That man. Who can figure Him out? Ephesians 5:25 ‑ 33
What is a man to do? Husbands are to love their wives
Men are a strange and interesting lot Man Croquet
Men must be: Titus 2:2, 6-8 Accountable Responsible Full of integrity
What is a real man?
I. God's imperative for manliness Man has a God given desire for respect and admiration. He drives to achieve. God sets a different standard for man than the World sets.
Contrast (World's standard vs. God's standard) Error of Man's standard –There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12 ESV Peers ‑‑ Acceptance of peers Media Mid Life Crisis Physical strength and appearance Dominate his wife
Excellence of God's standards Purity of Character Giving spirit Servant attitude Moral purity
Character Manliness is created by character- Standard of love Christ's Love was and is: –Sacrificial –Purifying love –Caring –Permanent
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1PE 3:7. (NIV)
Courtesy Treat her like a lady Honor her- "fellow heirs of the grace of life“ Communion
Conduct Provider Protector Leader –Accepts responsibility –Provides Direction
II. God's Incredible power for fulfillment Surrendering to the Holy Spirit Submit to God's Word Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 ESV
Obey God's Word This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8 ESV
Manliness is side by side with Godliness Godliness is the top priority Are you loving your wife as God designed?