Introduction. The title of this lesson is taken from the closing instructions given by Paul to the saints in Corinth. The full verse reads - “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NASB). The phrase “act like men” comes from the single Greek word andrizo () - “To behave oneself with the wisdom and courage of a man, as opposed to a babe in Christ” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary - New Testament. Spiros Zodiates. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, inc. 1992. p. 168). In this series we will study how a Christian man can follow this instruction as he strives to be the kind of husband, father and man that God would have him to be.

I. “Things Proper For Sound Doctrine” (Titus 2:1)

1. Older Men
   1. “Be sober…” (Titus 2:2).
   2. “…Reverent…“
   3. “…Temperate…”
   4. “Sound in faith…”
   5. ”…In love…”
   6. ”…In patience”
2. Young Men
   1. “Be sober-minded…” (Titus 2:6).
   2. “…In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works…” (Titus 2:7).
   3. “…In doctrine showing integrity…”
   4. “…Reverence…”
   5. “…Incorruptibility…”
   6. “…Sound speech…” (Titus 2:8).
   7. “…Having nothing evil to say of you.”

II. “I Write To You…” (I John 2:13,14).

1. Fathers
   1. “You have known Him who is from the beginning” (I John 2:13,14).
2. Young Men
   1. “You have overcome the wicked one” (I John 2:13).
   2. “You are strong” (I John 2:14).
   3. “The word of God abides in you” (I John 2:14).

III. The Godly Home.

1. Husbands
   1. Is the head of the wife. (Ephesians 5:23).
   2. Love their wife. (Colossians 3:19; Ephesians 5:25).
   3. As Christ loved the church. (Ephesians 5:25).
   4. As their own bodies. (Ephesians 5:28).
   5. Do not be bitter towards them. (Colossians 3:19).
   6. Dwell with a wife with understanding. (I Peter 3:7).
   7. Give honor to the wife. (I Peter 3:7).
2. Fathers
   1. Avoid provocation. (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21).
   2. Bring up children in the admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4).
   3. Correction of children. (Hebrews 12:9).

IV. Paul’s General Instructions.

1. Hold Such Men in Esteem (Philippians 2:25-29).
   1. Epaphroditus ministered to the needs of others. (2:25).
   2. Epaphroditus sacrificed to serve the Lord. (Philippians 2:27; 4:18).
2. In Understanding Be Men (I Corinthians 14:20, KJV).