Defining Goodness: The Journey of a Godly Man

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God's Guidance in Our Journey

The journey of a Christian is not about achieving perfection but about maintaining direction. Psalm 37:23-24 reminds us that "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." This passage reassures us that while we may stumble, God is always there to lift us up. Our walk with Christ requires resilience and faith, knowing that God delights in our way and upholds us with His hand. We are called to fall forward into God's arms, trusting that He will guide our steps and lift us up when we stumble. [00:35]

Jeremiah 10:23-24 (ESV): "I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O Lord, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more to guide your steps, and how can you actively seek His direction today?

Day 2: Embracing Our Identity in Christ

Understanding our identity in Christ is crucial for navigating the world's distorted views of manhood. We are created in the image of God, which gives us inherent value. Our goodness is not based on our own merits but on our relationship with God. This understanding helps us live a life of integrity and service, leading and protecting our families as warriors for God. The world often presents a distorted view of what it means to be a man, influenced by media and cultural norms. But true manhood, according to the Bible, is about being a warrior for God, leading and protecting our families, and living a life of integrity and service. [02:45]

1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Reflection: How does knowing you are created in the image of God change the way you view yourself and your role in your family and community today?

Day 3: Balancing Obedience and Grace

While we are saved by grace, obedience to God's commandments is essential for aligning our lives with His will. This is not about legalism but about living a life that pleases God and reflects His character. The concept of antinomianism suggests that Christians are not bound by moral law, but true freedom in Christ involves living a life that honors Him. Obedience is a response to God's grace, not a means to earn it. We are called to be men of prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength in all areas of our lives. [11:11]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: What is one specific commandment or teaching of Jesus that you find challenging to obey, and how can you take a step towards obedience today?

Day 4: Returning to the Simplicity of the Gospel

Being a good man starts with repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It's not about our good deeds but about what Christ has done for us on the cross. The simplicity and purity of the gospel help us find our true identity and purpose in Him. As we return to the simplicity of the gospel, we are reminded that our worth and identity are found in Christ alone. This understanding frees us from the pressure to perform and allows us to rest in His finished work. [43:09]

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: How can you simplify your faith today by focusing on the core message of the gospel, and what changes might this bring to your daily life?

Day 5: Leading Through Prayer

As men, we are called to lead our families in prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength. Specific prayers, rather than general ones, demonstrate our faith and expectation for God to move in our lives. This spiritual leadership is crucial for our growth and the well-being of our families. By being men of prayer, we model a life of dependence on God and create an environment where our families can thrive spiritually. [45:19]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: What specific prayer can you lead your family in today that demonstrates your faith and expectation for God to move in your lives?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the concept of what it means to be a "good man" through the lens of Psalm 37:23-24, which states, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." This passage reminds us that while we may stumble, God is always there to lift us up. The journey of a Christian is not about achieving perfection but about maintaining direction. It's about falling forward into God's arms and allowing Him to guide our steps.

We also discussed the importance of understanding our identity in Christ. We are not mere worms or insignificant beings; we are created in the image of God, which gives us inherent value. However, this does not mean we are inherently good without God. Our goodness is derived from our relationship with Him and our obedience to His Word. The world often presents a distorted view of what it means to be a man, influenced by media and cultural norms. But true manhood, according to the Bible, is about being a warrior for God, leading and protecting our families, and living a life of integrity and service.

Furthermore, we touched on the concept of antinomianism, which suggests that Christians are not bound by moral law. While we are saved by grace, this does not exempt us from living a life that pleases God. Obedience to God's commandments is not about legalism but about aligning our lives with His will. We are called to be men of prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength in all areas of our lives.

Finally, we emphasized the simplicity of the gospel. Being a good man starts with repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It's not about our good deeds but about what Christ has done for us on the cross. As we return to the simplicity and purity of the gospel, we find our true identity and purpose in Him.

