it really isn’t, and here is why.

When Timothy stayed in Ephesus to help God’s people, he came face to face with men who wanted to be teachers and spiritual leaders in the church. Paul commended those who wanted to lead, but he also says there are things to be aware of (1 Tim 1:3-7). Also, Hebrews 5:4 tells us that a man must be chosen and appointed by God for a particular role and responsibility.

So, what is it you should recognise in a true man of God?

1. Will They Teach What the Bible Says?

A true minister of Jesus Christ teaches what the Bible says. He will not teach human philosophies, traditions, or opinions. Titus 2:1 says, “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.” The word “sound” means healthy or wholesome and implies that sound doctrine is spiritually nourishing, correct, and

beneficial for growth in faith and godliness. A true minister of God will teach, not based on human ideas, but what can be traced back to God’s word.

2. Will He Exemplify Christ-Like Character?

Matthew 7:20 says, “by their fruits you will know them.” That is, we can understand someone by their actions. This can be done by how they interact with others, communicate, or how they present themselves.

Although he will not be perfect, a true minister of God will live by what the Bible teaches, and how Jesus Christ lived. He will live his life trying to exemplify the fruits of God’s Spirit, in the same way Jesus Christ did. In His life, Jesus Christ served, gave and helped in any way He could and so should a man of God. You would recognise him, because he tries to mimic Christ himself, exemplifying the fruits that are mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.

3. Will You See Him Being Obedient to God?

If a man of God is not observing all of God’s commandments, then that is a big RED FLAG! You would recognise a man of God because his life is submissive to God’s will and he is obedient to His Ten Commandments. 1 John 2:3-4 states, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” Many leaders, teachers, and religious men will only keep SOME of the Ten Commandments and some will keep none! Yet this is not what the scripture says. Furthermore, in Revelation 22:14 we read, “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” This is picturing a time in the future-the Kingdom of God! In recognising a man of God, you will witness him being obedient to God, endeavouring to keep all of God’s laws, holy days, statutes, and oracles. This is something that is very important to him.

Although it’s not our job to critique our pastor or the ministry, it is important to identify who are God’s ministers and who are not. We can avoid the confusion of this world by considering the abovementioned points, by looking through the Biblical lens of what constitutes a man of God. We must not be deceived. Notice these straightforward principals and consider them next time you are trying recognise a man of God.