Redefining Masculinity Through Christ's Example

 

Summary

In today's message, I addressed the men in our congregation, focusing on the often unspoken decision each man makes about what it means to be masculine. This decision is not just personal but also impacts how we raise our sons and set expectations for our daughters. Masculinity, as we understand it, is a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles that are culturally and socially constructed. These constructs are handed down to us by our families, cultures, and societies, often without us even realizing it.

We explored how these scripts of masculinity can feel like expectations draped over us, sometimes fitting perfectly and other times causing internal conflict and insecurity. The example of Genghis Khan was used to illustrate how different cultures and times have defined masculinity in vastly different ways. His actions, which were considered normal in his time, would be seen as monstrous today, highlighting how our understanding of masculinity is not intuitive but learned and reinforced by our surroundings.

The challenge for us as Christian men is to reconcile these cultural scripts with the teachings of Jesus. Many men struggle with the perception of Jesus as meek and mild, preferring a more warrior-like figure such as King David or the Revelation Jesus. However, the true essence of masculinity, as demonstrated by Jesus, is found in the balance of strength and humility, the lion and the lamb. Jesus' ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross redefined what it means to be a man, showing that true strength lies in self-control and putting others first.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to adopt His script, which involves saying no to ourselves so we can say yes to others. This script is what we should pass on to our sons and model for our daughters. It is a call to be better men, friends, fathers, and husbands by embodying the humility and strength of Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

- Cultural Constructs of Masculinity: Our understanding of masculinity is largely shaped by cultural and social constructs handed down to us by family and society. These scripts can feel like expectations, sometimes fitting well and other times causing internal conflict. Recognizing this helps us question and redefine what it truly means to be a man. [02:59]

- Historical Perspectives on Masculinity: The example of Genghis Khan illustrates how different cultures and times have defined masculinity in vastly different ways. This highlights that our current understanding is not intuitive but learned and reinforced by our surroundings. [08:47]

- Jesus as the Ultimate Model of Masculinity: Jesus' life and teachings provide a model of masculinity that balances strength and humility. His ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross redefined what it means to be a man, showing that true strength lies in self-control and putting others first. [29:08]

- The Battle of Self-Denial: As Christian men, we are invited to wage a daily battle of self-denial, saying no to ourselves so we can say yes to others. This requires the courage of a lion and the humility of a lamb, embodying the script of Jesus in our lives. [30:54]

- Passing on the Script of Jesus: The script of Jesus is what we should pass on to our sons and model for our daughters. It calls us to be better men, friends, fathers, and husbands by embodying the humility and strength of Jesus, making us not all the same but all better. [31:12]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to Masculinity
[00:31] - The Decision We All Make
[01:11] - Defining Masculinity
[02:42] - Cultural Scripts of Masculinity
[06:13] - Masculinity as a Social Construct
[07:41] - Historical Example: Genghis Khan
[10:08] - The Script We Were Handed
[11:18] - Personal Reflection on Masculinity
[14:22] - The Impact of Family and Culture
[16:09] - Reconciling Jesus with Masculinity
[18:03] - Revelation Jesus vs. Gospel Jesus
[21:51] - The Dilemma of Christian Masculinity
[23:26] - Jesus as the Ultimate Man
[25:57] - The Battle of Lion and Lamb
[30:54] - The Script of Jesus for Men
[33:46] - Conclusion and Next Week Preview

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 2:5-8 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!"
2. Revelation 19:11-16 - Describes Jesus as a warrior on a white horse, a different depiction from the Gospels.
3. John 13:14-15 - Jesus washes the disciples' feet, demonstrating humility and service.

