The Biblical Definition of Manhood

INTRODUCTION

One of the most controversial topics in our society today is the definition of gender. In recent years we have been introduced to phrases like “sexual orientation,” “gender identity,” and “gender fluidity.” It has become acceptable in our society for someone to just decide that they want to identify as the opposite gender, or as both genders at the same time, or as no gender at all. We’ve witnessed the media glorifying stories of children who have undergone “gender-affirming” surgery. Little boys are being transitioned into little girls and little girls are being transitioned into little boys. Our children are being indoctrinated into the LGBTQ+IA lifestyle at events like “Drag Queen Story Time” at their local library. These “alternative lifestyles” are being promoted in their school curriculum, in their favorite music, and even in Disney movies. Let me say plainly this morning that God’s Word allows no provision for an “alternative lifestyle.” In the beginning, God created male and female. Adam and Eve. Not Adam and Steve. And not Ada and Eve.

All of this is nothing more than a satanic attack on the biblical definition of gender, marriage, and God’s plan for the family. Satan knows that if he can deceive humanity into accepting these distorted definitions of gender and the family unit, he can draw them away from the truth of God’s Word and further distort the image of God that is inherent in human beings from Creation. God created men to be men and women to be women. And He designed the marriage covenant to be between a man and a woman. But Satan has hijacked God’s original plan and distorted it into something that is an abomination to God.

And our society has bought into the demonic deception and has made what is an abomination to God, not only acceptable, but normative. So much so, that standing up for the biblical definition of gender and marriage is considered by a growing majority to be bigotry, hate speech, and unacceptable.

But Satan has not just infiltrated our secular society, he has also infiltrated Christian churches and changed the doctrinal positions of mainline denominations and non-denominational churches alike. Because Satan also knows that if he can infiltrate the church with these demonic ideals, he can make the church ineffective and paralyze the advancement of the Kingdom of God in these last days.

That is why I believe, on this Father’s Day, that it is vitally important that we openly declare and teach the biblical definition of manhood. We need men to act like men and to exemplify true biblical manhood. We need to teach the biblical definition of manhood to our children. We need to teach it to our young men. We need to teach it to our young women.

As our young men reach the age where they begin looking for a girlfriend and ultimately a wife, they need to know how to treat a woman, how to be the priest of their household, and how to honor God in their marriage and in the relationships with their children. As our young women reach the age where they begin looking for a boyfriend and ultimately a husband, they need to know the kind of young man to look for, understand the importance of character over charisma, good morals over good looks, and which ones they need to just kick to the curb.

If we as the church do not teach our children and our young men and young ladies God’s version and God’s plan for their life and their marriage, then you can rest assured that the world is going to teach them Satan’s version.

And so today we are going to boldly declare “The Biblical Definition of Manhood.” We are going to unpack what God’s Word has to say about it and how God’s final Word on this matter is diametrically opposed to the satanic agenda that is being promoted in our society today.

Turn with me to 1 Corinthians 16. We’re going to look at two verses there: verses 13 and 14. And we are going to use what Paul writes here to the Corinthian church in these two verses as an outline for our message today.

SCRIPTURE

I’m going to read first out of the King James Version (KJV):

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 KJV 1900

13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 14 Let all your things be done with charity.

But I also want to read these verses out of the English Standard Version (ESV), because I believe it is the clearest translation of these verses:

1 Corinthians 16:13–14 ESV

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

MESSAGE

As I said earlier, we are going to use these two verses as an outline for our message this morning on “The Biblical Definition of Manhood.” And so we are going to discuss these five points:

Be Watchful,

Stand Firm in the Faith,

Act Like Men,

Be Strong, and

Let All That You Do Be Done in Love.

And let me say here before we begin, I’m preaching this message on Father’s Day because it applies to fathers. But it not only applies to fathers, it also applies to husbands. And it not only applies to fathers and husbands, but it also applies to all men, including those who are single and have no children. And, as I said earlier, it is not only important for men and young men to understand how to act like men and fulfill their God-given role, but it is just as important for wives and young women to understand it as well and how it fits into God’s plan for their lives, marriages, and families.

So let’s begin. What is “The Biblical Definition of Manhood?” In other words, according to God’s Word, what does it mean to be a man?

Be Watchful

The Greek word for “be watchful” is γρηγορέω [grēgoreō] {gray-gor-yoo'-o}, which means, (1) to pay attention, (2) to be alert, (3) to stay awake, (4) to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one.

So one of the roles of a man is to be on constant alert and looking out for danger so that he can protect his loved ones from something that could harm them. Men should be protectors. I think for most men this is a natural instinct.

Although, our definition of danger as men might sometimes be different than a woman’s perspective. You’ve probably seen a mom watching her kids at the park. She’s always three steps ahead of them trying to keep them from getting hurt. “Don’t climb on that. Timmy you get back over here this instant. Put that down. Don’t touch that. Oh look, now you’ve got to put on some more hand sanitizer.” Men on the other hand are typically a little different. After about 30 minutes he finally decides to go check on them. He finds Johnny on the top of the monkey bars about to jump and give little Timmy an elbow off the top rope and pin him, 1, 2, 3. He hesitates for just a second, because he wants to see this move himself. But then he realizes he would have a lot of explaining to do when they get home and so he runs and catches Johnny mid-air, narrowly averting disaster.

