Scripture Reading: Psalm 15
I Searched For A Man
Intro.
1. God searched for a man who would “stand in the gap” to protect His people from defilement and His certain wrath against sin, Ezek. 22:30 (cf. Moses, Ps. 106:23). God looks for godly men in a godless world.
2. A man can be God’s man in today’s world, Titus 2:1-2, 6-8.
3. Don’t be fooled into accepting the world’s definition of a “real man” – often it is not the man for which God searches.
I. THE WORLD’S VIEW OF MANHOOD.
A. When You Reach Legal Age (18, 21 years old; cf. 1 Kings 12:6-8).
B. Physical Strength (virile, muscular, fit, “might makes right”). Good genes that continue the species.
1. Won’t always be vigorous, but no less a man, Ps. 71:9; Prov. 20:29.
2. cf. Samson: Young, strong, yet foolish.
C. Wealthy (money-making ability), Luke 12:15; cf. Jesus, 9:58.
D. Macho-Man (tough guy; May come from pride, Prov. 21:4; 16:18).
1. “I’m my own man and nobody is going to tell me what to do!”
2. This “man” hasn’t yet learned that we all live under authority to someone or something (Matt. 8:9).
E. The Feminized Man. (The modern “pajama boy man-child.”)
1. Feminism in America has stripped men of credibility and leadership roles in the home, society, and the church, 1 Cor. 11:3.
2. Men have helped and bear responsibility. (cf. Gen. 3:12).
3. Result: Distorted views of gender roles (men and women); Weak men, families, nations, and churches.
II. BE STRONG AND PROVE YOURSELF TO BE A MAN, 1 Kings 2:1-3.
A. God’s Man is Strong in Faith, 2:2 (cf. Josh. 1:6, 7, 9).
1. Moral courage and the fortitude of faith (not physical prowess) identify God’s man, 1 Cor. 16:13 (cf. 2 Pet. 1:5).
2. You will be challenged every day (family, work, friends, responsibilities, temptations, etc.).
3. God’s man wears the shield of faith (Eph. 6:16).
B. God’s Man is Obedient, 2:3.
1. Humble, obedient faith that walks in God’s ways marks God’s man, cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
2. Wise and solid foundation for life, Matt. 7:24-25.
C. God’s Man is Responsible, 2:3.
1. Keeps the charge of the Lord: God’s man knows he is a steward of the blessings and gifts of God, cf. 1 Cor. 4:1-2.
2. Accepts his role and work; Holds himself responsible and answerable; doesn’t blame others when he bears responsibility.
3. Dependable, reliable and trustworthy: Wife, children, parents, co-workers, the church, God.
D. God’s Man is Honorable, 2:4.
1. Truth and integrity of heart identify God’s man, cf. Matt. 22:37.
2. Clean and steadfast heart, Ps. 51:10.
3. His motives are upright, his attitudes pure.
III. GOD IS LOOKING FOR UPRIGHT MEN, Jer. 5:1; Isa. 66:2.
A. God’s Man is Just and Fair, Jer. 5:1.
1. God’s man does not promote himself at the expense of others, not oppressive.
2. He is honest, equitable, and just in his treatment of others; He does not surrender his integrity.
a. Toward his wife, 1 Pet. 3:5-7.
b. Toward his children, Col. 3:21.
c. Toward his word in business, etc., Ps. 15:4-5.
B. God’s Man is a Seeker of Truth, 5:1.
1. He shuns evil, pursues truth and righteousness, 1 Tim. 6:11-12.
2. Conforms himself to God’s word, 2 Tim. 3:16-17 (2 Tim. 2:15).
C. God’s Man’s Conduct Blesses Others, 5:1.
1. God’s man is concerned about the welfare of others, cf. Gal. 6:1-2.
2. His example and influence helps those around him (1 Pet. 2:12).
D. God’s Man Knows His Limitations and Trusts in God (not himself), Isa. 66:2.
1. God’s man is humble and merciful of heart, which governs his conduct before God and toward others, Micah 6:6-8.
2. Knows he stands before Almighty God, Ps. 8:4, 9.
Conclusion
1. There is no man (except Jesus) who has not sinned in these matters, 1 Kings 8:46.
2. God forgives. God’s man reverently waits on the Lord, Ps. 130:3-4.
3. Whose man will you be: The world’s man, or God’s man? (Ladies: Which man do you want your man to be?)
By: Joe R. Price
Posted October 27, 2021