Observation Questions:
1. What are some cultural and social constructs of masculinity mentioned in the sermon, and how do they impact our understanding of what it means to be a man? [02:59]
2. How does the example of Genghis Khan illustrate the differences in historical perspectives on masculinity? [08:47]
3. According to the sermon, how does Jesus redefine masculinity through his actions and teachings? [29:08]
4. What is the significance of the battle of self-denial as described in the sermon? [30:54]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Philippians 2:5-8 challenge the traditional cultural scripts of masculinity that were discussed in the sermon? [32:22]
2. In what ways does the depiction of Jesus in Revelation 19:11-16 contrast with the Gospel accounts, and how does this affect our understanding of Jesus' masculinity? [18:03]
3. How does the act of Jesus washing the disciples' feet in John 13:14-15 serve as a model for balancing strength and humility in our lives? [25:30]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of passing on the script of Jesus to the next generation, and how can this be practically implemented? [31:12]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the cultural scripts of masculinity you have inherited. How do they align or conflict with the teachings of Jesus? [02:59]
2. Consider the historical example of Genghis Khan. How do you think societal expectations of masculinity have changed over time, and what can we learn from this? [08:47]
3. In what areas of your life do you struggle with the balance of strength and humility? How can Jesus' example guide you in these areas? [29:08]
4. The sermon discusses the battle of self-denial. What are some practical ways you can say no to yourself in order to say yes to others this week? [30:54]
5. How can you model the script of Jesus for your children or those you mentor, and what specific steps can you take to ensure this script is passed on effectively? [31:12]
6. Identify a situation where you can demonstrate the humility and strength of Jesus in your interactions with others. What specific actions will you take? [25:30]
7. Reflect on the depiction of Jesus in Revelation. How does this image of Jesus inspire you to live out your faith with courage and conviction? [18:03]

Devotional

Day 1: Questioning Cultural Masculinity
Our understanding of masculinity is often shaped by cultural and social constructs that are handed down to us by family and society. These scripts can feel like expectations, sometimes fitting well and other times causing internal conflict. Recognizing this helps us question and redefine what it truly means to be a man. By examining these constructs, we can begin to see how they influence our behaviors and relationships, and how they may not always align with our personal values or the teachings of Jesus. [02:59]

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10, ESV)

Reflection: What cultural expectations of masculinity have you accepted without question, and how do they align with your faith in Christ?


Day 2: Historical Perspectives on Masculinity
The example of Genghis Khan illustrates how different cultures and times have defined masculinity in vastly different ways. This highlights that our current understanding is not intuitive but learned and reinforced by our surroundings. By looking at historical figures, we can see how the definition of masculinity has evolved and how it continues to change. This understanding can free us from rigid stereotypes and allow us to embrace a more nuanced and personal understanding of what it means to be a man today. [08:47]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: How does the historical context of masculinity influence your current perception of what it means to be a man, and how can you allow God to transform your understanding?


Day 3: Jesus as the Model of True Masculinity
Jesus' life and teachings provide a model of masculinity that balances strength and humility. His ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross redefined what it means to be a man, showing that true strength lies in self-control and putting others first. This model challenges the traditional views of masculinity that prioritize power and dominance, inviting us to embrace a more Christ-like approach that values compassion, service, and humility. [29:08]

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ 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." (Philippians 2:5-7, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you embody the strength and humility of Jesus in your daily interactions and relationships?


Day 4: The Battle of Self-Denial
As Christian men, we are invited to wage a daily battle of self-denial, saying no to ourselves so we can say yes to others. This requires the courage of a lion and the humility of a lamb, embodying the script of Jesus in our lives. This battle is not about losing oneself but about finding true strength in serving others and living out the teachings of Jesus. It is a call to live a life that reflects the love and sacrifice of Christ. [30:54]

"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can practice self-denial today, and how can this act bring you closer to living like Jesus?


Day 5: Passing on the Script of Jesus
The script of Jesus is what we should pass on to our sons and model for our daughters. It calls us to be better men, friends, fathers, and husbands by embodying the humility and strength of Jesus, making us not all the same but all better. This legacy is not about conforming to a single mold but about encouraging each person to grow into the fullness of who they are in Christ. By living out this script, we can inspire the next generation to pursue a life of faith, love, and service. [31:12]

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally model the script of Jesus in your family and community, and what impact do you hope this will have on the next generation?

