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Only God Can Make a Man

Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person. GENESIS 2:7 NLT

Men Need God…

To challenge them for where they are

Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” GENESIS 3:9 NLT

Men can run from their responsibilities but they can never run from God

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. … If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; PSALM 139:7-12 NIV

To celebrate them when they get it right

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” MATTHEW 3:16-17 NIV

For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 2 PETER 1:17 BSB

Inspire them to what they could be

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” JOSHUA 1:9 NLT

We can’t criticize men into becoming like Christ

Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” MATTHEW 16:17-19 NLT

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 KJV

To show them how to be a better man

“Look, God is all-powerful. Who is a teacher like him? JOB 36:22 NLT

God knows how to be a faithful husband

God knows how to be a loving father

God knows how to be a good man

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. COLOSSIANS 3:10 NLT

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 ESV

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, 1 TIMOTHY 6:11-12 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Prepare to spend some time with God, reflecting on what He wants you to receive from the message and any actions He may want you to take. Find a quiet place and allow your thoughts and emotions to become still. If you need to, go for a walk. Take a few deep breaths. When you are ready, ask God to guide your time. What does a masculine man look like to you? Now, picture a masculine man from God’s viewpoint. What differences do you see? If you are a man, ask God to help you discern where you are in becoming a godly man. What has helped you grow into a more spiritually mature person? Give thanks to God for these influences. What has hindered your development as a godly man? What areas do you find yourself covering up, trying to hide from God and/or others? Ask God for His help to overcome these obstacles. As you think about 1 Corinthians 2:9 and all the things God has prepared for you as you trust and obey Him, what are your thoughts and feelings? Close your time by praying God will grow the men at Sandals into becoming more godly men, faithful husbands, and loving fathers as they are mentored by God. If you are a woman, pray that He will impress upon you and show you how you can help fight the battle for godly men at Sandals.

Discussion Questions

Choose a couple of the following questions from each section that best fit your group. Or, have everyone read the questions, choosing which one(s) from each section that they feel led to respond to.

  1. START HERE: Who are some men (real or fictional) that you admire?
  2. START HERE: What would you say are the differences between being a boy and being a man?
  3. START HERE: When has someone celebrated you and spoken life-giving words to you? (I see you; I believe in you; you can do this!)
  4. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 3:16-17 (NLT). What makes words of affirmation so powerful?
  5. KEEP GOING: Where do you find yourself searching for validity and affirmation?
  6. KEEP GOING: Take a moment of real vulnerability: What in your life are you most afraid of? (As people share, respond as a group by simply affirming their courage in sharing.)
  7. KEEP GOING: Read Joshua 1:1-9 (NLT). What role or responsibility is God calling you to do courageously with Him?
  8. LIVE IT OUT: Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT). How could you grow in the practice of reading scripture every day?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: Who is a man you could affirm this week? Pray for him right now and consider how you could celebrate him.
  10. LIVE IT OUT: Pray for the men of our church–including the next generation–that they will experience God’s love for them and courageously join the adventure that God is calling them into.