Because Americans have largely abandoned moral and creational norms … men especially have lost their purpose. What are men for? Why have they been created? What is your mission in life as a man? Secularism has no answers for these questions. Having taken away the Biblically based worldview and standard of morality, secularism has led to a dangerous concoction of a dearth of purpose and low expectations. This is leading many men down a path that leads to self-destruction … and the destruction of others that intersect with their life, usually women and children. We have to do better. How do we defy the status quo?
I. The Biblical Foundation for Manhood
A. Fortitude: “a quality of character combining courage and staying power.” “Courage built on strength of soul.” “Conviction.”
B. Fortitude also involves truth.
C. 1 Corinthians 16.13-14 emphasizes all four: Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.
Truth: stand firm in
, i.e., the truth revealed by God through Scripture. Conviction: We
in the faith. We do not waver or vacillate. Courage:
, i.e., conduct yourself in a courageous way. Strength: be
. This is balanced by love: Do everything in
. D. The biblical definition of a man: He is not weak; not vacillating, not fearful, not unloving … but *a man with fortitude in an environment of love. *
II. Three Ways You can Resist the Status Quo
A. Be Courageous, Deuteronomy 31.6, 8, 23… Moses commissions Joshua as the next leader
Deuteronomy 31.7-8: Be strong and courageous, …The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
Be strong and courageous. This is how a man acts.
Joshua is facing a formidable task; a formidable enemy …Joshua 1.1-8… God assures Joshua of his presence, provision, purpose, & providence
Do you see yourself as a man of God?
B. Don’t Compromise Your Convictions
If something is a conviction, … non-negotiable, he will never vacillate on that point.
It doesn’t matter if the appeal is for money, more power or prestige, sex, or whatever.
Ephesians 6.13: having prepared everything, to
. A man with fortitude will not compromise his convictions.
C. Resist the Temptation to Tolerate Sin Around You
Hold the standard high at every front. Don’t compromise, sell out your ideals and stop obeying God.
The call is for us to be men of integrity: Undivided; Whole. Profession matches practice.
Psalm 15:1-2: Lord, who can dwell in your tent? Who can live on your holy mountain? The one who lives blamelessly, practices
, and acknowledges the truth in his heart—
III. As We Close…
A. Your manliness will always be tested.
B. So… be courageous, know the truth, build your convictions on the truth, and have the courage to take your stand on them and build the strength to win the battle.