A Biblical Man Devotional

A Biblical Man A compilation of devotionals written by and for the men of Mars Hill

CONTENTS

A Biblical Man Perseveres

1

A Biblical Man is a Lover of Others

5

A Biblical Man has Self-Discipline

9

13

A Biblical Man is Humble, Honest, and Kind

17

A Biblical Man is a Servant Leader

23

A Biblical Man is a Lover of God

27

A Biblical Man is Full of Integrity

31

A Biblical Man is Loyal

A Biblical Man Perseveres

by Steven Booker “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

-Galatians 6:9

Have you ever had a chore or homework assignment that seemed never to end? No matter how much time or effort you put into it, there was so much more to complete. You work as hard as you can, but at some point it feels almost impossible to continue. Part of becoming a biblical man is facing this reality with an eternal perspective so that you can persevere.

We can easily be blinded by something negative or hurtful that someone says to us, a phone call that doesn’t go the way we want, or a commitment that we begin to feel is too much to see through to completion.

The truth is, we are living in a world at war. Every day, we are fighting against the effects of the fall. This lineage is linked back to our ancient ancestors, Adam and Eve. We experience heartache, engage in work that feels meaningless, pursue relationships that end up hurting us, or find that things seem more difficult than they were meant to be. It is in this reality that we are brought face to face with a choice: do I give up or keep pressing on?

1

In Genesis chapter 3, Adam is told that the ground will be cursed, and it will bear thorns and thistles. Adam’s curse was that his work would be exhausting and bear little fruit for his labor.

This reality can quickly leave anyone feeling hopeless. This is the beauty of Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap, if we do not give up.”

There is a promise for “reaping” in due season to those that do not grow weary or give up in doing good. This promise is amazing if you think about it. It is in some ways in defiance to the effects of the fall. For when you struggle to keep doing good and only see weeds and thorns, REMAIN. The fruit will come if you do not give up!

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the call to keep doing good, especially in today’s society. But in the context of the book of Galatians, this challenge follows the instructions to walk by the Spirit of God. We can not do this in our own strength, but it is by God’s Spirit that we are equipped to persevere.

The next time you face that situation that exhausts you or feels too challenging to keep pressing on, remind yourself of this truth and ask God’s Spirit to strengthen you to keep doing good without growing weary.

2

Journaling Page on Perseverance

Can you think of a major challenge in your life through which God taught you perseverance?

What biblical character do you think best represents perseverance and why?

Other thoughts and scriptures about perseverance:

3

A Biblical Man is a Lover of Others

by Josh Farmer “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”

-Leviticus 19:18 “And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

-Matthew 22:39

During the 1850s, when slavery was illegal in the North but legal in the South, freed slave Harriet Tubman did something remarkable.

After experiencing freedom at the age of 45, it would have been understandable for Tubman to retreat north and live the rest of her life in peace. But as a slave who experienced freedom, she could not turn her back on her brothers and sisters who were still in bondage. Her leadership as a worker in the Underground Railroad earned her the title, the “Moses of Her People.” She helped lead over 300 slaves to freedom! Tubman was a slave who experienced freedom and wanted others to experience it as well. She was willing to sacrifice her own wellbeing so that others might receive freedom.

5

As Christ-followers, believers are commanded to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39). When a person comes face to face with the love and grace that Jesus displayed through his sacrificial example, they encounter love in its purest form. Adam’s sin left mankind hopeless, broken, and destined to live a life apart from a relationship with God. He was dead and a slave to the bondage of sin.

The greatest news of all is that God did not leave him in this state. “But God being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together in Christ.” (Eph. 4:4-5).

It is out of an overflow of what God has done for him that he does for others. In John 13:34-35, Jesus is wrapping up his earthly ministry and is with his disciples. He shares these words, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

A man who experiences the love of Christ cannot help but express that love to others. He has experienced freedom from sin! As Tubman desired to see slaves free, he will want to see others experience the same liberty.

Jesus’ love required selflessness and sacrifice. For a man to truly be a lover of others, his life will be marked by the same. That type of life won’t always be easy (Jesus was rejected, mocked, and even spit on), and it won’t be painless (Jesus was crucified), but it will be the most rewarding.

As Kyle Idleman, pastor and author says, “Serving others is the most beautiful and joyous way to live.”

6

Journaling Page on Loving Others

What is one way this week you can serve God by serving others?

Where at Mars Hill Church can you serve?

