God Made Them Male
Sermon Notes
This week we are discussing the importance of biblical masculinity and God's design for men. We're in the middle of an epidemic of fatherlessness, and it's all the more important to have a biblical vision for what God's man is supposed to be. David Marvin explores four truths from the creation account in Genesis, focusing on the need for men to courageously follow God's word. Jesus is presented as the ultimate model of biblical masculinity, and we also see the role of men in leading, loving, and protecting women. Lastly, God emphasizes men's responsibility to better God's world through raising godly children, excelling at work, and living for something beyond this world. We're calling men to be courageous, godly, and impactful in their lives and communities.
This series, Sex By Design, will discuss how we have departed from the perfect God-given design for gender and sexuality. Parents of kids in Middle School and younger, we recommend that you use caution in letting your kids stream this series.
God's Man Courageously Follows God's Word
Adam was instructed to courageously follow God's word, even though there wasn't a formal Bible at that time. Not following God's instructions had consequences, and the Bible serves as an instruction manual for life and manhood.
Jesus models what Adam failed to do, courageously following God's word in the face of temptation. Real men are called to follow God's word in various aspects of life, including confession, serving, forgiving, and giving.
God's design for man also includes leading, loving, and protecting. Adam's need for a suitable helper led to the creation of woman, emphasizing the importance of loving and protecting women in a godly manner.
God's Man Loves and Protects God's Woman
Men are called to love and protect all women in their lives, including mothers, sisters, friends, wives, and girlfriends, following the example set by Adam's failure to protect Eve from the serpent's temptation.
Men are designed to lead and love, as exemplified by Adam being created first and naming Eve. Godly men are called to lead in marriage and family, whereas husbands are called to serve and lead their wives like Christ loved and served the church.
Jesus provides the ultimate model of love and care for women, demonstrated in His relationship with His mother and His sacrificial love for the church. Men are encouraged to follow Jesus' example in loving and serving the women in their lives.
God's Man Betters Our World
The first Great Commission given to men is to "Be fruitful and multiply," which involves reproducing and raising children in a godly home to contribute to the betterment and stability of society.
Men are called to bring order and work diligently, just as God did with the earth. They are to excel in their work, provide for others, and promote Christ's teachings in everything they do.
Men should not live solely for this world but pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. They are encouraged to serve in the church, make disciples in their homes, and generously steward their resources for God's Kingdom. Following Christ's sacrificial example, men are called to courageously serve and sacrifice for the benefit of others in our world.
Discussion Questions
In what ways does the lack of biblical masculinity contribute to the epidemic of fatherlessness? How can strong, godly men positively impact society and the lives of women?
How does the failure to courageously follow God's instructions, as seen in Adam's story, lead to negative consequences? How can we apply this lesson to our lives and avoid similar pitfalls?
The message discusses the concept of toxic masculinity and flawed perspectives on manhood. How can we challenge and overcome these stereotypes to embrace biblical masculinity instead?
In the message, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate model of manhood. What specific examples from Jesus' life demonstrate courageously following God's word and lovingly serving others? How can we strive to follow Jesus' example in our daily lives?
Society has an incredible need for strong, healthy, and godly men. How can we actively contribute to bettering our world as men, both in our families and communities? What steps can we take to be part of the solution to the epidemic of fatherlessness mentioned in the message?