Difference Between Servant of Christ and Man of God

In the Bible, readers come across the terms: a “servant of Christ” and a “man of God.” In this short teaching, I wish to discuss the difference between the two to help believers in their choices.

First, it must be pointed out that while the term “man of God” is found in both the Old and New Testament, “servant of Christ” is found only in the New Testament.

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1).

“This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death” (Deuteronomy 33:1).

“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

A student of the Bible knows that servants of Christ and men of God are usually used to refer to Church leaders who occupy the fivefold ministry offices such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

Thus, a person who preaches from the Bible is often called a servant of Christ or a man of God irrespective of whether the person is genuine or fake.

Interestingly, however, many think that these two terms: a servant of Christ and a man of God, mean the same when they are used to refer to a Church leader.

But a careful study of the two reveals that they mean differently. A person who calls himself a man of god may not truly be a servant of Christ.

Consequently, it can conveniently be stated that every servant of Christ is a man of God but not every man of god is a servant of Christ.

Let me explain. We know that there is only one Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, but there are many gods. There is the Christian God and the other gods.

So, when a preacher says he is a servant of Christ, he is specifically and actually declaring that he has a relationship with Christ. He knows Christ Jesus and He also knows him.

He asserts that he serves Christ, His Church and interests. He declares that he is a slave while Christ Jesus is His Lord or Master.

Thus, a servant of Christ loves Christ Jesus, preaches and teaches about Christ, honours Christ before men and lives a life of Christ. By this, he makes Christ known to the world.

However, a person who simply says he is a man of god is not specific in his confession, because he may not refer to the Christian God but another god.

Remember that many magicians, herbalists, spiritualists, and fetish priests have modernised their operations, use the Bible and call themselves men of god to deceive ignorant believers especially those in Africa.

These are the so-called ministers who do not love Christ Jesus, do not preach and teach about Christ, refuse to honour Christ before men and fail to live a life of Christ, thereby denting the image of the Church and exposing it to public criticisms.

So, you see, the fact that someone says he is a man of god does not necessarily mean he is a servant of Christ. This is the truth many Christian believers do not know.

By James Quansah