FQ,
Danny, I believe the exact quote was,
Paul is a man of God, with honest and sincere intentions,
While his intentions might be “honest and sincere”, that is not the measure of a “Man of God.” No, that measure is in how his actions and teaching aligns with the Word of God. I have never sat under Paul (our Paul), so therefore I cannot make a definitive assessment as to whether or not that appellation applies. The only information that I have on Paul is garnered from his own writings on this forum, and that Pastor Gary, a man that I do know and respect his judgment, respects him. I therefore will give Paul the benefit of the doubt as to whether he is walking in the light to the best of his ability.
We, as Christians, have a habit of throwing around terms and titles without ever stopping to consider what they actually mean. The term (or title, if you will) “Man of God” has by historic tradition been bestowed upon anyone in the ministry. Evangelist, pastor, preachers, teachers, prophets, healers, etc. all have had the appellation applied to them. Have they all been “Men of God?” Need I remind you that Jesus himself speaks of those that will be turned away even though they cast out demons and preformed miracles in his name, because he never knew them.
Were Jim Jones or David Koresh “Men of God?” Some people attached that title to them, and how many souls did they lead to the lake of fire? It would be wonderful if we could attach that title to all who claim to labor for the Lord, but that is a Pollyanna attitude that is dangerous. How many “honest and sincere” people that are unfortunately gullible must be lost before we question the truth of these “Men of God?”
TW