Essential: The Essential Traits of God-ordained Masculinity

[Pages:5]Essential: The Essential Traits of God-ordained Masculinity

10 Biblical Traits of men that No woman can resist (Colossians 3:1-21)

We need men to be men, AND RAISE UP, biblical men in this generation where Real men and authentic masculinity are a dwindling commodity in our present culture. This should worry us.

Our culture (Gov't, Educational system, Media, popular social media) ? Have declared a War on God: on TRUTH - Prayer out of school; Ten Commandments out of public Forums; abortion legalized; marriage has

been redefined, same-sex marriages; and NOW even GENDER is being redefined (Masculinity & Femininity). What is maleness and femaleness. And any who stand up as men are deemed to propagate = Toxic Masculinity

1 Chronicles 12:32 "Of the sons of Issachar, were men who understood the times (the signs of the time), with knowledge of what Israel should do, ... their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command." *This was their reputation. These men were both wise & understanding of their culture.

Stu Weber: "Our culture is in deep trouble, and at the heart of its trouble is its loss of a vision for manhood. If it's difficult for you and me as adult males to maintain our masculine balance in this gender-neutral' culture, imagine what it must be like for our sons, who are growing up in an increasingly feminized world."

The Men from the Tribe of Issachar ? not only understood their culture, but what to DO about it!

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke

Our culture needs biblically literate, unashamedly masculine leaders to unleash their God-ordained roles, as righteous leaders for the cause of Christ - to change their homes ? to change our culture, our future for the better.

Don't misunderstand me, our culture does NOT want this. But the Word of God demands this!

I want to call the men of the WELL to ACTION = To LEAD!

To Lead WELL their own lives; their marriages; their families; their church; & this community for God's glory and others' benefit ? others' blessing!

I want to call the Men of the WELL to lead their own lives and their sons into balanced, biblical masculinity.

Balanced: Godly Strength and Spiritual Tenderness = meekness (Strength under control: Restraint) ? = Wisdom is what leads men to ably act and display one or the other when needed.

(Based off of Pastor Robert Lewis' Raising a Modern Day Knight): REAL MEN, God's Men . . .

1. REJECT PASSIVITY 2. ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY 3. LIVE SACRIFICIALLY 4. LEAD COURAGEOUSLY 5. WORK TOWARD THE HEAVENLY REWARD: INVEST ETERNALLY

READ Colossians 3:1-21

Colossians 3:1-21

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 [a]Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Spiritual life vs, fleshly (Old) life: What controls you now as a Believer?

Are you controlled by the Spirit or the flesh? the Spirit gives life- breeds life; the flesh breeds decay & death!

5 Therefore [b]consider the members of your earthly (fleshly) body as dead to [c]immorality (fornication), impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which [d]amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come [e]upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living [f]in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 [g]Do not lie (stop lying) to one another, since you laid aside the old [h]self with its evil practices,10 and have put on the new self who is being [i]renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him-- 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, [j]barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. [all equal before the Lord Jesus Christ; all equally sinful and needy. IN Christ, IN Union with Him, we are ALL EQUAL ? equal worth] = Our equity, our justice, our Right standing are found ONLY in Jesus Christ (not Gov't, not a politician, or political party, not in further education, or at the hands of a mob). The Church is God's answer to a generation seeking for justice, for equity, for TRUTH ? for the Church is called to display the Person of Jesus since all within the true Church are called to become conformed into the image of Jesus (Ro. 8:29)

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God (elect & justified), holy (sanctified) and beloved (loved and redeemed by God), put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and [k]patience;13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is [l]the perfect bond of unity.15 Let the peace of Christ [m]rule in your hearts, to which [n]indeed you were called in one body; and [o]be thankful. 16 Let the word of [p]Christ richly dwell within you, [q]with all wisdom teaching and admonishing [r]one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing [s]with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Family Relations

18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. 20 Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing [t]to the Lord.21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

-As believers we are called to reject the life ruled by fleshly passions, lusts, desires, greed = covetousness/idolatry 5 Therefore [b]consider the members of your earthly (fleshly) body as dead to [c]immorality (fornication), impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which [d]amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come [e]upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living [f]in them

- We are to reject lives ruled by fleshly insecurity: anger, wrath, malice, slander, cursing, & hurtful language 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.