Other thoughts and scriptures about loving others:

7

A Biblical Man has Self-Discipline

by Ben Joffe “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths.

Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

-I Timothy 4:7-8

What is the purpose of hard work? A man doesn’t work hard because he enjoys hard work. When a man works hard, it’s because he wants to accomplish something. He wants to perfect a skill like shooting a rifle, or build something useful like a tool shed, or achieve some other worthy purpose. In other words, there is a goal or purpose in mind that drives the hard work. If there is no purpose, the hard work is miserable and meaningless.

A Christian man’s purpose is twofold: to know God (Philippians 3:8) and to glorify God in all that he does (Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 10:31). This purpose is a Christian man’s worthy life-long pursuit. The Apostle Paul described this pursuit like a race in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

9

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Christian men are training for a life of serving God to His glory. The hard work that Paul urges Christian men to pursue is self-discipline. They are to discipline themselves in godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Paul isn’t waiting for godliness to be bestowed upon him; instead, he is actively pursuing godliness. Paul is putting in hard work and self-discipline because he has a worthy purpose!

There are many ways a Christian man can discipline himself in his pursuit of this worthy purpose. He can read, memorize, and meditate on scripture. He can continuously pray for guidance and wisdom in how to serve God best. He can seek out other men in pursuit of the same purpose to encourage him in his training.

Paul understands his self-discipline and hard work in pursuing godliness are only possible in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13). The type of self-discipline necessary to pursue godliness is not natural to us. We need a helper. A Biblical man not only understands the worthiness of pursuing God’s glory, but he also prays for the Holy Spirit to empower his pursuit of godliness to push him towards his purpose of knowing and glorifying God.

10

Journaling Page on Self-Discipline

Why is self discipline so difficult?

Can you think of a trial in your life in which you’ve had great self discipline?

Other thoughts and scriptures about self-discipline:

11

A Biblical Man is Loyal

by Ben Joffe “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

-Hosea 6:6

God desires our loyalty (Hosea 6:6). But what is loyalty? Simply put, loyalty is a show of support or allegiance to someone or something. When a man is clearly committed to something, he is said to be loyal.

A man demonstrates his loyalty through both his words and his actions.

For example, a man might show his loyalty to another person, his best friend perhaps, by encouraging him, spending time with him, offering help when it is needed, and rejoicing when he experiences success. A man might demonstrate his loyalty to a thing, like his favorite sports team, by wearing its colors, cheering for it during games, and celebrating when it experiences victory.

Everyone demonstrates loyalty to someone or something. But how does a person choose what to be loyal to, or which of his loyalties is most important? Some men selfishly choose to be loyal to themselves above all else. This type of man would seek his own interests, happiness, and glory first, and then use only whatever strength he has left to benefit others.

13

A Christian man’s loyalties should be ordered according to the words of Jesus as he identifies the two greatest commandments in Matthew 22:36-39. The first of these great commandments is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

A Biblical man owes his highest loyalty to God because of the great salvation God gave the world through Jesus (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). He is to be devoted, dedicated, and committed to God above all. And his loyalty to God should be all-encompassing – not just in the words that he says when he is praying or worshiping in song, but also in his deeds as he obeys God and seeks God’s glory first.

The second of these great commandments, and a Biblical man’s secondhighest loyalty, is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” A Biblical man will be devoted, dedicated, and committed to the wellbeing of all the people around him – family, friends, classmates, etc. This means valuing other people above himself, serving them wholeheartedly, and most of all, sharing with them the great love of Jesus.

It is not a bad thing to have loyalties aside from God and neighbors, for example, having a favorite sports team or a favorite hobby. But God comes first, others come second, and everything else – include oneself – comes after.

14

Journaling Page for Loyalty

Who is the most loyal person in your life?

Who are you most loyal to?

How does loyalty shape friendship?

Other thoughts and scriptures about loyalty:

15

A Biblical Man is Humble, Honest, and Kind

by Josh Pepper “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. ... Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

-Ephesians 4:25, 32 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

-Philippians 2:3

It seems like everyone has an opinion on what a man is supposed to be.

Some might say a man is strong and in good shape. Others may say a man is someone with a lot of success and money. Still others would tell you that a man is stoic, tough by nature, and cannot be easily hurt or taken advantage of.

Thankfully, we don’t have to look far for our example of manhood; God’s word gives us all the direction we need. It shows us that three vital elements to Biblical manhood are humility, honesty, and kindness.

