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Complete Sermon Notes
Act Like Men
LAST WEEK – A Call to Anguish: “If we had as many “agonizers” as “advisers” the church would experience revival.” ~ Leonard Ravenhill
ENCOURAGEMENT – I have seen many parents spiral downward because of guilt and regret.
Even God’s children rebel.
You’re not God – just the steward.
Trust in sovereignty not your skills: I have seen terrible parents produce wonderful kids, and good parents, rebellious ones: Jim Cymbala, Billy Graham, many Calvary Chapel pastors.
Your kids are fighting the flesh just like you are – sometimes they need love and grace and not another lecture.
“Those who have been forgiven much love much.”
Matt. 26:31, “Strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.”
…a dad’s leadership at home should be a model of strength and authority, but always tempered by love and compassion. Harsh discipline tends to close down a sensitive feminine spirit.
…a dad must remember that he is being watched closely by that little girl around his knees. The way he treats her mother will teach her volumes about how men and women should relate to one another. Blatant disrespect toward his wife will not be missed by the child.
…a dad should always look for ways to build the self-confidence of his little girl. If she believes he thinks she is pretty and “special,” she will be inclined to see herself that way. He holds the key to her self-acceptance.
…a father must be the spiritual leader of his family, making clear his devotion to Jesus Christ and to the principles in Scripture. He should give the highest priority to bringing up his daughters, and his sons, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. http://www.drjamesdobson.org/
A father shapes his son’s life more than any other influence on the planet.
A man affects his wife spiritually and emotionally more than any other influence.
A man builds his local church more than any other influence – this flows into the community, and ultimately, the nation.
Strike the Shepherd and they will scatter … Men, you’re not called to be a passive, weak, indecisive partner—you’re called to protect, lead, and guard your family. You are to initiate prayer, defend your wife, shepherd your children, and make your home a holy sanctuary not a breeding ground for Satan. You’re called to fight the enemy, not flee from him.
Act Like Men – cf. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV) – “1. Be watchful 2. Stand firm in the faith 3. Act like men 4. Be strong.”
1. Be Watchful – alert, cautious, vigilant, on guard, prepared, and ready.
Opposite – careless, lazy, rash, negligent – “led by the flesh”.
Matt 26:43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.
WE CAN BE very cautious about our income, our reputation, and our bank statements – But lazy in regard to the Spiritual Climate of our home.
A man said to me, “At least my kids smoke marijuana at my house…”
ON THE FLIP SIDE: The Danger of Being too Cautious – too many rules without a loving relationship with your kids leads to a critical spirit: If you have a judgmental attitude, you will not be able to lead effectively.
The Dictator is just as dangerous as the Derelict who neglects his home
Ironically, I’ve noticed that those educated in biblical doctrine can often be the most critical, cynical, and negative. We must avoid being a “divisive” person who is proud, unteachable, and eager to dispute. As we learn the Scriptures, we can become filled with pride and easily see the flaws in others but overlook our own. Blinded by pride and convinced that God has called us to critique others, we might think that we’re more knowledgeable, holy, and in tune with the Spirit, and that God has obviously given us the “gift” of criticism, when indeed, no such “gift” exists! Be careful here—it can be a critical attitude, not God, that is leading you. If you don’t know, just ask me 🙂
2. Stand firm “in the faith” – “Having done all, stand…”
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil..and having done all, to stand.
Cowards run – they back track … they hide … they excuse.
BUT YOU Stand – it’s a defensive position.
3. Act Like Men – “acting” is not “talking”
Our families would rather “see” a sermon than “hear” one. “The lectures that you give may be very wise and true, but I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do. For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give, but there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live” (Edgar A. Guest).
Zechariah 11:17, “Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!” Jeremiah 10:21, NLT – The shepherds of my people have lost their senses. They no longer seek wisdom from the LORD. Therefore, they fail completely, and their flocks are scattered.
We are in desperate need of broken, humble men—men who are not afraid to admit that they need God.
I’m tired of weak, passive men who never contend, stand, or fight for anything worth dying for. Our nation is looking for character, our wives are looking for leaders, and our kids are looking for fathers. ACT LIKE MEN!
4. Be Strong – you can’t be watchful and weak
The world’s definition of strong vs. God’s – you can have muscles bulging, bling-bling ringing, and a strong personality…and still be weak!
Weak means your flesh is the dominating force within your life – “I discipline my body….” 2 Cor. 12:10 For when I am weak, then I am strong.
This sledgehammer – to annihilate and to destroy.
“Casting down arguments, and every high thing that exalts itself…”
Closing: MEN – If you could go back and change one significant experience in your life, what would it be and why?
“I desire all men everywhere to lift up holy hands…”
When you start praising God your spirit is lifted – loneliness, isolation, anger and frustration must leave.
Worship heals the inner man who is sick and dying – your kids can paint on the wall, your wife disrespect you, and the dog get into the trash.
Angry men aren’t worshippers – if you’re hurting, unhappy, hopeless, and tired, run to worship – humble yourself and “lift up holy hands.”
HOW MERCIFUL THE CROSS!
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