Icebreaker
- What cultural influences undermine authentic masculinity?
- What happens if masculinity is lost in our society?
Going deeper
- In light of this week’s sermon, what was new information, challenged, or stood out to you?
Read Ephesians 4:1-5 and 17-32
- How do these verses encourage you to become a man of faith, mission, purpose, courage, and strength?
Last week, Pastor Doug pointed out the seven practical steps from verses 25-32 to put off the old self and put on the new self:
- Lay aside falsehood (v. 25)
- Deal with anger (v. 26)
- Be productive (v. 28)
- Use words well (v. 29)
- Eliminate bad thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors (v. 31)
- Be kind and compassionate (v. 32)
- Forgive (v. 32)
This week, he spoke specifically to the guys stating “if you embrace three specific truths, they will help you be the man Christ created you to be:”
- You can do it! And in order to do it:
- You need friends
- You need someone to love
- Embrace Responsibility
- Embrace Growth
- What prevents men from believing they can do it? What makes them believe the lie they can’t be something different tor they don’t deserve to be something different than they are?
- What makes men believe they can’t change into the person God is calling them to be?
- Read Philippians 4:13
- What must happen for a man to put off the old self and put on the new self and believe this biblical truth?
- Read Ephesians 3:20
- Pastor Doug made the following claim, “you won’t experience this truth if you believe you can’t or don’t deserve it?
- Do you agree with this claim? Why or Why Not?
- What other agreements do men make that keep them from experiencing this truth?
- If you are a man, what agreements have you made (or lies you have bought in to) that keep you from experiencing this truth?
- Read Proverbs 27:17
- Why is it important for men to have good friends?
- What makes a good friend?
- How do you know if a friendship isn’t good for you?
- Why is it important for men to have someone to love?
- Pastor Doug said, “men who don’t have someone to love don’t do well as men, and don’t become better men.”
- Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
- Pastor Doug also said, “if you have someone to love, start loving them better.”
- What is one thing you can do this week to love your wife or significant other better?
- Pastor Doug said, “men who don’t have someone to love don’t do well as men, and don’t become better men.”
- What did you learn from the sermon about embracing responsibility?
- What is the antithesis of embracing responsibility for men?
- Why do men get into relationships but don’t do the things needed to make the relationship better?
- Pastor Doug said, “passivity will destroy a marriage faster than anything else?”
- Do you agree or disagree? Why or Why Not?
- He also said, “a man without convictions creates insecurity in wives.”
- Agree or disagree? Why or Why Not?
- Why is it important to embrace growth?
- What does embracing growth look like in the life of a man?
- What does forgiveness have to do with embracing growth?
Reflect
- Do you really believe Jesus’ promise, “I have made you a new man?”
- Women, you can answer this for yourself too
Application
- What is one decision you can make this week to be the person God has made you to be?