17

Humility “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” -Philippians 2:3 There might not be any greater character trait a man can have than humility. After all, Jesus himself, the best example of Biblical manhood, “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil 2:8) The Son of God made his own wants, desires, and rights lesser than yours and mine, dying on our behalf.

We will likely never be called to give our lives for another human being, but we are called as men to surrender our lives to Christ and follow his commands. However, humility goes much further than just following Jesus. His humility is our “why,” but our continued humility is our calling.

Just like John the Baptist in John 3, we are called to make our lives less and less about ourselves and more and more about obeying Christ and caring for others.

What does this look like? Humility looks like putting others’ needs before our own, helping to serve the people around us, and remembering as the Apostle Paul once confessed, “there is nothing good in us apart from Christ.” Therefore, we have nothing to be proud of in our own merit.

Humility means there is no task we are too good to do in the service of others. Humility means, in short, that we have a right understanding of our position in this life: we are gloriously redeemed from our brokenness and sin, and by God’s continued grace, we are able to serve and bless others as we have been blessed.

Honesty “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”

-Ephesians 4:25 We are called as Biblical men to speak truth in every situation. When we feel like lying, we are called to speak truth. When we feel like going back

18

on our word, we are called to be truthful. When we give testimony about another, we are called to speak truth. And when our friends need to be confronted in their sin, we are called to speak the truth. Speaking the truth is not always easy, but it is always good.

Kindness “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” -Ephesians 4:32 Oh, that more men would learn the art of kindness! Look at the verse above: be kind. Be tenderhearted. Forgive. It is hard to turn on a television or look on social media without finding someone being unkind. A man who is cold to his friends, refuses to feel the emotions of others, and cares only for himself is a man who lives an empty and unfulfilling life!

God’s Word commands us as men to defend those weaker than ourselves and care deeply for those we love. A Biblical man is tenderhearted, allowing his heart to experience the joys and pains of those he lives in community with, laughing and crying with the people he loves. And most importantly, we are called to forgiveness, the ultimate kindness. As God was kind and tenderhearted toward us, so we must be to every single person we come into contact with.

These three characteristics work hand in hand to protect a man in his walk with the Lord. Humility and kindness are our foundation. A right understanding of our position in this life, sinful men, covered by God’s Grace, shapes our view of God, ourselves, and others. Kindness in our hearts and compassion for one another aid us in finding biblical community, connection, and joy. Honesty is to be our disposition: that we speak and act with a passion for the truth, in our lives and the lives of those around us.

19

Journaling Page for Humility, Honesty, and Kindness

In your life, who is a man that you view as humble? What makes him humble?

Who is a man you view as kind?

What makes him kind?

20

Who is a man that you view as honest?

What makes him honest?

How can you begin to emulate the characteristics you see in these men in your own life?

Other thoughts and scriptures about humility, honesty, and kindness:

21

A Biblical Man is a Servant Leader

by Mark Pickett “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.”

-Matthew 22:26-27

Having the chance to be a leader is an awesome opportunity. You could be an older brother, captain of your sports team, or the person in your group of friends that everyone looks up to. In every stage of life, you will have opportunities to lead others.

Think about those people in your life who have been leaders. What has been their style of leadership? Do they tend to be harsh, showing very little compassion and mercy? Do they tend to show genuine care for others, concerned about their wellbeing? You may have seen examples of both types in people you know.

Jesus always had the heart of a servant, in his role as a leader. The Bible tells us that in 1 John 2:6, “whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” That means that we, too, are called to be servant leaders.

23

Jesus taught his disciples that their actions toward others must have the attitude of a servant. He demonstrated this to His disciples by washing their feet. He was explaining to the disciples they were to live their lives in humble service to others, even when in roles of leadership.

Philippians 2:6-7 tells us that Jesus, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

Servant leaders, like the example of Jesus, always lead others to bring honor and glory to God the Father, not to promote themselves.

In today’s culture of leadership, there is a spirit of self-promotion and a lack of humility. Jesus calls us to a higher form of leadership, one where we lead to bring honor to God our father, and where others come first. The world needs men of God to lead well in their homes, schools, churches, workplaces, and communities.

Whatever leadership opportunities come your way, always look to the example of Jesus in Matthew 20:25-28: “But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

24

Journaling Page for Servant Leadership

How can you be a servant leader in your home, school, church, community?

Is there someone in your life that is a servant leader you can talk to about getting started?

