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### Summary

Today, we celebrated the importance of fathers and the unique role men play in their families, churches, and society. We began by welcoming Karen Strickling as our new Next Gen Kids Director, acknowledging her extensive experience and dedication to children's ministry. We also reflected on the recent Vacation Bible School (VBS) and prayed for the lasting impact it will have on the children and their families.

The main focus of our gathering was to address the role of men, particularly fathers, in the context of marriage and family. We discussed the cultural challenges men face today, such as passivity and overly aggressive behavior, and how these issues have ancient roots, tracing back to biblical times. We examined the story of Adam and Eve, highlighting Adam's passivity, and other biblical examples like Barak and Gideon, to illustrate the long-standing struggle men have had with these traits.

We then explored what it means to be a godly man, emphasizing four key traits: self-awareness, love for others, love for God more than the world, and using one's power to bless others. We looked at King David as an example of self-awareness and humility, and discussed how love should be the defining trait for all followers of Christ. We also stressed the importance of valuing eternal blessings over worldly desires and maintaining self-control.

Finally, we highlighted the significant influence fathers have on their children and society. We discussed the alarming statistics of fatherless homes and the detrimental effects this has on children. We encouraged men to fully embrace their roles as husbands and fathers, to cherish their wives, and to be actively involved in their children's lives. We concluded with a prayer for strength and guidance for all men to fulfill their God-given roles.

### Key Takeaways

1. **The Importance of Self-Awareness and Humility**: A godly man must be self-aware, recognizing both his strengths and weaknesses. King David exemplified this by acknowledging his sins and seeking God's mercy. True self-awareness leads to humility, which is essential for seeking forgiveness from God and others. This humility allows men to grow spiritually and relationally. [49:53]

2. **Love as the Defining Trait**: Men are called to love others deeply, reflecting Christ's love for us. This love should manifest in protection, provision, and obedience to God. Love is not a sign of weakness but a powerful force that drives men to care for their families and communities. Jesus emphasized that our love for one another is the evidence of our discipleship. [51:43]

3. **Prioritizing Eternal Over Worldly Desires**: Men must love God more than the world, avoiding the pitfalls of fleshly desires, materialism, and pride. The Apostle John warns against letting worldly appetites replace our devotion to God. True masculinity involves self-control and a focus on eternal blessings rather than temporary pleasures. [54:42]

4. **The Power to Bless and Influence**: Men have immense power and influence within their families and society. This power should be used to bless others, making marriages strong and children secure. Fathers play a crucial role in the well-being and future success of their children, and their active involvement can prevent many societal issues. [57:20]

5. **Cherishing and Cultivating Marriage**: A successful marriage requires active engagement and effort from men. The world's view that marriage is boring or restrictive is a lie. Men have the power to make their marriages joyful and fulfilling by cherishing their wives and investing in their relationships. This sets a positive example for their children and community. [59:03]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[23:39] - Prayer for VBS and Families
[24:50] - Introduction of Karen Strickling
[25:25] - Worship and Focus on God
[37:33] - Series on Marriage
[39:58] - Father's Day Facts
[41:03] - Addressing Men and Their Roles
[42:07] - The Problem of Passivity
[43:13] - Biblical Examples of Passive Men
[45:09] - The Problem of Overly Aggressive Men
[48:54] - Traits of a Godly Man
[49:53] - Self-Awareness and Humility
[51:43] - Love for Others
[52:51] - Love for God Over the World
[54:42] - Self-Control and Avoiding Worldly Desires
[57:20] - Using Power to Bless
[59:03] - Cherishing Marriage
[01:00:32] - The Impact of Fathers
[01:02:01] - The Crisis of Fatherless Homes
[01:03:31] - Application Points
[01:07:12] - Closing Prayer
[01:14:08] - Closing Verse and Slim Jim Day

