Chapter 3
The Holy Trinity, Men’s Role to God, Grow and Walk With God
The Father had a plan for our salvation. Jesus brought the Father’s plan of salvation to us, then went to be with the Father. The Father sent the Holy Spirit to be with us.
The Holy Spirit will help us abide by God’s teachings and keep his commandments. Without the Holy Spirit we would be lost. The Holy Spirit transforms you from within. Let the Holy Spirit empower you so that you may overcome and obtain the victory. The Holy Spirit convicts us to think and do the right thing, follow him.
The Holy Spirit is our power and our shield for protection. Do not deny or reject the Holy Spirit. To deny the Holy Spirit is like denying or rejecting a lifeline someone gives you while you’re hanging on a cliff. The Holy Spirit is our lifeline to Jesus and the Father in heaven. The Holy Spirit will be with us forever.
John 14
1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many mansions; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
Romans 5:1-5
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Grow With God:
Let your seed grow strong. Be a wheat not a tare. Be a true Christian.
Matthew 13:1-9
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:18-23
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Matthew 13:24-29
24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?
28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.
“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Deuteronomy 8:6
Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him.
1 John 2:3-6
3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
God’s Design for Manhood
There has been a great failure of many men over the ages, the failure to acknowledge God’s design for manhood, specifically the honor and responsibility to lead his family spiritually. This appointment is first given in the latter part of God’s greatest command.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontlets on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. A father will one day have to answer to Christ for the way he shepherds children!
One needs only to look at our prisons and detention centers to see the catastrophic results of this failure. Real men do not consider headship as a right but as a responsibility! God’s appointment for this headship is given.
Ephesians 5:22-24
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.” The husband/father will one day have to answer to Christ for the way he shepherds his wife and children!
The Christlike headship of a husband/father is described.
Ephesians 5:25-28.4:13
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing[b] her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
I think that this failure in some cases is deliberate neglect but the bigger problem is the countless fathers that are simply unaware of what God’s design is for them as fathers. To this I would offer the Word of God in what Jude wrote to the believers in the church, to Christian men about those that have strayed away: Jude” And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire”
God has provided for us as men to accomplish His design by the redemptive power of our Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in us.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Make no mistake, men, ” One day you will have to answer to Christ for the way you led your wife and children spiritually! Taking them to church is just the beginning!
Grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone!
He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it!
Press on men of God for you have been purchased with a price!
Christian Men's Role in The Family And Church
In the Family
Leadership: Christian men are often encouraged to take a leadership role within the family. This involves providing guidance, setting a spiritual example, and making decisions that reflect Christian values. Ephesians 5:23 describes Christ as the head of the church, and similarly, men are encouraged to lead their families with love and integrity.
1 Corinthians 11:3: “But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”
Provider: Traditionally, men have been seen as the primary providers for their families. This includes not just financial provision, but also providing for emotional and spiritual needs.
1 Timothy 5:8: “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
2 Thessalonians 3:10: “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”
Protector: Men are often called to protect their families, not just physically but also emotionally and spiritually. This means creating a safe environment where family members feel secure and supported.
1 Peter 3:7: “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
Psalm 127:3-5: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!”
Spiritual Leadership: Leading by example in faith and devotion is crucial. This might involve leading family prayers, teaching Biblical principles, and encouraging spiritual growth among family members. Teaching discipline, disciplining children in a loving way and not in anger.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Husband and Father: The roles of husband and father are central to many Christian teachings. Men are encouraged to love their wives sacrificially and to raise their children in the fear and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Colossians 3:19: “Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
Titus 1:6: “If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.”
Listening:
Listen to you children on what they have to say, pay attention to them, they may be asking for attention. Communicating and sharing is important to them, sometimes in their child’s way. Or one day they may not want to talk or share and slowly drift away. If they don’t want to talk much, open up to them. Always share Jesus, his love and faith..
Sharing:
Share the gospel with your children constantly so they want to know Jesus more. Encourage bible reading so they know who Jesus is and what is required to be his disciples. How can they follow someone they hardly know. Kids are smart, don’t dumb them down but lift them up in wisdom.
The church youth ministries are there to help lead our children on the right path to Jesus, but only get them for an hour on Sunday and 1 1/2 hrs on Wednesday for the student ministry. They need a Christian home environment to reach them, teach them about Jesus and becoming his disciples. Read the Bible with your children no matter their age, make the living word come alive in your house, be the Godly example. You will grow too.
Teach Anger: Yes, anger, God’s righteous anger. Teach your children to be strong and kind in defending God’s love for people.
Romans 12:9 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
Righteous Anger: is a type of emotional response that arises when someone perceives a situation as deeply unjust or immoral. It’s a form of anger that is often seen as justified because it’s directed toward what is perceived as a wrong or ethical violation. For example, feeling righteous anger in response to witnessing hate, someone being cheated or corruption.
This kind of anger can motivate positive action, like standing up for others, advocating for justice, or making changes to address the wrongs observed. It’s distinguished from other forms of anger by its focus on justice and moral values rather than personal grievances or trivial matters. Do what Jesus says to do in his teachings and commandments.
But man’s anger in selfishness can lead to more sin and the influence of sin to our children. Children are smart and the copy us. What does God want you to do in raising your children. To advocate a Godly influence, or a sinful one.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you. But to do justly,
To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
Ephesians 4:26-27 26 “In your anger do not sin” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
James 1: 20 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
In the Church
Servant Leadership: Men are encouraged to serve within the church community. This involves taking on positions of responsibility with a servant heart, following the example of Jesus who came to serve.
Mark 10:44-45: “And whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:26-28: “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Support and Encouragement: Supporting the church through involvement in activities, financial contributions, and encouragement to others is a key role. Men are encouraged to build up the church community through their actions and words.
1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Mentorship: Providing mentorship and guidance to younger men or new believers is often seen as an important role. This can involve sharing wisdom, offering support, and helping others grow in their faith.
Titus 2:2-3: “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good.”
2 Timothy 2:2: “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
Teaching and Preaching: In many Christian traditions, men are called to take on roles of teaching and preaching, sharing the message of the Gospel and instructing others in Biblical teachings. This is not only at church but to your neighbors.
1 Timothy 3:2: “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”
2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
Prayer: Men are encouraged to be active in prayer, both personally and in communal settings, to support the church and its mission.
1 Timothy 2:8: “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.”
James 5:16: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
Conclusion: Men need to embrace their role in God’s plan, stepping up for their families and their church. It begins with guiding their children on the right path, teaching them about God, and following Jesus’ commands by not only hearing His word but also living it.