The Need For Godly Men
By Andy Sochor

Over the last several years, our society has become more corrupt, immoral, confused, and dangerous. At the same time, feminism has attacked the role of men in society, homosexuality and same-sex “marriage” have perverted the role of men in the home, and transgenderism is now seeking to normalize the idea of men ceasing to be men. This is not a coincidence. The result of men not being men, particularly godly men, has had a direct impact upon the deterioration of our society.

God instituted marriage in the beginning: “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). This marriage relationship is the building block of society. When marriage is disregarded by society – and with it the distinct roles that God has given men and women – that society will crumble.

A few generations after God created the first man and woman, society became so corrupt that “every intent of the thoughts of [man’s] heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5). At that time, it was a godly man – Noah – who saved his family (Gen. 6:8-10, 18). The same can be done by godly men today – they can save their families and influence others for good.

However, too often men are absent from the home, uninterested in their responsibilities within the home, unprepared to fulfill their role, or are so immature that they act like and must be treated like children. Not only has this been detrimental to the homes of these men (or the homes where they belong), but society has also suffered as a result.

If more adult males would fulfill their roles as husbands, fathers, leaders, and workers, the less problems we would have in society.

●   Men who are husbands must fulfill their role as head of the household (Eph. 5:23) – not doing so selfishly, but leading with a sacrificial love for his wife (Eph. 5:25) and treating her with honor (1 Pet. 3:7). In particular, men are to provide spiritual leadership in the home (cf. Josh. 24:15).

●  Men who are fathers must “bring…up [their] children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4), training them “in the way [they] should go” (Prov. 22:6). They are to take the instructions found in God’s word and “teach them diligently” to their children (Deut. 6:7).

●  Men who are Christians should grow to become spiritually mature (Heb. 5:14) so they are able to teach others (Heb. 5:12), encourage their brethren (1 Thess. 5:11), and help those who are weak (Gal. 6:1). Eventually, many of these men ought to be qualified to serve as elders and provide needed spiritual oversight in the local church (Titus 1:5-9; Heb. 13:17).

●  Men who are not Christians, while they can certainly make a positive impact upon society through their goodness, will do far more good by becoming the Lord’s disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). It is far better for our good deeds to influence others to turn to God rather than simply being an occasion for others to praise us for what we have done.

●  Men who are able-bodied must be “willing to work” in order to provide for themselves (2 Thess. 3:10) and their families (1 Tim. 5:8). They are to work so they will “not be a burden to any” (2 Thess. 3:8), rather than feeling as though they are entitled what they have not earned for themselves and expecting the civil authorities to provide for them from the earnings they have confiscated from others.

●  Men who are able should provide help to those who are in need (Gal. 6:10). This not only requires a selfless attitude of wanting to help others, but it also means they must be hardworking so that they will not only be able to provide for themselves (2 Thess. 3:10), but also “have something to share with one who has need” (Eph. 4:28).

●  Men must “put away childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11) and “act like men” (1 Cor. 16:13) rather than retaining the immaturity of youth and refusing to accept the responsibilities that come with being a man.

As with everything, it is always better to do things God’s way instead of man’s way. Our society has drifted far from the principles of God’s word that many in previous generations had followed – at least in a general way. If our society is to be turned back from its current destructive course, we need more than just males – we need men, especially godly men, who will follow God and lead others to do the same. – Plain Bible Teaching, April 20, 2016. 

Three Answers To One Question
By Robert F. Turner

Could one question be given three differing answers, and all answers be correct? Seems unlikely doesn’t it? Yet this is the case in the N.T. book of Acts when the question, “What must I do?” (to be saved) is asked.

The expressed answer given to the Philippian jailer was “Believe” (See Acts 16:25-34 for full account)! Some insist that this expressed reply is complete, and hence salvation is by faith only. However, a consideration of the expressed replies given this question on other occasions will show the fallacy of such reasoning.

When some of the Pentecost multitude asked, “What shall we do?” they were told, “Repent, and be baptized” (See Acts 2:6-38 for details). And when Saul asked what to do he was directed to Ananias, who told him to “Arise, and be, baptized” (See Acts 9:1-18 22:6-16 for the record).

If only the expressed reply is to be considered we would have to conclude that the jailer was saved by faith alone, and that those on Pentecost were saved by repentance and baptism (i.e., without any faith) and that Saul was saved by baptism alone, without either faith or repentance. Of course none of these conclusions are valid.

A fair study of the context shows that the same elements, and all three of these elements, were present in each of the cases examined. One must have faith in Christ to be saved, but faith that is not strong enough to cause one to obey the Lord’s commands is a “dead” faith (Jas. 2:24-26).

Why Did The Answers Differ?

Because the questions were asked by people in different circumstances. A man in Burnet may ask “how far is it to San Antonio?” and be told, “100 miles.” In Marble Falls this question would get a different answer. And in Blanco, the same question would get a third, and different answer. Yet all would be part of one great truth.

There is no indication that the Philippian jailer had either knowledge or faith in the Christian system; so he was told to believe, and then “they spake unto him the word of the Lord.” He repented, as indicated by washing their stripes, and he was baptized, as stated in Acts 16:38. Thus he truly believed (vs. 34).

But those on Pentecost heard the preaching of Christ before they asked their question. The preaching “pricked” their hearts; i.e., they believed. Then they were told “repent and be baptized.”

And Saul (later called Paul) had already believed, and had spent three days penitently praying, when he was told, “Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins.”

Where Are You??

Your status or condition before God must be considered in answering your question, “What must I do?” The Lord will save “all who will obey” (Heb. 5:9); and has given one gospel to all. (Gal. 1:8 Rom. 2:11) Have you proven your faith by full and complete obedience to His will? – Plain Talk, February 1964.