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. **Genesis 3:6** - "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate."
2. **Psalm 51:1-2** - "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin."
3. **1 John 2:15-17** - "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Adam's role during the temptation in Genesis 3:6, and how did his passivity contribute to the first sin? ([43:13])
2. In Psalm 51:1-2, how does King David demonstrate self-awareness and humility in his prayer to God? ([49:53])
3. According to 1 John 2:15-17, what are the three things that John warns against loving, and why? ([54:42])
4. What are some of the cultural challenges men face today as discussed in the sermon, and how do these challenges have ancient roots? ([41:03])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Adam's passivity in Genesis 3:6 serve as a warning for men today about the dangers of inaction? ([43:13])
2. Why is self-awareness and humility, as demonstrated by King David in Psalm 51, crucial for spiritual growth and relational health? ([49:53])
3. How can the warnings in 1 John 2:15-17 about loving the world be applied to modern-day temptations and distractions? ([54:42])
4. What does it mean to use one's power to bless others, and how can this principle be practically applied in family and societal contexts? ([57:20])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were passive in a situation where you should have taken action. How did it affect you and those around you? What steps can you take to be more proactive in similar situations in the future? ([43:13])
2. King David's prayer in Psalm 51 shows deep self-awareness and humility. How can you cultivate a habit of self-reflection and humility in your daily life? ([49:53])
3. Identify one worldly desire that often distracts you from your relationship with God. What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize your love for God over this desire? ([54:42])
4. Think of a specific way you can use your influence to bless your family or community this week. What action will you take to make a positive impact? ([57:20])
5. How can you actively cherish and cultivate your marriage or future marriage? What is one specific thing you can do this week to show appreciation and love to your spouse? ([59:03])
6. The sermon highlighted the significant impact fathers have on their children. If you are a father, what is one area where you can be more involved in your child's life? If you are not a father, how can you support and encourage the fathers in your community? ([01:00:32])
7. Reflect on the cultural messages about masculinity that you have encountered. How do these messages align or conflict with the biblical traits of a godly man discussed in the sermon? ([41:03])

Day 1: The Importance of Self-Awareness and Humility
A godly man must be self-aware, recognizing both his strengths and weaknesses. King David exemplified this by acknowledging his sins and seeking God's mercy. True self-awareness leads to humility, which is essential for seeking forgiveness from God and others. This humility allows men to grow spiritually and relationally. Self-awareness is not about self-condemnation but about understanding one's need for God's grace and the willingness to change. It involves a deep introspection and a commitment to personal growth, which ultimately leads to a more profound relationship with God and others. [49:53]

Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV): "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."

Reflection: Think about a recent situation where you recognized a personal weakness. How can you seek God's help to turn this weakness into a strength through humility and self-awareness?


Day 2: Love as the Defining Trait
Men are called to love others deeply, reflecting Christ's love for us. This love should manifest in protection, provision, and obedience to God. Love is not a sign of weakness but a powerful force that drives men to care for their families and communities. Jesus emphasized that our love for one another is the evidence of our discipleship. Love involves sacrifice, patience, and a commitment to the well-being of others. It is through love that men can truly fulfill their roles as leaders and protectors in their families and communities. [51:43]

1 John 4:7-8 (ESV): "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to feel Christ's love through you today. What specific action can you take to show them this love?


Day 3: Prioritizing Eternal Over Worldly Desires
Men must love God more than the world, avoiding the pitfalls of fleshly desires, materialism, and pride. The Apostle John warns against letting worldly appetites replace our devotion to God. True masculinity involves self-control and a focus on eternal blessings rather than temporary pleasures. This means making conscious choices that reflect a commitment to God's kingdom rather than the fleeting attractions of the world. It requires a daily surrender to God's will and a constant evaluation of one's priorities and desires. [54:42]

1 John 2:15-17 (ESV): "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where worldly desires have taken precedence over your devotion to God. What steps can you take today to realign your focus on eternal blessings?


Day 4: The Power to Bless and Influence
Men have immense power and influence within their families and society. This power should be used to bless others, making marriages strong and children secure. Fathers play a crucial role in the well-being and future success of their children, and their active involvement can prevent many societal issues. The influence of a godly man extends beyond his immediate family to the broader community, setting a standard of integrity, love, and faithfulness. By using their power to bless, men can create a ripple effect of positive change and stability. [57:20]

Proverbs 20:7 (ESV): "The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!"

Reflection: Consider how you can use your influence to bless someone in your family or community today. What specific action can you take to make a positive impact?


