Becoming the Men God Called Us to Be

Introduction:

- Warm greeting and a brief introduction of myself.

- Share a personal experience related to my faith journey.(talking about my old self)

I. Understanding the Old Self:

- Discuss the concept of the "old self" and its implications for men.

- Reference relevant Bible verses, such as Romans 6:6 and Ephesians 4:22-24, to support your points.

- Share real-life examples of how men often struggle with their old selves.

What does the "old self" means, especially for men who believe in God. Even if you are here and do not believe in God I still want you to explore what does the “Old self” means. The first step in getting better on our journey with Jesus is to understand this idea.

Understanding the Old Self:

In Romans 6:6, the apostle Paul tells us, "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin." Through Christ, our old selves have been crucified. We are no longer slaves to our sinful nature. Instead, we are called to live a life liberated from the bondage of our old selves.

Ephesians 4:22-24 reinforces this idea, stating, "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." These verses illustrate the transformative power of God's grace, which enables us as men to shed our old selves and embrace the new creation we become in Christ.

Now, let's take a moment to reflect on the real-life struggles that many men face when dealing with their old selves. We live in a world filled with temptations, distractions, and pressures that often pull us back into our previous ways.

- Some of us may struggle with anger, pride, or selfishness, which are traces of our old selves.

- Some of us may grapple with addictions, vices, or unhealthy habits that are hard to break free from.

- It's not uncommon for men to be haunted by past mistakes, carrying the weight of guilt and shame.

But here's the beautiful truth. We are not defined by our past or by our old selves. Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, we have the power to break free from the chains that bind us to our old ways. Our old self was crucified with Christ, and we are called to walk in the newness of life that He offers.

Understanding our Old self leads us to our next point Transformation.

II. The Call to Transformation:

- Explain how God calls us to be transformed by renewing our minds (Romans 12:2).

- Emphasize the importance of allowing God to change us from within.

- Highlight the role of faith and surrender in this transformation process.

As men of God, we are called not only to understand the concept of the "old self" but also to embrace the transformative power of God in our lives. In Romans 12:2, Paul offers us a profound insight into this transformation:

Romans 12:2

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

What is Paul saying here-

1. Renewing of the Mind:

God wants us to change the way we think. It's not just about behaving differently; it's about seeing the world through God's eyes. We do this by reading the Bible, thinking about God's promises, and asking Him for help in our prayers. This helps us have a fresh perspective.

2. Changing Us from Within:

Transformation is like a deep change inside us. It's not just about changing how we act; it's about letting God change our hearts. This means giving God permission to help us with our fears, worries, and desires. We need to let go of our old selves completely and trust that God will make us new on the inside.

3. The Role of Faith and Surrender:

Faith means believing in God's promises and trusting that God knows better than we do. Even when we feel stuck in our old habits, we can believe that God can change us. Surrender is like giving control to God. We trust that God's plans are better than ours and let go of what we want. It's an act of saying, "I trust you, God."

What I am trying to say here is, remember that becoming the men God called us to be is a journey, not a quick fix. It's about changing the way we think, letting God transform us from the inside, and having faith and trust in Him. This is a lifelong process, but it's worth it to become the men God wants us to be.

III. The Saved and the Unsaved:

- Address the differences between those who have accepted Christ and those who haven't.

- Discuss how saved men can help lead unsaved men toward Christ through their actions and words.

- Share stories or testimonies of individuals who have been transformed through faith.

There are two type of people those who follow Jesus and those who don't.

1. The Difference Between the Two:

Some of us have said "yes" to Jesus, and others haven't. When we say "yes" to Jesus, we start a journey of faith and transformation. We become part of God's family. Those who haven't said "yes" to Jesus might not know Him yet or have chosen not to follow Him.

2. How Saved Men Can Help Others:

If you've said "yes" to Jesus, you have a special role. You can help others know Him too. You do this not just by talking about Jesus but by showing His love through your actions and words. When people see they should see goodness of Jesus in you, it can lead them to want to know Him too.

3. Story of Transformation:

We can find that all in the bible. Zacchaeus, Peter, and Paul

There was a man named Saul who used to persecute Christians. He didn't believe in Jesus. But one day, while he was traveling, he had an encounter with Jesus. His life was completely changed. He became one of the most dedicated followers of Jesus and changed his name to Paul. Paul went on to spread the message of Jesus to many people, almost half of the New Testament.

