The Family Man (current and future)

Introduction:

We have now explored how you as a man can grow and become the man God wants you to be. Today we are going to explore the role of a man in the family.

Quote:

“Real men of God stay faithful. They don’t have time to look for other women, because they’re too busy looking for new ways to love their own” Author – Unknown

We are going to discuss:

• Single men
• Married men
• Fatherhood

SINGLE MEN

Some questions young men are asking:

• As a young man, how can I grow in my relationship with God?
• How do I search for the right spouse?
• How can I position myself the best?

Just a quick overview of the characteristics of a godly, masculine man:

• Fearless
• Fierce
  • Love fiercely
  • Protect fiercely
• Strong (physically, mentally, and spiritually)
• Passionate about life
• Champion
  • Stand up for what is right
  • Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves
• Dangerous (physically, mentally and spiritually)
• Strive for excellence
• Relentless/never gives up
• Resilient
• Pure of heart
• Uncompromising

What does the Word of God say?

• Ecc.11:9 (NLT)
  • 9 Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do.
• Ps. 119:9
  • 9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
• Ps. 119:11 (NLT)
  • 11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

What does it mean in practice?

• God permits you to enjoy life, but He will ask you to give an account of what you did. So enjoy it responsibly.
• Grow in your knowledge of God’s Word (Bible). Get to know God through his Word and quiet time.
• Get yourself a spiritual mentor.
• Know that it is a journey – NO ONE is born with all the characteristics of a Godly, masculine man. We will have to cultivate these characteristics.
• Growth = Effort + Discipline. Without this, you are going nowhere. We understand this when going to the gym, but, the same applies to all areas of our lives.
• Surround yourself with the right friends. Move away from bad influences.
• Find a life mentor.
• Become the man God wants you to be and the right spouse will naturally gravitate towards you.

Food for thought from Optimus Minds

These realities that every man needs to realize before it's too late :

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is believing that love is finding the right person. Love is about becoming the right person. Don't go looking for the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Become the kind of person you want to spend the rest of your life with. The right people will naturally gravitate towards you.

Once you stop fantasizing about the ideal version of yourself and start working towards becoming that person without procrastinating. You'll realize that it was so simple all along. Becoming your ideal self will only ever exist in your mind until you make that decision to become that person. The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.

It is OK to be lost. It means that you've never been this version of yourself before. You must get lost to become found.

·Marriage is hard but divorce is harder. Staying fit is hard but obesity is harder. Being financially disciplined is hard but being in debt is harder. Choose your hard. Nothing of value comes easy.

MARRIED MEN

What does the Word of God say?

• Prov. 18:22 (NLT)
  • 22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.
• Eph. 5: 21-26 (NLT)
  • 21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything. 25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.
• 1 Pet 3:7 (NLT)
  • 7 In the same way, husbands must give honor to their wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

What does it mean in practice?

• A wife is a treasure from God (a blessing)
• You are the head of your house, not to be served, but to lead and serve
• Knight in shining armor
  • This implies that you have fought and are ready to fight any battles for and on behalf of your wife. The proof: battle scars.
  • You cannot be a knight in shining armor without the ability to stand up and fight.
• You MUST honor your wife and treat her right so that God will listen to and answer your prayers.
• Be a King, Priest, and Prophet
  • King; reigns over the people and FOR the people. The king is also responsible to protect and lead his people
  • Priest:
    • Spiritual leader
    • Intercedes on behalf of the family
  • Prophet
    • Speaks life
    • Speaks the Word of God into the lives of his family

FATHERHOOD

What does the Word of God say?

• Mal 4:6 (NLT)
  • 6 His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers..
• Eph. 6: 4 (NLT)
  • 4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
• Prov. 14:26 (NLT)
  • 26 Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children.

What does it mean in practice?

• The father is the spiritual leader and example of the household
• The father is the source of love– for both your wife and your children
  • Emotional
  • Physical
• The father is the source of joy
• The father is the source of hope
• The father is the anchor of the family
• The father is the protector
• The father is the teacher and mentor
• The father is the biggest supporter and encourager

Questions to ponder:

• Is there something new that you’ve learned today?
• In which area of your life do you need development? What are you going to do, to correct that?
• In summary what part of the entire series meant the most to you?