LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN

Titus 2:1–7 NKJV

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

"William Jones, captain of Marines in the Providence (the 28-gun frigate, not the 12-gun sloop) then at Boston,  advertised in the 20 March 1779 Providence (R.I.) Gazette the need for "a  few good Men" to engage in "a short Cruize" and gave the Marine Corps a recruiting  slogan it would be using two hundred years later. "

From Men's Ministry Leadership Seminar, Promise Keepers, 1993, p. 5

1. Men commit suicide at 4 times the rate of women.

2. Men between 18 and 29 suffer alcohol dependency at 3 times the rate of women of the same age.

3. More than 2/3's of all alcoholics are men; 50% more men are regular users of illicit drugs than women.

4. Life expectancy for men is 10% shorter than for women; the incidence of stress-related illness, such as heart disease and certain cancers, remains inordinately high among men.

5. More than 80% of America's homeless are men.

You're Just Out of Date

Source unknown

"You're just out of date," said young pastor Bate to one of our faithful old preachers

Who had tarried for years in travail and tears the gospel to poor sinful creatures.

"You still preach on Hades, and shock cultured ladies with your barbarous doctrine of blood!

You're so far behind you will never catch up, you're a flat tire stuck in the mud!"

For some little while, a bit of a smile enlightened the old preacher's face.

Being made the butt of ridicule's cut, did not ruffle his sweetness and grace.

Then he returned to young Bate, so suave and sedate."Catch up, did my ears hear you say?

"Why, I couldn't succeed if I doubled my speed,"My friend, I'm not going your way!"

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD MAN:

I. SOBER

This is the same word translated as vigilant in 1 Timothy 3:2 and it means to be free from the control or influence of alcohol.

Proverbs 20:1 NKJV

Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

II. STATELY

Honorable

2 Timothy 2:20–21 NKJV

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

III. SENSIBLE

Temperate- meaning to have good rational thoughts and self-controlled

Proverbs 25:28 NKJV

Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.

Romans 8:37 NKJV

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

IV. SOUND IN

A. FAITH B. LOVE C. PATIENCE

V. STRIVER (For Good Works)

Galatians 6:10 NKJV

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

James 4:17 NKJV

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

VI. STEADFAST

Uncorrupt in doctrine

1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

VII. SUBMISSIVE

Reverence

James 4:7 NKJV

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Ephesians 5:21 NKJV

submitting to one another in the fear of God.

VIII. SINCERE

incorruptibility; genitive, unending existence

Faithful to truth and righteousness.