On Fathers’ day, it is appropriate that we think about the role of a father as a man and leader in the family, in society and in the church. John Maxwell says that everything rises and falls on leadership. When families fail, more often than not, it is the failure of leadership – the failure of the man in the house. I have therefore chosen to present what the Bible teaches about the role of a man or rather what is expected of a man by God.
“Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: I go the way of all the earth; be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. And keep the charge of the LORD your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn;” (1Ki 2:1-3)
- A MAN PROVIDES & PROTECTS:
Male priests brought food to their families – Lev. 6:18, 29; 7:6; Num 18:10; 2 Chron. 31:19
Soldiers were men: Num 1:3; Num 31:7; Judges 21:11; 1 Kings 11:16,
Men got help for the sick: Matt 14:35; Luke 9:38
2. A MAN IS A REPRESENTATIVE:
- Of a household;
(i). Census was taken of men – Num. 1-3; Num. 26:62; Josh 17:2; Ez. 8; Matt. 14:21; John 6:10; Matt. 7:24; Acts 4:4
(ii). Public addresses were made to “men and brothers” Acts 2, 13, 15:7, 17:22, 19:35, 21:28, 22:1, 23:1, 28:17 while women were to keep silent and ask questions at home I Tim 2:12
(iii) Of other men: traveling as messengers for Cornelius – Acts 10, and Jerusalem Council Acts 15:22
3. A MAN IS A SPIRITUAL LEADER:
- Synagogue leaders: Luke 8:41; (cf. Acts 18:8, 17)
- John’s disciples: Luke 7:20
- Jesus’ disciples: Acts 1:16, 21;
- Elders and deacons: I Tim 3:2, 12, Pray I Tim. 2:8
4. A MAN SHOULD BE RIGHTEOUS:
- Claimed by God in circumcision – Gen 17:10;
- Firstborn belong to God – Deut 15:19; Luke 2:23;
- Can be wicked/sinful – Luke 24:7; Luke 5:8; Acts 20:30
- Or Just – Luke 23:50; Mark 6:20; Mat 1:19; Acts 6:3; Rom 4:8
5. MOST MEN ARE A HUSBAND:
- Homosexuality outlawed: Lev 18:22; 20:13; Rom. 1:27
- “Man” used interchangeably with “Husband:” Luke 1:27, 2:36; Gal 4:27; Rom 7:2-3; John 4:16; I Cor 7:2-3
- Headship over wife: I Cor 11:3, Eph 5:22 and
- Love commanded toward wife: Eph 5:25; Col 3:19; I Pet 3:7
6. TO BE A MAN IS TO BE MATURE:
- Put away childish selfishness: I Cor 13:11
- Mature in knowledge and fullness of Christ: Eph. 4:13
- Self-control: James 3:2
- Endure temptation: James 1:12
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