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Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 22:23-31
I Searched for a Man
Intro.
1. God looked for a man who would “stand in the gap” to protect His people from defilement and His sure wrath against sin, Ezek. 22:30 (Psalm 106:23).
2. God still looks for godly men in a godless world.
3. A man can be God’s man in today’s world, Titus 2:1-2, 6-8.
4. Don’t be fooled by the world’s definition of a man; Not God’s man.
I. THE WORLD’S VIEW OF A REAL MAN.
A. Legal Age (18 or 21 years; cf. 1 Kings 12:6-8).
B. Physical Strength (virile, muscular, fit, “might makes right”).
1. Will not always be so, but no less a man (Ps. 71:9; Prov. 20:29).
2. cf. Samson: Strong, yet foolish.
C. Wealth (money-making ability; Luke 12:15; cf. 9:58).
D. Machismo (tough-guy, shows a prideful heart, Prov. 21:4; 16:18).
1. “I’m my own man and nobody is going to tell me what to do.”
2. This “man” hasn’t yet learned that we are all under authority to someone or something (Matt. 8:9).
E. Gender Fluidity, Gen. 1:27 (cf. Deut. 22:5).
II. SHOW YOURSELF A MAN, 1 Kings 2:1-3.
A. God’s Man is Strong in Faith, 2:2 (cf. Josh. 1:6, 7, 9).
1. Moral courage, the fortitude of faith, not physical prowess, marks God’s man, 1 Cor. 16:13 (cf. 2 Pet. 1:5).
2. Are challenged daily (family, work, friends, temptations, etc.).
3. God’s man wears the shield of faith (Eph. 6:16).
B. God’s Man is Obedient, 2:3.
1. Humble, obedient faith that follows God’s ways marks God’s man, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
2. Wise and solid foundation for life, Matt. 7:24-25.
C. God’s Man is Responsible, 2:3.
1. Keeps the charge of the Lord: God’s man knows he is a steward of the blessings and gifts of God, cf. 1 Cor. 4:1-2.
2. Accepts his role and work: Holds himself accountable; he does not blame others when he bears responsibility, Gal. 6:4-5.
3. Dependable, reliable, and trustworthy: Wife? Children? Parents? Co-workers? Church? God?
III. GOD IS LOOKING FOR A MAN, Jer. 5:1; Isa. 66:2.
A. Who is Just and Fair, Jer. 5:1.
1. God’s man does not promote himself at the expense of others; He is not oppressive.
2. He is honest, equitable and just in his treatment of others; does not surrender his integrity:
a. Toward his wife, 1 Pet. 3:5-7.
b. Toward his children, Col. 3:21.
c. Toward his word in business, etc., Psalm 15:4-5.
B. Who Seeks and Defends Truth, 5:1 (Ezek. 22:30).
1. Shuns evil, pursues truth and righteousness, 1 Tim. 6:11-12.
2. Conforms himself to word of God, 2 Tim. 3:16-17 (2 Tim. 2:15).
C. Who Blesses Others, 5:1.
1. God’s man is committed to the welfare of others, Gal. 6:1-2.
2. His example and influence helps those around him (1 Pet. 2:12).
D. Who Knows His Limitations and Puts His Faith in God, Isa. 66:2.
1. God’s man is humble and merciful of heart, which governs his conduct before God and toward others, Micah 6:6-8.
2. Knows he is a man before Almighty God, Psalm 8:4, 9.
Conclusion
1. There is no man who has not sinned in these matters, 1 Kings 8:46.
2. God provides forgiveness; men should reverence Him, Ps. 130:3-4.
3. Whose man will you be: The world’s or God’s?
By: Joe R. Price
Posted July 26, 2022