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Introduction

· “The decline of true manhood is real. The danger to our boys and young men is real. Unless major changes are made, we will see this trend continue and worsen.”
· John Piper and Wayne Grudem, in Recovering Biblical Manhood & Womanhood, provide the following insight for understanding why there is need to be concerned with the current trends which are indicative of a manhood crisis.
- Marriage patterns do not portray the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32)

- Parenting practices do not train boys to be masculine or girls to be feminine
- Homosexual tendencies and increasing attempts to justify homosexual alliances (Nearly half of young Evangelicals (ages 18-29) favor same-sex marriage. According to Pew research, 62% of white mainline Protestants now favor allowing same sex marriages and 63% say there is no conflict between their religious beliefs and homosexuality.)
- Patterns of unbiblical female leadership in the church that reflect and promote confusion over the true meaning of manhood and womanhood (According to sojo.net, 15% of American congregations are led by ladies.)

What is to be done? Answer: Men must imitate the biblical manhood as found in Jesus and ladies must support this way of life.

I. Jesus Applied Himself to Becoming Mature As A Man (Luke 2:46-52).

A. Spiritually (v. 46)
B. Obediently (v. 51)
C. Intellectually (v. 52)
D. Physically (v. 52)
E. Relationally (v. 52)

II. Jesus Had A Strong Work Ethic
A. We know from Scripture that He grew up in a carpenter’s home (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3)

This work would have been:
1. Manual. No automation.
2. Skilled. It required the use of available tools with care and precision. As recorded in Manners and Customs of Bible Lands, Jesus would have used a measuring tool, marking tool, plane, compass, ax, saws, nails, hammers and awls.
3. Multi-faceted labor. Many different things would have been possibly made. Manners and Customs of Bible Lands records that it is possible Jesus made a variety of things including, yokes, wooden plows, wooden locks and keys, roofs, windows, tables, chairs, stools and storage chests. Ornamental work included, roof paneling, lattice work for windows and decorative art on house doors.

B. We know from Scripture that Jesus worked hard at ministry too (John 21:25)

1. He traveled extensively
2. He taught repetitively
3. He performed numerous miracles
4. He trained His disciples
5. He invested one-on-one time with individuals

III. Jesus Respected Women (In this He was counter-cultural)
A. He spoke to them publicly (John 4:7-9; 8:3-11)

B. He used their good actions as examples for others to follow (Mark 12:41-44; 14:6-9)

C. He was tender and compassionate toward them (Mark 5:25-34; Luke 13:10-13)

D. He honored and respected His mother (John 19:25-27)

IV. Jesus Loved Children

E. Loving children like Jesus:
1. Get on their level. Bring them close.
2. Be welcoming.
3. Speak positive words into their life.
4. Sympathize with what negatively impacts them.
5. Learn from them.
6. Protect them.

V. Jesus Exercised Self-Control

C. How may we develop this kind of self-control?
1. Understand the nature of temptation and look to Jesus for satisfaction.
a. Lust of the flesh
b. Lust of the eyes
c. Pride of life
2. Develop a Scripture based strategy
a. Memorize Scripture topically
b. Meditate on Scripture
c. Quote verses aloud while being tempted