The Biblical Definition of
Manhood
"A real man is one who rejects
passivity, accepts responsibility,
leads courageously, and expects the
greater reward, God's reward."
- Dr. Robert Lewis
"At the heart of mature masculinity is
a sense of benevolent responsibility
to lead, provide for and protect
women in ways appropriate to a
man's differing relationships."
- John Piper
“Be watchful, stand firm in the
faith, act like men, be strong.”
-1 Corinthians 16:13
Two men, two masculine
identities:
1 Corinthians 15:45-49;
Genesis 1-3
Adam and Jesus Christ
Two distinct spiritual destinies –
Romans 5:12-19
Two distinct masculine destinies –
The first Adam
The second Adam
Manhood set on a natural course
Manhood set on a heavenly course
Manhood governed by instincts and
reaction
Manhood based on revelation
Manhood that draws life from others
Manhood set on life-giving
Manhood that lives without
transcendent cause
Manhood that has transcendent higher
meaning
Four defining differences between
Adam and Jesus Christ
The first Adam fell into
passivity,
the second Adam rejected
passivity.
The first Adam disregarded his
responsibilities;
the second Adam accepts
responsibility.
(Genesis 2, a biblical man has 3
responsibilities)
i A will to obey.
ii A work to do
iii A woman to love
The first Adam abandoned his
post of leadership; the second
Adam chose to lead courageously.
i He gave direction
ii He gave protection
iii He made provision
The first Adam sought a great
reward
the second Adam expected the
greater reward
– God’s reward.
A biblical man1. Rejects passivity
2. Accepts responsibility
3.Leads courageously
4. Expects the great reward –
God’s reward
Take away:
Think of a person who helped you understand what it
meant to be a man.
1) Pray thanking God for this man’s influence in your
life.
2) If he is still alive, contact him by mail, email or phone
and tell him what he has meant to you as a man.
3) If he has passed away, tell someone else how this
person helped you understand more about being a man.