Other thoughts and scriptures about servant leadership:

25

A Biblical Man is a Lover of God

by Rick Pierce “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

-Deuteronomy 6:5 “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

-Matthew 22:37

Think about all the places and ways you hear or see things about love: songs, movies, and TV shows. So often, men are shown on TV and social media as “real men” if they have a lot of relationships with a lot of different women. But, is this what love really is or is meant to be? Are physical relationships the ultimate goal of love?

There is so much involved with what we think of as love, that we need to define it clearly. An excellent place to start is 1 John 4:7-8.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

27

God is not only our example of love, but we must know and love God to be able to give and experience love at all. This is a radical departure from what we are told in our daily lives. Love is portrayed as a feeling, as an experience, and as physical intimacy, but rarely is it described as it is in the Bible, as a relationship and in particular a relationship with God. However, knowing that God is the author of, source of, and reason for love is not enough. How can we find this love, and how can we love others?

We must start with a realization that a spiritual relationship with God begins from within: “Jesus answered, ‘The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’” -Mark 12: 29-30 Secondly, we are to love God with our passions, hungers, perceptions, and thoughts. We are to love God with how we talk, what we do with our hands, how we utilize our talents, and how we react to challenges — our entire being is to display that we love God. Third, all our might means much more than just muscle, but using everything we have available for honoring God — including our time, school work, friendships, clothing, computers, music, social media, relationships.… everything.

So, how do you know what love is, and how do we become people who truly love God? The Bible calls us to love in a wholehearted way, lifeencompassing, community-impacting, and in exclusive commitment to our God. Not the kind of love demonstrated in temporary things of our world, but in the eternal relationship with God, through Jesus, for God is Love.

28

Journaling Page for Loving God

Are you surrounded by people who love God?

Why do you think that the world laughs at men who love God?

Other thoughts and scriptures about loving God:

29

A Biblical Man is Full of Integrity

by Samuel Weeks “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”

-Proverbs 10:9

Before being washed clean by the blood of Christ, scripture says that men and women are enemies of God (Romans 5:10). However, when we repent of our sins, we are saved by the grace of God from the penalty of those sins. A turning around takes place in our lives. While we were once against God, walking in rebellion, we can now be with God, walking with him day in and day out.

What is that walking supposed to look like? Proverbs 10:9 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”

According to this verse, a big part of living as a biblical man of God is walking with integrity. The word integrity is not one that gets used very often. How do we get an idea of what it really means, especially when talking about biblical manhood?

The Bible gives a considerable amount of help in that area. In Proverbs

31

alone, several verses directly use the word integrity, and many of them use it to describe the way someone walks. Integrity can be observed in a person’s actions and in the result of those actions. Is he trustworthy?

Do people believe his word? Does he use others to try and get ahead? Is he careful about the way his words and actions affect others? Often, the answers to these questions lie in how a man chooses to walk.

It is fitting that this verse mentions walking when speaking about integrity.

Walking is moving forward, but that progress is slow. It is not running or sprinting; it is putting one foot in front of the other. Walking with integrity does not always mean one huge decision to do the right thing. What it usually means is a hundred little decisions every day, a hundred steps, one foot in front of the other.

In this verse and the other verses in Proverbs that we looked at, walking with integrity and walking in corrupt, crooked, or dishonest ways are presented as opposites. The Bible does not say that everything will be perfect for someone who walks with integrity; it simply says that walking that way is right and good in God’s eyes.

Proverbs 10:9 says walking with integrity is secure. The reason it is secure is because walking with integrity means trusting God. Who better to trust than the almighty God of the universe? The alternative is dishonest shortcuts and taking advantage of other people, always leading to hurt, suffering, and broken trust.

Scripture does not say that walking with integrity will be easy, but that is the key to understanding Biblical integrity. Being full of integrity is choosing to be obedient to God when it is not easy, when no one else is there to see, and when it is costly. Biblical manhood, full of integrity, means choosing to be obedient to God no matter what anybody may say and trusting that He is a good father who wants what is best for us.

32

Journaling Page for Integrity

What are ways the world fights to destroy your integrity?

Integrity and character are defined as the actions you take when none are looking. What are things in your life that need to removed to help shape your integrity?

Do your friends surrounding you care about your character?

Other thoughts and scriptures about integrity:

33

Take the next few pages to journal your reflections on everything you’ve learned about what it means to be a Biblical Man. What areas do you feel God prompting your heart to grow?

34

Journal Page

35

Journal Page

36

Journal Page

37