Men's Ebooklet

PAGE 1 – BIG IDEA & OPENING SCRIPTURE

📘 Week 1: The Call to Godly Manhood

Subtitle: Answering Heaven’s Call to Biblical Manhood

🪶 Big Idea

God’s definition of manhood stands in stark contrast to the world’s. Culture says manhood is about dominance, wealth, or personal achievement. But Scripture defines a godly man by his character, his obedience to God, his willingness to lead and serve, and his steadfastness under pressure. A godly man is not measured by what he controls, but by what — and whom — he submits to.

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (KJV)

This command captures the essence of biblical manhood. Paul tells believers to be alert, unwavering in faith, courageous (“quit you like men”), strong, and above all, loving. These five commands — vigilance, steadfastness, courage, strength, and love — form the foundation of what it means to be a godly man.

📖 Opening Scriptures (KJV)

Micah 6:8

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

Joshua 1:9

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Psalm 1:1–3

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Ephesians 5:25

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”

Each of these passages paints a picture of biblical manhood: doing justice, walking humbly, standing firm, rejecting evil influence, cultivating strength, and sacrificial love.

🧠 Word Study: “Quit You Like Men”

The phrase “quit you like men” (1 Corinthians 16:13) is translated from the Greek ἀνδρίζεσθε (andrizesthe), meaning “to act with courage and maturity, as a man.” It implies a call to grow up spiritually — to stand strong in faith with courage, even in the face of adversity. It’s not about aggression or dominance, but about maturity, discipline, and responsibility.

Similarly, the Hebrew word for “man” in Micah 6:8 is אדם (adam), meaning mankind or humanity, but often used in Scripture to emphasize one’s calling to reflect God’s image. This points to the truth that biblical manhood is not merely about being male — it’s about living as God’s image-bearer.

PAGE 2 – TEACHING & COMMENTARY

📖 The Crisis of Manhood Today

Our culture is in a crisis of manhood. Men are often portrayed as either passive and disengaged or aggressive and domineering. Neither reflects Christ. Godly manhood is strong but gentle, bold but humble, authoritative yet servant-hearted.

John MacArthur writes:

“The measure of a man is not in his physical strength or worldly power, but in his obedience to God and his faithfulness to the truth of Scripture.” (MacArthur, The Master’s Plan for the Church, p. 142)

Matt Chandler points out the danger of cultural confusion:

“When men abdicate their God-given roles — as leaders, protectors, providers, and disciple-makers — families collapse, churches weaken, and society unravels. Biblical manhood is not about control; it’s about taking responsibility.” (The Mingling of Souls, sermon series, 2015)

Billy Graham echoed this decades ago:

“A real man is the man who fears God, obeys His commands, and leads his family to do the same. His strength is not in his muscles but in his character.” (The Key to Personal Peace, 1997)

Paul Chappell warns that godly manhood requires intentional pursuit:

“Spiritual maturity does not happen by accident. A godly man is one who disciplines his mind, heart, and actions according to the Word of God.” (Disciplines of a Godly Man, sermon, 2018)

💡 Four Pillars of Godly Manhood

1. Courageous Conviction

Biblical manhood demands standing firm on truth, even when it’s unpopular.

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13 (KJV)

To “stand firm” means to root yourself deeply in Scripture, not opinions. Men must refuse compromise on essential truths — about sin, salvation, the family, and the church.

2. Humble Leadership

A godly man is a servant-leader. He uses his strength not to dominate but to lift others up.

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45 (KJV)

Leadership is stewardship: God entrusts men with influence in their homes, workplaces, and churches to reflect Christ’s sacrificial love.

3. Spiritual Discipline

MacArthur says, “The strength of a man’s ministry, home, and witness will rise or fall on the discipline of his inner life.” (Twelve Ordinary Men, p. 67)

Prayer, study, accountability, and repentance are non-negotiable. A man cannot lead publicly if he does not first kneel privately.

4. Love-Driven Action

Everything biblical manhood commands must be fueled by love. As Paul wrote:

“Let all your things be done with charity.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14 (KJV)

A man who is doctrinally sound but unloving is not godly. Christlike love transforms strength into service and leadership into sacrifice.

📊 Real-World Application: God’s Image in the Workplace

Chris Grinstead teaches:

“Godly manhood isn’t left at the church doors. It’s lived out in conference rooms, construction sites, and coffee shops. Wherever God has placed you, reflect His character, not just His commands.” (Men of the Word, teaching series, 2023)

Whether leading a team, building a business, or managing a home, godly men are called to reflect Christ’s character — not through titles or success, but through integrity, diligence, humility, and service.

