Scripture Reading: Psalm 15

I Sought for a Man

Intro.

1. Ezek. 22:30 – God looked for a man who would “stand in the gap” to protect His people from defilement & His sure wrath against sin (Psa. 106:23).

2. God looks for godly men in a godless world.

3. A man can be God’s man in today’s world – Titus 2:1-2, 6-8.

4. Don’t be fooled into believing the world’s definition of a “real man” – it is not God’s man!

I. THE WORLD’S VIEW OF A “REAL MAN.”

A. “Legal Age” (21 yrs old; cf. 1 Kgs. 12:6-8).

B. Physical Strength (virile, muscular, fit, “might makes right”).

1. Will not always be so, but no less a man (Psa. 71:9; Prov. 20:29).

2. cf. Samson – Strong, yet foolish.

C. Wealth (money-making ability; Lk. 12:15; cf. 9:58).

D. Machismo (tough-guy; displays a prideful heart; Prov. 21:4; 16:18).

1. “I’m my own man & nobody is going to tell me what to do!”

2. This “man” hasn’t yet learned that we are all under authority to someone or something (Matt. 8:9).

II. SHOW THYSELF A MAN – 1 Kgs. 2:1-3.

A. God’s Man is Strong in Faith – 2:2 (cf. Josh. 1:6, 7, 9).

1. Moral courage & the fortitude of faith, not physical prowess, marks God’s man – 1 Cor. 16:13 (cf. 2 Pet. 1:5).

2. You will be challenged every day (family, work, friends; respon., 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 & 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 & gifts of God – cf. 1 Cor. 4:1-2.

2. Accepts his role & work; Holds himself responsible & answerable; doesn’t blame others when he bears responsibility.

3. Dependable, reliable & trustworthy: Wife? Children? Parents? Co-workers? Church? God?

D. God’s Man is Honorable – 2:4.

1. Truth & integrity of heart marks God’s man – cf. Matt. 22:37.

2. Clean & steadfast heart – Psa. 51:10.

3. His motives are upright, his attitudes pure.

III. GOD IS LOOKING FOR REAL MEN – Jer. 5:1; Isa. 66:2.

A. God’s Man is Just & Fair – Jer. 5:1.

1. God’s man does not promote himself at the expense of others; not oppressive.

2. He is honest, equitable & just in his treatment of others; 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. – Psa. 15:4-5.

B. God’s Man is a Seeker of Truth – 5:1.

1. God’s man shuns evil, pursues truth & righteousness - 1 Tim. 6:11-12.

2. Conforms himself to word of God – 2 Tim. 3:16-17 (2 Tim. 2:15).

C. The Conduct of God’s Man Blesses Others – 5:1.

1. God’s man is concerned about the welfare of others – cf. Gal. 6:1-2.

2. His example & influence helps through around him (1 Pet. 2:12).

D. God’s Man Knows His Limitations & Puts His Faith in God – Isa. 66:2.

1. God’s man is humble & merciful of heart, which governs his conduct before God and toward others – Micah 6:6-8.

2. Knows he is a man before Almighty God! – Psa. 8:4, 9

Conclusion

1. There is no man who has not sinned in these matters – 1 Kgs. 8:46.

2. God provides forgiveness; men should reverence Him! – Psa. 130:3-4

3. Whose man will you be: the world’s, or God’s?