Key Takeaways

1. The Journey of a Good Man: The Christian walk is not about perfection but direction. We are called to fall forward into God's arms, trusting that He will guide our steps and lift us up when we stumble. This journey requires resilience and faith, knowing that God delights in our way and upholds us with His hand. [00:35]
2. Identity in Christ: We are created in the image of God, which gives us inherent value. Our goodness is not based on our own merits but on our relationship with God. Understanding our identity in Christ helps us navigate the world's distorted views of manhood and live a life of integrity and service. [02:45]
3. Obedience and Grace: While we are saved by grace, obedience to God's commandments is essential for aligning our lives with His will. This is not about legalism but about living a life that pleases God and reflects His character. [11:11]
4. The Simplicity of the Gospel: Being a good man starts with repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It's not about our good deeds but about what Christ has done for us on the cross. Returning to the simplicity and purity of the gospel helps us find our true identity and purpose in Him. [43:09]
5. Men of Prayer: As men, we are called to lead our families in prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength. Specific prayers, rather than general ones, demonstrate our faith and expectation for God to move in our lives. This spiritual leadership is crucial for our growth and the well-being of our families. [45:19]
** [45:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Introduction to the Theme
[00:35] - Psalm 37:23-24 Reflection
[01:17] - The Struggle of Discouragement
[02:14] - Understanding Our Value in God
[03:33] - A Visit to the Correctional Institute
[04:35] - Direction Over Perfection
[05:13] - The Daily Struggle and Commitment
[05:55] - Hollywood vs. Biblical Manhood
[07:33] - Turning from Darkness to Light
[08:24] - The Subtlety of Compromise
[09:28] - The Call to Be a Warrior
[10:32] - Understanding Antinomianism
[12:10] - The Role of the Law
[14:17] - Relationship Over Rules
[15:24] - Appointing Elders in the Church
[17:06] - The Importance of Fasting
[18:02] - Knowing the Savior
[20:31] - Qualifications of a Good Man
[22:40] - The Role of Elders
[24:33] - Above Reproach and Family Leadership
[27:28] - Sexual Purity and Integrity
[30:14] - Shepherding the Home
[34:23] - The Role of the Wife
[36:06] - Self-Control and Temperance
[40:27] - Holding Fast to Faith
[43:09] - The Simplicity of the Gospel
[45:19] - Men of Prayer and Specific Prayers
[47:05] - Continual Knocking and Expectation
[49:02] - Remembering the Cross

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 37:23-24
- Titus 1:5-9
- Matthew 7:7-8

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Observation Questions:

According to Psalm 37:23-24, what assurance do we have when we stumble in our walk with God? How does this passage describe God's role in our journey? [00:35]
In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the balance between understanding our value in God and recognizing our need for Him? [02:14]
What are some of the cultural misconceptions about manhood mentioned in the sermon, and how do they differ from the biblical view? [05:55]
How does the pastor explain the concept of antinomianism, and what warning does he give about this belief? [11:11]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the idea of "falling forward" into God's arms change the way one might view personal failures or setbacks in their spiritual journey? [05:13]
What does it mean to have an identity in Christ, and how can this understanding help someone navigate societal pressures and expectations? [02:45]
How does the sermon suggest that obedience to God's commandments is not about legalism but about aligning with His will? What might this look like in everyday life? [11:11]
In what ways does the pastor suggest that specific prayers demonstrate faith and expectation? How might this practice impact one's spiritual life? [45:19]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a recent time when you stumbled in your faith. How did you respond, and how might the concept of "falling forward" into God's arms change your approach in the future? [05:13]
Consider the cultural messages you receive about what it means to be a "good man" or a "good person." How do these messages align or conflict with the biblical view presented in the sermon? [05:55]
How can you actively seek to understand and embrace your identity in Christ this week? What specific steps can you take to remind yourself of your inherent value in God? [02:45]
Identify an area of your life where you struggle with obedience to God's commandments. What practical steps can you take to align more closely with His will? [11:11]
Think of a specific need or situation in your life that requires prayer. How can you make your prayers more specific and expectant, as suggested in the sermon? [45:19]
Reflect on the role of prayer in your family life. How can you lead or encourage your family in prayer this week, focusing on specific needs and expectations? [45:19]
The pastor mentioned the simplicity of the gospel. How can you return to this simplicity in your daily walk with Christ, and what impact might this have on your spiritual growth? [43:09]

