1. The Many Journeys of Men (What Does It Mean To Be A Man?)

2. Pursuing An Image of Manhood A “real” man is an Achiever A “real” man is an Achiever A “real” man is a Lover A “real” man is a Lover A “real” man is a Fighter A “real” man is a Fighter

3. The Rat Race (Racing After an Image) Racing for a prize that is not really available. (Satisfaction…contentment…purpose) Racing for a prize that is not really available. (Satisfaction…contentment…purpose) There is no prize…only an image of a prize. (questions…casualties…regrets) There is no prize…only an image of a prize. (questions…casualties…regrets) There is no winner…only runners who keep on running and running and running. There is no winner…only runners who keep on running and running and running. “There is a way which seems right to a man But it’s end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12

4. So, Why Do We Compete In It? Because it’s all that we know!!

5. The Journey To Authentic Manhood “As David’s time to die drew near, he charged Solomon his son, saying, “I am going the way of all the earth. Be strong, therefore, and show yourself a man.” 1 Kings 2:1-2

6. The Substance of Authentic Manhood “And keep the charge of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the law of Moses…” 1 Kings 2:3

7. “You cannot follow Jesus and remain the same. The journey itself will change you forever—not only your priorities, but your passions. It alters not only your direction, but your desires. It transforms not only your actions, but your values. It makes you just like Christ and unlike anyone else. It is nothing less than leaving the fake for the real. There is great risk in abandoning the artificial in pursuit of the authentic. Yet if we’ve never known the real thing it easy to understand why we are mesmerized with the best versions of the imitation.”

8. The Substance of Authentic Manhood The substance of authentic manhood is when a man anchors his like and soul in God and His purposes. The substance of authentic manhood is when a man anchors his like and soul in God and His purposes. He lives a life that is not consistent with an image of false manhood, but rather is set free to live a life consistent with his identity in Christ. He lives a life that is not consistent with an image of false manhood, but rather is set free to live a life consistent with his identity in Christ. He is a “keeper of the charge of the LORD our God”. He is a “keeper of the charge of the LORD our God”.

9. The Consequences of Being A “Keeper of the Charge” “…that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn.” 1Kings 2:3b

10. Authentic Men…Men of Substance…Men of God There are worthy endeavors to achieve. There are worthy endeavors to achieve. To become great sacrificial lovers of people. To become great sacrificial lovers of people. There are noble causes worth fighting for. There are noble causes worth fighting for. The godly man who is present and engaged in all of his God-given responsibilities can be used by God To radically transform every environment he enters.

11. The Substance of Authentic Manhood “…so that the LORD may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me, saying, :If your sons are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.” 1 Kings 2:4

12. Authentic Manhood I am part of something that is bigger than myself. I am part of something that is bigger than myself. Others are counting on me and my choices. Others are counting on me and my choices. God has intentionally placed me where I am at in this time in history. God has intentionally placed me where I am at in this time in history. IT’S OUR TURN NOW!