- We are to reject lives ruled by selfishness: lying (to ourselves/deceived) and to others for personal gain (control) 9 [g]Do not lie (stop lying) to one another, since you laid aside the old [h]self with its evil practices,

Rather, God has called us to be ruled by His Spirit: Fruits of the Spirit = Compassion, Kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, intentionally helping others, and forgiveness. Our lives need to be marked by being a Gracious Forgiver

12 put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and [k]patience;13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you - God has called our lives to be Ruled by LOVE ? which is the foundation of all UNITY (sacrificial,

unconditional love toward others). With that, you can build any community on this earth that will last into eternity. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is [l]the perfect bond of unity

- God has called our lives to be Ruled by Peace: 15 Let the peace of Christ [m]rule in your hearts, to which [n]indeed you were called in one body; and [o]be thankful. - divine peace, the peace of Christ! Those who have Christ's peace know who they are = IN union with Christ, & whose they are = they belong to Jesus (He bought them/redeemed them) = their security IN Him; they know their calling and purpose in life(= love God and Love others) which leads to meaningful days spent in service to others for God's glory!

- Look at the life ruled by God's Spirit, His Love, and His Peace:

- The Word of God is Central in your life 16 Let the word of [p]Christ richly dwell within you,

- Worship is the Overflow of your life with all wisdom teaching and admonishing [r]one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing [s]with thankfulness in your hearts to God. = Thankfulness and gratitude mark the life of one deeply redeemed!!

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God's Glory is the all-encompassing purpose of your life 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in

the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Vs. 19: "Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them, (do not be bitter toward them =

do not be harsh with them)."

Ephesians 5:25,28 "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her; In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself."

1 Peter 3:7-8 "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives,

and treat them with respect as the weaker partner(delicate vessel; fine china) and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Top 10 Traits No Woman Can Resist in a Man

This is NOT just for married dudes; this list is geared toward a Male ? Female RELATIONSHIP. BUT....

If you are not married, this LIST represents 10 Biblical Traits every man needs to master as he is conformed into the image of Jesus. These are eternal traits and characteristics based on the moral nature of GOD!

Every man needs to master this list.

Top 10 Traits No Woman Can Resist in a Man

10. A Sharer of Dreams: A man who will help his wife understand, realize, and accomplish her

innermost aspirations & dreams in life. Men, do you know what your wife dreams about? What drives her? What are her goals in life? Are you a help or a hindrance to her? Do you believe the best about her? Do you believe in her?

9. A Humble Spirit: A man who can quickly recognize his error, who can admit fault, and who quickly asks

for and gives forgiveness. A man who can ask for help when he knows he needs it. A man who will apologize to his children when he sins against them in anger or does not set the right example.

8. A Friend before a lover. A man knows how to be a student of his wife; to know her heart, to learn

about her hopes, her disappointments, her fears, insecurities, and apprehensions and who can willingly and intentionally talk about them with her often -without seeking a reward. Real friendships are reciprocal (equal; give and take).

7. An Intentional Communicator: A man who knows how to listen attentively, to hear his wife. A man

who listens is a man destined to become vulnerable to his wife. Our invulnerability is the block toward real intimacy between husband and wife. "poor communication skills both condemn and imprison a relationship to doom." An intentional communicator is genuinely interested, absorbs the conversation and asks clarifying questions. He does NOT try and fix her problems or complaints. He empathizes with her. He says, "that must be so frustrating, I'm sorry." ? "How can I pray for you about that?" Can we pray about that now, and gives this to the Lord?"

