The Marks of Biblical Manhood

September 15, 2024

FBC Baxley

am service

Carolyn Werner, Piper Carter__________________________________________________________________

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We are all prodigals here…

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*Acts 4:12 (repeat)

*John 3:16

Sermon Title: The Marks of Biblical Manhood

Scripture Passage: Genesis 2:15-25

15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden,

17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

19 Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.

20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him.

21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.

22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.

23 Then the man said,

“This at last is bone of my bones

and flesh of my flesh;

she shall be called Woman,

because she was taken out of Man.”

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

-PRAY

Three Points:

A Man Committed to God-Honoring Labor (Genesis 2:15)

A Man Committed to God’s Law (Genesis 2:16-17)

A Man Committed to the Priority of Marriage and Family (Genesis 2:18, 24)

Introduction

In Genesis 2, we witness the creation of man and woman, reflecting God's perfect design before the fall.

This passage presents a pristine picture of manhood as God intended, untainted by sin.

Today’s culture often defines manhood by three misleading benchmarks: the ballfield, the bedroom, and the billfold. (Voddie Baucom)

But these measures will leave you disillusioned!

Instead, let’s explore the biblical blueprint for manhood—a model grounded in God's Word, which prioritizes godly labor, lawful living, and loving leadership in the family.

1. A Man Committed to God-Honoring Labor (Genesis 2:15)

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”

Scriptural Insight:

Genesis 2:15 shows that before the fall, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to “work it and keep it.”

Work is not a curse but a divine commission.

The curse, as outlined in Genesis 3:17-19, altered the nature of work, introducing toil and hardship, but the dignity of labor remains.

Original Language Reference:

The Hebrew word for "work" (עָבַד - abad) in Genesis 2:15 implies both service and worship.

Man’s labor is an act of devotion to God.

Supporting Scriptures:

Proverbs 6:6-8: Learn diligence from the ant, which works without supervision.

Proverbs 26:13-16: Laziness breeds cowardice and excuses.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-12: Paul admonishes believers against idleness, urging that if anyone is unwilling to work, they should not eat.

1 Timothy 5:8: Providing for one's household is a fundamental aspect of godly labor.

Application:

Biblical manhood calls for diligence and discipline in work.

A godly man does not shirk responsibility but sees his labor as a service to the Lord.

He works not for mere survival or self-indulgence but to glorify God, provide for his family, and serve his community.

2. A Man Committed to God’s Law (Genesis 2:16-17)

“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden,

17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Scriptural Insight:

Before the fall, God established His law in the Garden, commanding Adam regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17).

Obedience to God’s law is foundational to manhood.

Original Language Reference:

The word for "commanded" (צָוָה - tzavah) indicates a charge or command that carries weight and authority, underscoring man’s responsibility to obey God’s directives.

Supporting Scriptures:

Romans 5:19: Through Adam’s disobedience, sin entered the world, showing the gravity of man’s responsibility.

1 Corinthians 11:8: Adam was created first, signifying his role in leadership and accountability.

Ephesians 5:25-26: A godly man is called to sanctify his wife by the washing of the Word, emphasizing his role as a spiritual leader.

Ephesians 6:1-4: Fathers are commanded to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Application:

A godly man must be well-versed in God’s law, understanding and living by His commandments.

He is responsible for communicating God’s truth to his family, discipling his wife and children, and ensuring that his household walks in righteousness.

This commitment to God's law defines his integrity and leadership.

3. A Man Committed to the Priority of Marriage and Family (Genesis 2:18, 24)

18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Scriptural Insight:

God declared that it was not good for man to be alone and created a helper suitable for him (Genesis 2:18).

–Marriage and family are central to God’s design for manhood.

Original Language Reference:

The Hebrew word for "helper" (עֵזֶר - ezer) reflects a companion who supports and complements, indicating that marriage is a partnership designed by God.

Supporting Scriptures:

Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 7: While singleness is a gift for some, marriage is the normative pattern established by God.

Ephesians 6:1-3: The command to honor one’s father and mother carries the first promise, showing the significance of family relationships.

5th Commandment (Exodus 20:12): A man’s respect for his parents often reflects his potential as a husband and father.

Application:

Biblical manhood involves prioritizing marriage and family.

A godly man values his wife as a co-heir of the grace of life, nurturing and leading his household.

He recognizes the importance of family as the foundational institution ordained by God and commits himself to building a legacy of faith and righteousness.

Conclusion:

In summary, biblical manhood is characterized by three core commitments:

Labor: He is industrious, diligent, and sees his work as worship.

Law: He is grounded in God’s Word, living by divine principles and teaching them to his family.

Love: He prioritizes marriage and family, leading his household with sacrificial love and integrity.

Is he obedient and respectful?

Does he honor his father and mother?

Is he committed to the well-being and spiritual growth of his children?

These are the marks of a true man of God, as outlined in the Scriptures.

-Pray

-Invitation