Day 5: Cherishing and Cultivating Marriage
A successful marriage requires active engagement and effort from men. The world's view that marriage is boring or restrictive is a lie. Men have the power to make their marriages joyful and fulfilling by cherishing their wives and investing in their relationships. This sets a positive example for their children and community. A thriving marriage is built on mutual respect, love, and a shared commitment to God's principles. By prioritizing their marriage, men can create a strong foundation for their family and demonstrate the beauty of a godly union. [59:03]

Ephesians 5:25-28 (ESV): "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself."

Reflection: Think about one way you can actively cherish and invest in your marriage today. What specific action can you take to show your spouse that they are valued and loved?

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Men, masculinity and love are not contrary or contradicting things. We protect because we love. We provide because we love. We obey God because we love. We discipline our kids because we love. We lead our family in faith because we love. We're concerned about society because we love. All of those things should be motivated and driven by the love we have for others." [51:43](32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




2. "Men, you must not love the world is the next thing. He says, do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. This doesn't mean we can't enjoy the blessings that God does give us. It doesn't mean you can't enjoy those things. It means do not replace God with the blessings of this world, with the things of this world, the things that appeal to our appetites." [54:42](27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




3. "Men, we must have a greater desire for eternal things, eternal blessings and the eternal pleasures than the pleasures and blessings in this life, right? As Jesus said, lay out for yourselves treasures in heaven. And we need to keep that in the forefront. And as the priority is also always going to be eternal, not just in this life." [56:30](21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




4. "You have the power to make your marriage great. But it won't be great all by itself and you cannot just let your wife take care of that. That's the passive side. You will determine the greatness of your marriage by how much you work and invest and put into it. I'm not denying the impact and the factor that your wife brings into the equation here. But men, the marriage really, if it's going to be an amazing marriage, it's really up to you. It really is." [59:03](38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




5. "You have the power to make your kids strong. You have the power to impact generations to come by how you are as a husband and as a father and as a grandfather. Let's talk about marriage just briefly. I want to encourage you men. If you're not married yet, marriage is maybe in the future, I want to encourage you to step fully into the idea and the concept, if you will, the truth of marriage. If you're already married, I want to encourage you to engage fully." [57:20](33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




### Quotes for Members

1. "Let's begin by talking about passivity. What kind of man are you? Ladies, what kind of man is your husband? Or what kind of men are your sons? In our current day, it seems like we have a big increase in what can be called the passive man. A quick internet search pulls up all kinds of articles, even from secular sources like psychologytoday.com and other sites that discuss this increase of passive men in our culture." [43:13](30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




2. "Passivity can cause great harm due to the inaction of a man. It can keep us from confessing sins. It can keep us from initiating reconciliation in a relationship. It can keep us from picking up the phone and making the phone call we need to make. Or from attempting family devotions. From making a difficult decision or taking that next hard step. Sometimes a man who does nothing is as harmful as the man who does the wrong thing." [46:39](29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




3. "The starting point for becoming the man God has created you to be is to know who you are. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses. I want us to consider King David as we think a little bit on this point. David had many admirable traits, right? He was a man's man, a warrior, a leader. The ladies liked his appearance, right? But he understood his sin. And he made great mistakes also but he understood his sin. He was very self-aware of his failings in that sense but he didn't allow those to just define him. He did what he should do with those things." [49:53](38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




4. "When a father is present and involved, that's the key, present and involved, kids at a lower risk of infant mortality, low birth weight, which is amazing by the way, that your presence and involvement with your wife will affect the health of the baby before it's even born. Emotional and behavior problems, neglect and abuse, less likely to suffer injury, obesity, poor school performance, or teen pregnancy, or incarceration as juveniles, or alcohol and substance abuse, criminal activity and suicide. That's because of you, dad, and your involvement, not just being there, but being involved with your wife and your kids." [01:00:32](49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)




5. "You as a man, as a father, as a grandfather, you hold so much power and influence and blessing for your family, for the future of your kids. Don't you dare listen to the culture that wants to shame and discredit you for being a man. Don't you dare listen to those voices. God has created you as a man. He has blessed your manhood. He has blessed masculinity. And he's given you and me as men, as fathers, as grandfathers, a very specific purpose and calling on our life that only applies to us." [01:02:39](48 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)