The Art Of Biblical Manliness

The Art of Biblical Manliness

1 Kings 2:1-4

Recently, there has been a revival of sorts regarding all kinds of things which one might call “manly”.

The “Art of Manliness” has come to regard anything which might be considered a manly pursuit.

It includes things like:

Grooming a beard.

Tying a necktie.

Giving a proper handshake.

Building a campfire.

Sharpening a pocketknife.

There are books, websites, videos and countless blog articles all devoted to this resurgence of all things “manly”.

This has come partly as a response to the attempt of some to radically feminize men.

For many years, “manly” pursuits have been considered almost evil by those who promote a radical form of feminism.

During the radical feminist movement which sprung up in the 60s and 70s, men were often portrayed as the enemy and masculinity was seen as something to be eliminated.

During the Clinton administration, Duke University law professor Madeline Morris, advised the military to eliminate its “masculinist attitudes” such as “dominance, assertiveness, aggressiveness, independence, self-sufficiency, and willingness to take risks.”

There has been an obvious attempt by some in society to suppress anything which might be described as “Manly”.

Manliness not something which should be stifled or eliminated.

Manliness is a gift from God.

God did not create men to be women, nor did He create women to be men.

God created us with natural differences which are meant to complement each other.

Back on Mother’s Day, I taught a message on biblical womanhood.

Today is Father’s Day and we are going to address the “Art of Manliness” from a biblical perspective.

We are going to address the question: What is Biblical Manliness?

There are many places in scripture wherein manliness - or being a man - is commended as virtuous and something worthy of pursuit.

1 Corinthians 13:11 “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.”

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

When the Lord was preparing Job to answer His questions, he admonished him to “Dress for action, like a man.” (Job 38:3)

So there is an inherent virtue in men behaving as men.

But Biblical manliness involves much more that what the world may see as virtues of manliness.

Worldly Manliness may be focused on things like handshakes and neckties... all of which can be good things... but these are all external things.

Biblical Manliness is concerned with the inner man, the true man, the heart of a man.

Biblical Manliness involves our Character

Biblical Manliness involves our Spiritual Maturity

Biblical Manliness involves our Sanctification

As we examine Biblical Manhood today, these will be the focuses of our attention.

We are going to begin our study at the deathbed of one of the greatest figures of the Old Testament, King David.

He is in the midst of commissioning his son to the throne, as he knows His death is imminent.

1 Kings 2:1-4 “When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, [2a] “I am about to go the way of all the earth....

This phrase “the way of all the earth” is euphemistic, and it indicates that death is the way all things go eventually.

This was a good reminder which David is giving his son that all things in this world are ultimately temporary.

It also shows us what it most important to David.

When a man is on his deathbed, he has limited time to express his will.

So the words which he expresses are naturally going to be the words which are the most meaningful to him.

David says...

[2b] Be strong, and show yourself a man,

This is very similar to the apostolic language of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:13.

To “show yourself a man” had several implications, not the least of which was the demonstration of a strong character.

David then begins to outline what this “Manliness” would include first and foremost an obedience to the Word of God.

[3] and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn,

David also includes the Generational Promise as part of his commission to Solomon.

[4] that the LORD may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’”

So long as the sons would be obedient to God, there would be a perpetuation of the Davidic Kingdom in Israel.