Reclaiming the Biblical Model of Godly Masculinity
As Christian men, we are called to be “dangerous” – not in a worldly or sinful sense, but in a righteous, Godly manner. The Scriptures are clear that God has created us to be bold, courageous, and uncompromising in our faith, standing firm against the forces of evil…protecting others…our family, weaker ones, etc.
This call to “dangerous” manhood is exemplified throughout the Bible. We see it in the life of David, a young shepherd who fearlessly faced the giant Goliath, trusting in the power of the Lord. We see it in the prophet Elijah, who boldly confronted the wicked King Ahab and the false prophets of Baal. And we see it in the Apostle Paul, who became a fearless champion of the Gospel, willing to face imprisonment and even death for the sake of Christ.
The powerful exhortation to “play the man” – what a stirring call to Godly masculinity! This phrase, found in 1 Chronicles 19:13, encourages us as Christian men to be courageous, strong, and uncompromising in our faith. But how are both young and old men to be characterized?
Young Men
Titus 2:6-8
- self-controlled
- model good works
- integrity
- dignity
- sound speech
Old Men
Titus 2:2
- sober-minded
- dignified
- self-controlled
- sound in faith
- sound in love
- sound in steadfastness.
To live out this biblical model of masculinity, we must be steadfast in our commitment to God’s Word. As the Apostle Paul admonishes, we must be “transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” This means being steeped in the Scriptures, not only memorizing key verses, but also deeply studying and meditating on the truths they contain.
Likewise, we must be wise and discerning in our application of God’s Word. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” We must be skilled in rightly dividing the Word, using it to equip ourselves and others for Godly living.
In addition to this spiritual preparation, we must also invest in our physical well-being. As the “protectors” and “defenders” of our families and communities, we must be strong, physically capable, and vigilant. This may involve regular exercise, self-defense training, and a commitment to maintaining our health and fitness.
However, this biblical model of Godly masculinity stands in stark contrast to the prevailing cultural narrative, which often demonizes and emasculates men. In our secularized society, the ideals of strength, courage, and unwavering commitment to truth are seen as outdated and even dangerous.
Yet, as the Apostle Paul exhorts in 1 Corinthians 16:13, we must “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” This is not a call to mindless aggression or self-serving ambition, but a summons to be steadfast, courageous, and uncompromising in our pursuit of righteousness – a pursuit that will inevitably make us “dangerous” to the forces of evil.
As fathers, we have a solemn responsibility to teach our sons and grandsons this biblical model of Godly masculinity. We must instill in them the courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to truth that characterized the great men of the Bible. For if we fail to do so, we risk our sons falling into sinfully dangerous behavior, as they seek to express their God-given strength and capability in ways that dishonor the Lord.
In a world that seeks to emasculate and diminish Christian men, we must reclaim our rightful place as leaders, protectors, and champions of the faith. We must be willing to face opposition, persecution, and even personal sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel, just as the great men of the Bible did. For it is only through such Godly “danger” that we can truly fulfill our calling to advance the Kingdom of God and bring glory to our Savior.
