Restoring Masculinity

Developing a Christian/Biblical World-view

“Restoring Christian Masculinity”

Introduction

-In the confused world in which we live, we must develop a Christian/Bible World-view concerning masculinity.

-What does it mean to be masculine?

-What does it mean to be a man?

-Is it being macho like Rooster Cogburn, Harry Callahan, or John Rambo?

-Am I a man because I sprinkle gun powder on my rare steak before I eat it?

-Am I a man because I can whoop everyone in the room?

-Am I a man because I ride a Harley not a Honda?

-Am I a man because I hunt, fish and trap?

-Am I a man because I sing bass and not tenor?

-Am I a man because I can grow facial hair?

-Am I a man because I am successful in business?

-Am I a man because I have a college education?

-Am I a man because I lettered in sports?

-Am I a man because my family listens to every word I say without question?

-Or is it to be “brave”, as the world would say, to be born Bruce Jenner but realize you are Katlyn Jenner?

-Am I a man because I am sensitive and in touch with my feminine side (which men don’t have)?

-Am I a man because I am romantic?

-How can there be so many opinions about what a man is?

-The history of the world’s concept of masculinity is a sad commentary of how far man has strayed from God’s original intent.

-Even the lines of one’s gender are being redefined (see Proverbs 14:12).

-A Christian must have a clear understanding of what distinguishes a man from a woman according to their Creator (see Genesis 1:27 “them”; 2:25 they even look different).

-As we think of developing a Christian/Biblical world-view, a strong and godly masculine man will be characterized by the qualities that are necessary to fulfill the roles that God has given to him.

-These roles are:

A man is to be a leader:

1. As seen with Adam: Genesis 1:28; 2:18
2. Adam was to lead, Eve was to follow and help
3. As seen with the husband: Ephesians 5:23
4. Husbands are instructed to be the leader of the home
5. As seen in the Church: I Timothy 3:1-13
6. If all Christian men were taught that it is masculine to initiate and lead, there would not be such a lack of male leadership in the home and church.
7. Qualities needed to be a leader:
8. Wisdom
9. Initiative
10. Decisiveness
11. Courage
12. Personal involvement
13. Humility

A man is to be a lover:

1. Husbands are singled out as needing to exemplify Christ-like love:
2. Ephesians 5:25
3. Christ commanded His disciples to love one another as He loved them:
4. John 13:34-35
5. Qualities needed to be a lover:
6. Giving
7. Gentleness
8. Consideration
9. Kindness
10. Servant-hood
11. Self-sacrificing

• A man is to be a protector:

1. God has made a commitment to protect believers:
2. II Thessalonians 3:3
3. A man must make the same commitment to protect his wife, children, family and church:
4. I Corinthians 16:13
5. Qualities needed to be a protector:
6. Courage
7. Boldness
8. Strength (physical and spiritual)
9. Watchfulness
10. A man is to be a provider:
11. It is masculine to provide for the needs of others:
12. Ephesians 5:28-29
13. Men should seek to provide for the needs of those God has placed in his care (physical and spiritual)
14. Qualities needed to be a protector:
15. Diligence (a good work ethic)
16. Personal involvement
17. Servant-hood

Application

-A man can only be masculine as he realizes and fulfills his God ordained role as a leader, lover, protector and provider.

-He must first be a saved man, realizing his need of a Savior, and coming by faith to Christ alone for his salvation.

-He must then be growing more and more into the image of Christ, Who, is the ultimate picture of Biblical masculinity.

-John 13:15; Philippians 2:5