Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

II. A Real ManA. Called by God1. David's calling was very personal and was unique; the calling that every man in this house hasreceived equally is to be a man after God's own heart through imitating the perfect ways of the son ofDavid, Jesus Christ2. fat men, skinny men, young men, old men, articulate men and reticent men–we all have a dutybefore God to bring our lives into harmony with the example of Christ and apply his doctrine to everysituation that arises3. a real man is not afraid to be a ChristianB. Act Like Men1. Paul writes in First Corinthians 16:13-14: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men,be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”2. the unfortunate successes of modern feminism have convinced many men to quit acting likemen3. even the courage that comes from an intensely felt faith like David's is disappearing as moreand more, we surrender to error and to the tempter without so much as trying on the armor4. when there are forces that threaten the upbringing of your children, the soundness of thecongregation, even the fidelity of your marriage, will you stand like a man upon the firmness of yourconvictions or weakly allow some Goliath to mock your God and trample on your faith?C. Don't Let Pride Humble You1. David was not too proud to accept the assistance of Jonathan or the influence of Abigail; hadhe been too proud, he might not have survived2. there is something noble about independence and self-assurance, up to a point; that point iswhere we find ourselves in desperate need and refuse to be helped3. pride is the most humbling attitude of all, because it leads to a fall and to destruction; there isnothing manly about allowing yourself to hit rock bottom and going down with a look of terrorD. Submit To God (First Peter 5:5-7)1. David presumed to build a cart and then a temple, showing that he was willing to go beyondGod's will to suit his own desires2. Jesus instead learned obedience in his experience among humanity and manhood in God'sestimation is valuable only if that man is a disciple, faithful and true (First Timothy 2:8)E. Don't Hide Your Affections1. men have confused manhood with stoicism and have shut down their feelings and alienatedthemselves from their wives and children in the process2. but David wept and so did Jesus and tears are not liquid evidence of weakness or failure, buthumanity3. your family may know that you love them, in spite of the fact that you never say it and rarelyshow it, but they will be much more secure and well-adjusted if you learn to be a man like David andJesusF. Cherish Your Marriage1. there are men who will devote 60 hours a week to their jobs but who cannot be persuaded toengage in six minutes of conversation with their wives2. they will polish their cars and devote perfect attention to their televisions, but expect theirmarriages to stay shiny and appreciated on their own3. that is not a real man (Ephesians 5:25-29)G. Nurture Your Children (Ephesians 6:1-4)1. a real man prays with his kids, because he knows that to them, he is the most important man onEarth, and what he does is right, even if it isn't2. a real man teaches his kids from God's word and celebrates opportunities to worship with thechurchCharacter Studies! 79