“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5
A Question We Need to Answer Right
From our study, we know that Jesus embodied the mandate to “create” and “cultivate” within the responsibilities God has given us as men.
We use the 33 Series curriculum's definition of biblical manhood (R.A.L.I. - which you should know by now) that addresses the critical question:
“What does it mean to be a real man?”
Every generation asks this question so we need to be ready to answer it confidently and biblically when the time is right for our kids.
Celebrations
Many cultures have formal celebrations to mark the transition from boyhood to manhood. However, our culture definitely lacks quality celebrations. Unfortunately, gangs mark this moment through brutal displays of violence. Others mark this moment when they have their first drink or sexual encounter, etc.
So, it becomes crucial to define biblical manhood simply and directly to help our sons, and us, on the journey to manhood. We need to define it then celebrate it!
What Would You Say?
If your child or grandchild asked you to describe a real man, what would you say?
I believe we should point to a summary of R.A.L.I. which, to me, is a posture of selflessness.
So, my answer is, A real man is one who selflessly submits to God and strives to love others on a daily basis. Because, this is the example of Christ and His design for all men.
The Biblical Mandate
This is a summary of the first lesson in our Biblical Manhood module.
In the opening chapters of Genesis, we learned that:
God designed man to follow His example and to lead, specifically by creating and cultivating. Whatever we create—a marriage, family, ministry, business, friendship, etc.—God expects us to cultivate so that it may develop, grow, mature, and expand.
God created men to be doers—to take action.
God has placed in our DNA both the desire and the ability to lead by creating and then cultivating what we have created.
God modeled what a real man should be in Genesis chapter 1 and mandated biblical manhood in Genesis chapter 2.
One of the reasons Jesus came to earth was to model biblical manhood for us.
The Great Mandate for man is to “create” and “cultivate.”
Beyond Self-Effort
The type of manhood God designed us to live cannot be achieved through self-effort alone. Don't fall for the lie that the "power lies within you." Because the root issues in our lives come from within us. We cannot fix ourselves!
Jesus not only wants to be our Savior but also our source of strength to live the life we were designed to live in relationship with him (John 10:10; Philippians 4:13). Remember, Men do not need a list of rules to follow or a religion to belong to. Only a real, vibrant, and growing relationship with Jesus Christ can provide the fuel we need to live out authentic manhood.
The Gospel: The Activating Link
The gospel is the activating link to biblical manhood and fundamentally changes everything, including our masculinity. To continually have the power to live a Christ-honoring life, we must “abide in Christ” daily (John 15:4-8).
Embrace the journey to create and cultivate by grounding yourself in a relationship with Christ so that you can fulfill your God-given mandate to become the real man God intended you and future generations to be!
So, formulate your answer and pass it along to the next generation.
Ryan Johnson
MD5 Facilitator
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