We might have different definitions of danger, but I think men have a natural instinct designed into their DNA by God to protect those they love. And a Godly man is going to protect his loved ones in a Godly way. And not just physically. Although physical protection is an important part of it. If you want to find out what that looks like, just mess with my wife, my girls, or my momma. You’ll see a side of me that you may not know exists.

But it involves more than just physical protection. It is also emotional and spiritual protection. Men need to be aware of all the fiery darts of the wicked. Men should guard their loved ones as the spiritual protector of the household. Men should be the watchman on the wall. Men should be the gatekeeper of the home. Men should be the bouncer at the door. If something or someone tries to breach the home that is dangerous, the man should stand up against it and whatever it is gets bounced before it has a chance to make it through the door.

That means a man needs to be aware of the devil’s schemes and devices. The man needs spiritual situational awareness. He needs to understand the type of threats that may come against his loved ones. And he needs to be prepared to respond. The Bible calls this being sober minded and vigilant.

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Men of God, you need to be aware that the adversary is not just after you, but he is after your wife, your children, and your loved ones. And it is your God-given responsibility to be watchful and to defend your home and your loved ones from any type of attack: be it physical, emotional, or spiritual.

Stand Firm in the Faith

“Stand firm” is the Greek word στήκω [stēkō] {stay'-ko} which means (1) to perservere, (2) to not give up, (3) to remain stationary.

Men, that means to be steadfast and unmovable in your faith in God. That means you must have a real and meaningful relationship with God first and foremost. Men are designed by God to be the spiritual head of the home. Men are the priests of their families. You can be the best protector of your loved ones physically, but if you are not the spiritual head of your house, then you are being negligent in your duty as a man of God. Men, you are to provide the spiritual direction for your family. You are to stand up first for what is right. You are to stand up first for the truth of God’s Word. And you set the spiritual temperature for the home.

That means you are not easily moved in your beliefs and convictions. You are not tossed about to and fro by every wind of doctrine that comes your way. You stand on the truth of God’s Word and you do not waiver. You lead your family in following Jesus. You leave the footprints for them to follow. You take up your cross and follow Jesus first. You let them see and hear you pray. You let them see and hear you read God’s Word. You let them see and hear you live right at home. You let them see and hear you repent when you mess up. If you see your loved ones drifting away you are the loving shepherd who goes out of your way to rescue them and to bring them back to safety.

Men of God, do not depend on your wife to be the spiritual head of your house. God has established through His Word that men are to be the spiritual head of the home and the church. Adam was created first. God created the first woman Eve by taking a rib out of the side of Adam. When Eve messed up and ate of the forbidden fruit and gave it to Adam, God did not blame it solely on Eve. God put the burden of the responsibility on Adam first because it was Adam’s responsibility to set the spiritual temperature of his home and marriage. It was Adam’s responsibility to be watchful and protect his wife from the deception of the enemy.

Men of God, it is your God-given responsibility to stand firm in the faith and lead your loved ones to do the same.

Act Like Men

I chose to highlight the ESV translation for these verses because of this very statement. The KJV says, “quit you like men.” It has the same meaning, it is just not as clear at first glance. If I were to tell you to “quit you like men,” most of you would probably look at me very confused and wonder what it the world I’m talking about. But if I tell you, “act like men.” Now we’re speaking the same language and you can understand what I mean.

The Greek word for “quit you like men” or “act like men” is ἀνδρίζομαι [andrizomai] {an-drid'-zom-ahee} which means (1) to show oneself to be brave or (2) to act manly.

Since bravery ties into the next point, I’ll leave that one alone for now. Here I’ll focus in on the definition “to act manly.”

This should seem obvious and should go without saying, but men should act like men. You ever heard the statement, “act your age not your shoe size?” That is highly applicable in some cases with men. There is nothing wrong with joking around and having a good time. I do my fair share at times. But I also understand that there is a time to be mature and act like a grown up. Paul said it this way:

1 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

Men should act like men and not just boys in bigger pants.

Men should also dress like men and women should dress like women. I’m not going to start preaching on what’s hanging in your closet, but there are some standards that we need to understand and follow. Let me summarize for you what God’s Word says. Men should dress modestly in the type of clothes that pertain to a man. Women should dress modestly in clothes that pertain to a woman. There should not be any confusion on which one is which.

Deuteronomy 22:5 NKJV

5 “A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God.

If I’m not sure whether to say “sir” or “ma’am” then it is not clear enough. God created men and women different. And those differences are present for a reason. And so there should be a distinction between men and women. Because when men act like men and women act like women, then they are in the will of God and are a positive reflection of His image.

Men of God, it is your God-given responsibility to act like a man.