6. A defender of her heart; A desire to protect her. A true Comforter = a man who will go out of his way

to comfort his wife when she needs him. Are you her safe place? Is she safe to share, and show her vulnerabilities, her fears, her insecurities, her failures as a woman, a mom, a daughter, a wife? ? Are you a safe place for her heart? Don't over-react to her hurts or bursts of emotion = a steadying influence. "Hurting people hurt people" ? Listen to how she feels!

5. A Selfless and Sacrificial man: A man who will work hard not only to provide for her, but will do it

joyfully, who will willingly give up his wants to make her life better, to make her happier, to make her feel more secure. A man who will not complain or become bitter for putting others' needs before his own. No rights

4. A Man rich with Praise for his wife: A man who often and intentionally praises his wife with

sincere affirmation. ENCOURAGER. Who calls her blessed in front her friends, her family, and in front of their children. A man who can give his wife words ? gracious, life-giving words to her soul. Write your wife a note.

3. A Tender Man: A man who knows how to be tender and gentle with his touch, w/ his intentions, his

words, his attitude, and his expectations of her. A man who can give tender affection that is not sexual by design, but grace filled. Hug your wife often. Smile at her. Kiss her hand. Phil. 2:1-4 "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

2. A man who Values his wife above all else. Above his own children, his dreams, his job, his

hobbies, his defeats, and insecurities. A man who will put her before all else. Even during football season. Mt. 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." A man who values his wife treats her as a precious gift. He is a steward of her life. He cherishes her as his own body Ep.5:29 A Man who values his wife still wants to date her weekly.

1. A Spiritually sensitive man. A man who knows how to lead her heart; he can lead her to the Lord,

point her to the cross, and wash her with God's Word. A man who desires to pray with his wife often and will lead her spiritually by example. 1 Pt. 3:8 "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a

tender heart, and a humble mind." To be in UNITY with your wife, means to learn together, pray

together, serve together, worship together, raise a family together, & build God's kingdom together,

To learn to do these things well, takes time. Like learning a foreign language ?(like being dropped into a strange & mysterious land. A new country w/ a new language, culture, and history. YOUR TASK = to learn it and master it. = It will take effort, focused, intentional effort ? and you will need check-ups with your wife to see how you are progressing.

This list does not represent a Super-man, this is not an impossible task. This is Spiritual TASK, spiritual work ? part of our sanctification through the gift and institution of marriage.

Men need purpose! Men are at their best when presented with a goal, a target, an objective, a defining purpose ? a meaningful attempt to change something, to build something, to improve something, to rescue something, to give value to something, or to give rise to a better future.

Men, pour into your spiritual relationship with Jesus first. Then, pour into your spouse and BECOME the man she has always needed in you. Ladies, pray for your husbands! Encourage them. Catch them doing something right and reward the snap of that! Ladies, by your actions, make your husbands want to be better men!

John Eldredge states in Wild at Heart that men need to unleash three critical areas in their life for a meaningful existence as a MAN: A Battle to Fight, A Beauty to Rescue, An Adventure to live ...

MEN were not created by God to be domesticated . . . look at our society today (we are losing manhood and masculinity by the day.) Men were created to LEAD, to unleash their gifting and strength to BUILD with their lives a testament of God's Power and Grace, to build a society bent on conquering Evil and defending the weak, and empowering each new generation to tame their wilderness (lostness; brokenness; injustice, passivity), to bring life and water to the desert and to lead others to spiritually thrive in what was once the wasteland of sin and depravity of their life).

A Battle to Fight, - spiritual battle every day!

A Beauty to Rescue, - your wife, your daughter, the ladies in this church NEED to see a Godly man who will put them first and model JESUS daily!

An Adventure to live ? Men, the greatest adventure of your life is to trust Jesus with everything ? to get rid of the world's idea of success, and embrace the Bible's definition of eternal success. To trust God with your life, your marriage, your children, your job, your time, your finances, & your future.

MEN, where are you contributing to the Kingdom of God in a meaningful way??

-This is preparation for heaven ? and we want to get this right. -*It is NEVER too late!!

Men, what will you do with this challenge today? Bitter? Ignore it? Demand change in your wife? OR, embrace this as from God right to your heart!

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