Sermon Clips

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he delights in his way, though he fall he will not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholds him with his hand. And that goes out to all of you and some people say why does it say that though he fall it's like assuming people are going to fall and you're encouraging them to fall no you're not you're encouraging them to get back up. [00:35:55]

We are created in the image of God so we have value we have words we're not just dung in worms and nothing God give us gave us value but then the other side is I'm good God loves me because I'm better than you I don't you know he loves me more because I'm a pastor are you aware of that see that does not fly that I can guarantee you right now that is not true. [00:59:49]

The Christian walk is not just a perfect walk you're getting hit with right hooks and left hooks and stumbling and fumbling but you get back up and you cross the finish line sometimes with a limp sometimes with one eye that is blind one ear you can't hear it and you cross the finish line broken but not defeated. [01:13:55]

It's not about perfection but direction see we if we don't get it if we don't make that connection you'll try to be perfect and I'm all for raising the standard of integrity and transparency I'm all for that but it's not about being perfect because it be then it becomes rules and I'm measuring myself up against this it's about direction not perfection. [01:21:35]

Hollywood's definition of a real man and the Bible's definition are Alaska and the bottom of the globe right it's it's it's polar that's what polar opposites mean that it's completely different so we're feeding our mind with what a man should look like instead of what the Bible definition is. [01:29:53]

You can be a good man today regardless of what has happened regardless of where you're at you can turn from darkness to light from confusion to clarity from being foolish to being wise and from being bound to sin to being set free a man is often measured by who he is not who he was. [01:35:00]

Antinomianism is against the law so it's a group of Christians who say we're no longer under the law shane all that stuff you're talking about obedience is moralism and it's not right so if that's where they're at here and so we can get caught up it's all about race and that's true we're saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and and we trust in God's grace. [01:46:23]

The Bible doesn't say don't obey don't worry about those things don't the law is null and void now those those Commandments thou shalt not know oh good now I can do all these I mean so that's the side of it and and this group is what there's a group that gets mad at me the most well I'll tell you the other group does too but this group you know I've been called a moralist. [01:51:08]

The simplicity of the gospel you know how simple it is simp it's this simple two boards and three nails you'll get it when you get home two boards three nails the simplicity of the gospel second Corinthians but I fear Paul says I fear less somehow as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness so your minds may be corrupted by the simplicity that is in Christ. [01:59:59]

Men of Prayer Matthew seven has really spoke to me this week ask and it will be given to you seek and you'll find knock and the door will be open I've been really convicted lately about specific prayers specific not general Oh God bless me what does that mean be specific and men you're called to be the leader in your home to lead by example. [02:31:50]

Ask ask what this means share your heart so this time of Prayer don't just go like this through worship pray pray Lord I don't maybe you haven't prayed in a while maybe you don't know what to pray it's okay when you don't know what to pray sometimes you can say that Lord I don't know what to pray speak to my heart speak to my situation Lord show me. [02:48:09]

Men let me encourage you stop feeling defeated stop feeling let down stop feeling just you know I could never measure up guess what I read this and I want to quit do sometimes it's hard but it's a fight it's a struggle it's a battle yes you will not be like other men other men can you cannot you will be different there's a distinction and there's a difference of a man called by God. [03:11:25]

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Defining Goodness: The Journey of a Godly Man

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God's Guidance in Our Journey

Day 2: Embracing Our Identity in Christ

Day 3: Balancing Obedience and Grace

Day 4: Returning to the Simplicity of the Gospel

Day 5: Leading Through Prayer

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Defining Goodness: The Journey of a Godly Man

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