Quotes



All of us, every one of us men, we have all made a decision, and we're pretty confident that we've made the right decision. But I wanna make sure we've made the right decision, so this week and next time we're together, I wanna poke around on the decision that we've made to make sure we have it right, because it's important for all of us in terms of the decision we've made as men. [00:00:25]

Masculinity is, I didn't make this up, this is from somewhere, a set of attributes, behaviors, and roles, attributes, behaviors, and roles, a lot of wiggle room, generally, a lot of wiggle room, generally associated with men and with boys. So masculinity is a set of attributes. They're all, you know, we probably put different things on that list. Behaviors and roles generally associated with men and boys. [00:01:49]

To a large degree, not exclusively, but to a large degree, in fact, larger, to a larger degree that many of us that want to concede, masculinity really is a social and cultural construct as is femininity. Here's what I mean by that. Every generation and every culture within every generation has its own version of, or redefines or kind of tweaks the definition of what it means to be a man, or what masculinity looks like or acts like, or feels like, or responds like. [00:06:08]

And the point being this, in other parts of the world and more of the Western world, that kind of behavior, even during that period of history was considered horrible. I mean, barbaric. I mean, somebody that would do that was considered a monster, right? And by our standards, we would consider somebody who that was their goal to be a monster too. [00:09:20]

Our assumptions regarding masculinity, they are not 100% intuitive. They are cultural, they are learned, and then they're reinforced. So we have to be careful who we're listening to, and we have to be careful who we're looking to, to define for us what it means to be a man. So let me ask you, what was the script? [00:10:38]

And this is why when you hear Sandra and I talk about parenting, we say, in our family, we only had two overarching rules, and rule number one was honor your mother. You didn't have to honor me, but you honor your mother if you wanted to, you know, live in our home. It was a big deal. Well, I just thought, isn't that great that I have all this? [00:13:55]

And if the script didn't fit, you struggled, you doubted yourself. It might have created some internal insecurity. You attempted to prove yourself. Or maybe you just gave up, to use a super male analogy, you threw in the towel. I mean, there's a script, the boxer covered in his own blood and his own sweat, you know, given it his all, because real men are fighters, and maybe you're a fighter, or maybe you dislike men who are fighters. [00:14:55]

And the soldiers who also came up, they mocked Him and they said, and this is tame, we don't know the words they use. These were gritty soldiers. The most, I mean, it's unimaginable what the insults they hurled at Jesus as He died. Things that wouldn't be scripted, things that wouldn't be written, things that would be, you know, things you couldn't share. You just wouldn't document them. You can imagine. [00:28:22]

The ultimate man refused to save Himself because if He had saved Himself, he would have forfeited His opportunity to save you, and to save His accusers, and to save the world. By refusing to do for Himself what every one of His accusers would've done for themselves, he defined what it means to be a man. And in that moment, in that moment, He won a fight his accusers weren't even aware was being fought. [00:29:08]

At the intersection, and this is what we're gonna kind of tease out next time, at the intersection of lion and lamb, we find perfect masculinity on display. At the cross, we are all confronted with a battle, at the cross, we're all confronted with a battle that every single man wrestles with. That every single man is invited to fight, to join every single day, regardless of temperament, regardless of personal interest, regardless of physicality, regardless of personality. [00:29:55]

It's the battle to say no to me, so I can say yes to the people around me. It's the battle to deny myself and to control myself so I can give more of myself away. So if you're a Jesus follower, men, if you're a Jesus follower or you're attempting to be a Jesus follower, or you're considering being a Jesus follower, this is the script. This is the script. That's the script we're to pass on to our sons. [00:30:50]

And if we do, we will not all be the same. That's not the goal. But we will all be better men, and better friends, and better fathers, and better husbands, because we will be like our savior, the super man, the perfect man. And if you listen to all this and you think, "Okay, Andy, it's hard to argue with that, but you gotta be more specific. Andy, could you be more specific?" Yes, I can next week in part two of Modern Men and Our Ancient Scripts, don't miss it. [00:33:24]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 17, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?