Be Strong

“Be strong” is the Greek word κραταιόω [krataioō] {krat-ah-yo'-o} which means (1) to increase in strength or (2) to demonstrate bravery.

Ingrained the DNA of a man is a desire to demonstrate physical strength. It is there from an early age.

Just watch a young boy when he has a crush on a young girl. He might challenge her to arm wrestle. Or if they’re swimming he might pick her up and dunk her underwater. Or he might throw a rock at her from a long distance to announce his love for her. Most men don’t have a problem understanding what it means to be strong in a physical sense. But I’m not sure that is the sense in which Paul is writing about here.

A man by the name of Joshua in the Old Testament had the unenviable task of filling the shoes of Moses and leading the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. And God knew that this young man was going to need something more than just physical strength to be successful. Physical strength was going to come in handy in those battles with their enemies. However, God knew that Joshua was also going to need strength of heart. Here is what God told Joshua:

Joshua 1:9 NKJV

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. Men should be strong and courageous in heart. A man might be the strongest man on earth physically, but at the same time be the weakest in heart. And a man might be the weakest man on earth physically, but be the strongest in heart. David fits that description doesn’t he? He wasn’t much of a physical specimen, but David had the heart of a lion. He was brave. He was courageous. He fought the lion and the bear and overcame them. He faced a 9-ft giant and overcame him. And because of his heart, God put his anointing on David.

Because God doesn’t look on the outward appearance. God looks on the heart. God doesn’t measure the worth of a man by the size of his biceps. God measures the worth of a man by the size of his heart.

It takes strength and courage for a man to humble himself before God. It takes strength and courage for a man to admit when he’s wrong. It takes strength and courage to stand up for what’s right when others won’t. It takes strength and courage to admit your weaknesses and limitations and ask God for help.

Men of God, it is your God-given responsibility to be strong and courageous in heart.

Let All that You Do be Done in Love

Here’s what we’ve talked about so far: (1) Be Watchful. (2) Stand Firm in the Faith. (3) Act Like Men. (4) Be Strong. Men, you can try your best to get 1-4 correct, but if you miss this last point, it is all for nothing.

The Greek word for “love” in this verse is ἀγάπη [agapē] {ag-ah'-pay} which is true, sacrificial love that is a reflection of the love of God toward us.

Real men love Jesus. And Real Men that love Jesus love their families and loved ones. Let me speak a moment to some specific men.

Men of God who are husbands, love your wife. Paul wrote to the Ephesian church:

Ephesians 5:25–27 NKJV

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Love your wife like Christ loved the church and died for it. That means love her with a sacrificial love. That means being willing to lay down your life for her. That means making her feel loved. That means making her feel appreciated. That means providing for her needs physically, spiritually, and emotionally. That means not treating her as inferior or less than you. That means recognizing she is the perfectly suited helpmate that God specifically designed to complete you and for you to complete her. That means she takes second place only to God in importance in your life. She’s got to be more important to you than your job. She’s got to be more important to you than your hobbies. She’s got to be more important to you than your friends. She has got to know that she is loved and that she can trust you and is safe with you.

Husbands, love your wife like Christ loves His bride, which is the church, the body of Christ. Jesus one day is going to present His bride as one without spot or blimish. Husbands, you should invest your love in your wife, encourage her, promote her, be proud of her, and present her in such a way that brings honor to her and glory to God.

I’ve seen husbands who always put down and humiliate their wives in public. It’s like they get enjoyment and maybe some sense of superiority and pride by demeaning their wives. God didn’t take a piece of bone from Adam’s skull to create Eve so that Eve would rule over him. God also didn’t take a bone from Adam’s foot so that he could trample over her. God took a rib out of Adam’s side so that he would accept the God-given authority and responsibility as the spiritual head of the house, but not to use that authority to demean and dominate her, but to bring her close to his side, to love her as a co-image bearer of God, and to present her as his glorious bride.

Men of God who are fathers, love your children. Be there for them. Be an example to them. Leave footprints that are easy for them to follow and that lead them in the right direction. Teach them the ways of God. Teach them to love and serve God.

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Be the example you need to be in order to lead them to Jesus. Don’t lead them astray. Don’t be hypocritical and give them a reason to turn away from God and blame God for the bad things that happen in their lives.

Don’t spare the rod, but also remember to discipline out of love. The Bible says God chastens those He loves. So let your love for them always be stronger than every other emotion. And let your love for them motivate you to motivate them to grow into the man or woman that God designed and destined them to be.

Ephesians 6:4 NKJV

4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Men of God, it is your God-given responsibility to love like Jesus.

CLOSING

What is “The Biblical Definition of Manhood?” Well there are many more things that we could say and that the Bible has to say on this subject, but I think the five points we covered today is a good start. If we as men can learn to apply these biblical truths to our lives, only then can we call ourselves real men in the eyes of God.

Be Watchful,

Stand Firm in the Faith,

Act Like Men,

Be Strong, and

Let All That You Do Be Done in Love.

Those five points I believe will help lead us to an understanding of “The Biblical Definition of Manhood.”