Introduction: Titus 2:2, 6-8 (This passage speaks of God s idea of a real man. This is a strong contrast with the modern concept promoted by the world. In this study we will explore God s concept of what a man should be.)
I. What Is Not Important:
1. Physical Beauty: 1 Sam. 16:7 (God does not look on the outside like we do. He sees the inward beauty or lack thereof. We need to be the same.) Isa. 53:2 (Christ was not physically attractive, yet surely he was successful and pleasing to God.)
2. Physical Strength: 1 Tim. 4:8, Gen. 6:4-5 (Bodily exercise has some value, but only little value. The world will tell you that you should bulk up if you are to be a real man. God speaks of an ancient race of giants, strong men, but they were wicked in God s sight. Physical strength won t make you pleasing to God.)
3. Possessions And Achievements: Lk. 12:15, Rom. 8:6 (The world will tell you if you don t have great possessions and achievements you aren t much of a man. But Jesus teaches us our lives are not measured by how much we have. Furthermore, the Bible teaches us not to be carnally minded, or take too much concern for possessions.)
4. Number Of Women You ve Had: Prov. 6:24-29, Prov. 7:6-8, 21-27 (The world will tell you a real man has to "bag a lot of babes". Think of the disrespect inherent in such language. Is it really manly to have this kind of contempt to view women as a prize? God teaches you are a fool headed for death if you philander, especially after the loose kind of woman that is most likely to respond to your pursuits.)
II. What Is Important:
1. Being Submitted To God: 1 Cor. 11:3 (What is really important is spiritual strength. You must be submitted to God. This is an excellent opportunity for you to show your wife that you really believe in submission.)
2. Industry: 1 Thes. 4:11-12, 1 Tim. 5:8, Eph. 6:5-9 (The Bible teaches you must work hard. It doesn t matter to obtain a lot. What matters is that you work hard and honest.)
3. Spiritual Possessions: Mt. 6:19-21 (God values those who amass great spiritual possessions, treasures in heaven.)
4. Proper Relations With Women: 1 Tim. 5:1-2, Mt. 5:27-28 (The real measure of a man is not in how many women you can use, but in whether or not you are pious toward women. The Bible teaches us to behave in a holy manner toward women, not lustfully.)
A. Girlfriend: 1 Cor. 9:27 (Paul said we must practice self control. If you are not married, to be a real man is to exercise self control toward your girlfriend.)
B. Wife: 1 Pet. 3:7, Eph. 5:22-24 (If you are married, to be a real man you must be kind and gentle with your wife.)
C. Mother: Prov. 6:20-21 (The real measure of a man is in how you treat your mother. You must treat her with respect. This is how you are treat all the older ladies in God s family.)
Conclusion: (God s idea and the world s idea of a real man are very different. As men, you must dismiss the evil notions of the world and aspire to be what God wants you to be. As women, you must forget trying to find a husband or reshape your husband into the world s idea. You must accept and encourage God s idea of a real man.)
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