✏️ Reflection Space (Personal Notes)

Where have you seen cultural definitions of manhood influence your own thinking?
In what areas of life do you need more courage, discipline, or love?
What would it look like to “act like a man” biblically in your work, marriage, or friendships this week?

PAGE 3 – SCRIPTURE DEEP DIVE & RESEARCH PROMPTS

📖 Scripture Deep Dive

This section is designed to drive men into the Word of God throughout the week. Don’t rush it — take time to meditate on each verse, journal your observations, and pray for the Spirit to shape your character through these truths.

1. 1 Kings 2:1–3

“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,

I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;

And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself.”

David’s final words to Solomon are not about military power or political strategy — they’re about strength rooted in obedience. Godly manhood is inseparable from obedience to God’s Word.

🧠 Hebrew word for “shew thyself a man” – chazaq (חָזַק) means “to strengthen, to make firm, to grow resolute.” David’s call was not about physical strength but about unwavering commitment to God’s commands.

2. Proverbs 27:17

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

No man becomes godly in isolation. God’s design is for men to grow stronger together — through accountability, challenge, and encouragement.

Billy Graham once said:

“If you show me a man who walks closely with God, I’ll show you a man who does not walk alone.” (The Journey, 2006)

Reflection: Who in your life is sharpening you spiritually? Who are you sharpening?

3. Titus 2:6–8

“Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”

Paul’s charge to young men centers on self-control, integrity, and credibility. A godly man’s life should silence critics and inspire respect.

Matt Chandler emphasizes:

“The call on men is not simply to believe the right things but to embody them. Truth without transformation is hypocrisy.” (Recovering Biblical Manhood, 2018)

4. 2 Timothy 2:1–4

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

This passage reminds us that godly manhood is a mission. It’s not passive — it’s active, focused, and disciplined, like a soldier at war.

Paul Chappell notes:

“Godly men do not simply consume truth; they carry it forward. They take responsibility to teach, train, and invest in others.” (Men of Grace, 2020)

🔎 Research & Reflection Prompts

Use these prompts throughout the week to go deeper. Write your answers in a journal or notebook:

• Study the life of Joseph in Genesis 39–50. What traits of godly manhood do you see in his response to betrayal, temptation, and leadership?
• Read Psalm 112 and list the characteristics of “the man who fears the LORD.” Which of these do you want God to grow in you?
• Explore how Jesus modeled strength and humility in John 13:1–17 (washing the disciples’ feet). What does this teach you about leadership?
• Reflect on 1 Peter 5:6–10. What does it mean for a man to be “sober, vigilant,” and to “resist the devil”? How does this apply to your daily life?

✏️ Reflection Space (Personal Notes):

Where is God calling you to “shew thyself a man” in your current season of life?
What relationships in your life could serve as “iron sharpening iron”?
How might you pass on biblical truth to the next generation of men?

PAGE 4 – DISCUSSION & APPLICATION

💬 Group Discussion Questions

Use these questions during your men’s group gathering to guide conversation and accountability. These are not meant to be answered quickly — wrestle with them together.

• What cultural messages about manhood have influenced you the most? How do they differ from God’s definition?
• Where have you seen biblical courage — ἀνδρίζεσθε (andrizesthe) — on display in your own life or someone else’s?
• How do humility and leadership work together in the life of a godly man?
• What does it look like to love your family, coworkers, or church “as Christ loved the church”?
• Where in your life do you need to practice more discipline? What steps can you take this week to strengthen your spiritual habits?
• Who is one man you could intentionally invest in this month? What would that look like?

🛠️ Application Challenge – “The Man in the Mirror”

This week’s challenge: Choose one area where you’ve been passive or disengaged — in your home, workplace, or spiritual life — and take deliberate, God-honoring action. This might mean initiating a hard conversation, starting a new habit of prayer, serving your family sacrificially, or standing firm on biblical truth even when it’s unpopular.

Matt Chandler offers this challenge:

“The call of biblical manhood is not to comfort but to courage. If there’s an area of your life where you’re waiting for someone else to lead — that’s probably the place God is calling you to step up.” (A Call to Courage, sermon, 2016)

Write down one specific action step below and commit it to prayer this week:

✏️ My Step of Obedience: ____________________________________________

🧠 Final Reflection: Living for Legacy