It’s Time to Be Men

The bible speaks of two potential paths for men. One led by Adam into death. The other led by Jesus into Life.

Speaking of the differences of Adam and Jesus, Paul says this……

Romans 5:18–19 ESV

18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

Men, there are paths set before you that will either bring death to you and your families or life. The way of Christ. Or the way of Adam.

Hebrews 12:2 ESV

2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

A man is one who rejects passivity, accepts responsibility, leads courageously, and expects the greater reward

A man is one who rejects passivity,

Bad: Adam eating the fruit with eve

Adam passively gave into temptation, and it almost destroyed all of humanity.

Genesis 3:6 ESV

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

Jesus: tempted in the wilderness and yet resisted.

Matthew 4

He knew the father’s purpose and how high the stakes were. if Jesus had passively given into temptation, it would’ve destroyed all of humanity.

I will not passively sit by while the tempter seeks to destroy my family and church.

Accepts responsibility

Bad: Adam blame shifting in the garden.

Genesis 3:12 ESV

12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”

This is an example of not accepting responsibility for lack of obedience.

Adam’s blame ultimately questioned God’s purposes for Eve and blamed God for sin.

Jesus: Praying in the garden. Not my will, but your will.

Luke 22:41-42

Luke 22:41–42 ESV

41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

This is accepting responsibility for obediance

Jesus accepted and trusted His Father’s will. He accepted His assignment from His Father. He went forward as the new head representative of humanity. So long Adam, and hello Jesus!

Leads courageously

Bad: The men of Judges failed to step up and lead. So Deborah did.

Judges 4:9 ESV

9 And she said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the road on which you are going will not lead to your glory, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh.

The Book of judges is a sad and sickening portrait of what happens when men don’t live into what God has called them to be. Even the best of leaders in the book of judges were cowards, playboys, and murder

Jesus: Jesus set his face towards Jerusalem

Luke 9:51 ESV

51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.

At one of our most desperate times of need, when the steaks were the highest for Jesus, he stepped forward and moved towards a death that would redeem my soul.

and expects the greater reward

Bad: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, all struggled to believe God’s promise

Abraham and Isaac both lied about who their wives were because they were afraid that had the power to destroy promises God made to them. Some speculate that they may have hoped to receive an heir through the kings they deceived.

God made clear to them the reward for being his chosen people.

Jesus

Mark 14:61 ESV

61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

Mark 14:62 ESV

62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

When it appeared, as if Jesus was about to be cut down and destroyed, and with him, all hope for a restoring king. Jesus affirmed the plan that God had all along. Jesus would be raised up, aa end to heaven, and one day return.