IV. Stepping into God's Purpose:

- Explore what God has called men to be, using passages like Micah 6:8 and 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

- Discuss qualities such as integrity, love, and humility that should define Christian men.

- Encourage men to align their lives with God's purpose and live as examples to others.

I want us to step into God’s Purpose as MEN.

1. What God Has Called Men to Be:

God has given us guidance in His Word. In Micah 6:8, it says, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." What God is saying here is God desires us to live justly, show love and compassion, and walk humbly in our relationship with Him.

In 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Paul encourages words He says: "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." Paul reminds us to be strong in our faith, act with courage, and above all, let love be the driving force behind everything we do.

2. Here are some Qualities that Define Men of God:

As men of God, we are called to embody certain qualities. Integrity, for example, means being honest and true to our word. Love is about caring for others and showing kindness and compassion. Humility is being humble, recognizing that we're not perfect and relying on God's guidance.

These qualities should shine through our lives, showing the world the character of Christ in us.

3. Living as Examples to Others:

Our lives should reflect God's purpose for us. By living with integrity, love, and humility, we become examples to our friends, communities, and especially our Families. When others see us walking in God's ways, it can inspire them to do the same.

We are not only called to follow God's purpose but also to lead by example. As we align our lives with God's will, we become a light in the world, pointing others to the love and truth found in Jesus.

V. Practical Steps for Transformation:

- Provide practical guidance for men on how to let go of their old selves and embrace God's calling.

- Offer suggestions like prayer, reading the Bible, joining a men's group, and serving others.

- Share personal stories or testimonies of your own transformation or those of others.

I want to finish with and leave you with this how you can take practical steps to let go of your old selves and embrace God's calling in our lives.

1. Letting Go of the Old Self:

To start the transformation process, we need to let go of our old ways. This means saying goodbye to habits, thoughts, and behaviors that don't align with God's will. It's like cleaning out the closet of our hearts.

2. Embracing God's Calling:

To embrace God's calling, we need to actively seek Him. Here are some practical steps to help us on this journey:

- Prayer: Spend time talking to God. Share your hopes, fears, and desires with Him. Ask for His guidance and strength.

- Reading the Bible: God's Word is a roadmap for our lives. Reading the Bible helps us understand His will and get to know Him better.

- Joining a Men's Group: Surround yourself with like-minded brothers in faith. A men's group provides support, accountability, and a space to grow together.

- Serving Others: Jesus showed us that true transformation happens when we serve others. Look for opportunities to help those in need.

3. Personal Stories of Transformation:

See there was a time when I faced overwhelming temptations, battled addiction, and was consumed by selfishness. I selfishly wanted everything for myself, spending my time playing video games and watching sports, as if I didn't have a wife or children who needed my love and attention. My heart had become hardened, and I was living solely for the pleasures of the world.

But then, something incredible happened. I encountered Jesus. It was a turning point in my life. As I began to take these practical steps we've been discussing, I felt a profound change within me.

Through prayer, I found the strength to resist temptation and break free from addiction. The Bible became my guide, offering wisdom and hope where I had felt lost. I joined a community of like-minded men who supported and encouraged me, helping me to overcome my selfishness.

Conclusion:

- Call on the men to commit to the process of transformation and to lead by example.

- Offer a closing prayer for God's guidance and strength in this journey.

Men, I want to make a heartfelt call to each one of you who have gathered here today. It's time to commit to this powerful process of transformation. Let us not be content with just listening to the Word, but let us become doers of the Word, living out our faith in our everyday lives.

As men of God, we are called to lead by example. Our actions, attitudes, and relationships should reflect the love and grace of Jesus Christ. We have the opportunity to impact the world around us positively.

And to those among us who may not yet know Jesus or feel the need to recommit to Him, I urge you not to delay. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, and today is the day of salvation. Let's make that commitment now, right here in this moment.

let us leave this event with a renewed determination to live transformed lives, to be true men of God, and to be a shining light in this world. The time for change and renewal is now. Let's take that step together.

Closing Remarks:

- Thank the audience for their time and presence.

- Close with a Prayer.