Biblical MANLINESS

BIBLICAL MANLINESS2 Feb 2014

Scripture Reading: 1 Cor 15: 45-49

OVERVIEW

A Real Man:

• Rejects Passivity

• Accepts Responsibility

• Leads Courageously

• Expects the Greater Reward

ACTIVE OR PASSIVE?

Adam united with God• Gen 2:15-25• Elements: A work to do, a will to obey, and a woman to

love

Separated from God• Gen 3:1-7• By being passive, Adam doomed humanity• 1 Cor 15:21-22

CHRIST’S EXAMPLE

Active• Phil 2:5-11• Book of Mark – Depicts Jesus as a Man of Action

• Example: Mark 1:14-35• Note “immediately”

United with God• Matthew 4:1-11• 1 Cor 15:45-46

RESPONSIBILITY

Adam• Responsibilities Levied:

• Name/Rule the Animals, Tend the Garden (Gen 1 & 2) [A Work to Do]

• Do not eat from Tree of Knowledge (Gen 2:15-17) [A Will to Obey]

• Eve Created (Genesis 2:18-25) [A Woman to Love]

• Failure to Accept Responsibility• Gen 3:6-12 [Failed to Love His Wife] [Failed to Obey

God’s Will]• Gen 3:17-19 [Consequences for Failure]

CHRIST’S EXAMPLE

Christ’s Attitude toward Responsibility• Responsibility Taken Gladly (John 4:31-34)• Even When Paying the Ultimate Price (Matt 26:36-

44)

Christ’s Levied Responsibilities:• Save the Lost, Fulfill All Righteousness (John 6:40)

[A Work to Do]• Obey the Will of God (Matt 12:50) [A Will to Obey]• Establish the Church (Eph 5:23-33) [A Woman to

Love]

LEADERSHIP?

Adam• Relinquished Headship in Gen 3• Failed his Wife and All Humanity

Christ• Headship is clear in 1 Cor 11:1-3• Talk about manly leadership -- Matt 4:10

THE GREATER REWARD?

Adam• Concern for the Here and Now (Gen 3:5-6)• “Rewarded” in Gen 3:17-19

• Toil• Sweat• Thorns• Return to Dust

Christ• Hebrews 12:1-2• Endured for Joy and Mission Accomplishment

TAKE-AWAYS

Jesus Came to Give Abundant Life (John 10:10)

Godliness is Profitable (1 Tim 4:8; 6:6)

Moses’ Faith and Reward (Heb 11:24-26)

Other Rewards:• An Honorable Name (Prov 22:1)• Love and Respect of One’s Wife (Eph 5:33, Eph 5:25)• Respect within the Community of Men (Rom 2:7-16) • Life of Satisfaction, Purpose, and Meaning (Deut 28:1-12)• God’s Blessing (Jas 1:17)

MANHOOD PRINCIPLES

Be Active (Reject Passivity)

Accept Responsibility• A Work to Do• A Will to Obey• A Woman to Love

Lead Courageously

Look to the Greater Reward… God’s Reward