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The Bible's Roles for Men

CGG Weekly

The Bible provides guidance on gender roles, emphasizing that most teachings apply to both men and women, as Galatians 3:28 states there is neither male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus. However, specific instructions are given to men in various roles. A man within the Body of Christ must emulate the Head of that Body, striving to live according to God's will in all aspects of life, whether in daily work or church activities. God requires most men to work hard to provide for themselves and their families, balancing their priorities to focus on what is most important: God, family, work, and church. Within the church, every member, male and female, has a unique role to play, and it is each person's responsibility to discover and fulfill that role with dedication, whether it involves leading songs, praying for others, or performing less visible tasks. Specific instructions are provided for husbands and fathers, outlining their responsibilities in marriage and family life. A Christian man must be masculine, the husband of one wife, while also being gentle and exemplifying the fruits of God's Holy Spirit. He must practice self-control, avoiding drunkenness and immorality, and maintain balance and stability in his life, not giving in to extremes or self-indulgence. The apostle Paul urges Christian men to be mature in understanding, extending this call to embody strength and responsibility in both physical and moral aspects of life.

God and Gender

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The controversy surrounding the revision of the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible highlights a significant debate over gender roles in biblical language. Publishers Zondervan and the International Bible Society planned to release a gender-neutral version in America, aiming to avoid language that could be offensive to either sex. Supporters label this approach as gender-accurate, while critics view it as an accommodation to cultural pressures. After intense criticism from evangelicals, the publishers abandoned their plans, acknowledging the strong opposition within the church. However, some believe this decision represents only a temporary setback, predicting that gender-inclusive versions will eventually emerge due to shifts in cultural and economic factors. There is concern among conservatives that such changes could subtly alter perceptions of God's nature, despite assurances from publishers that the gender treatment of the Godhead remains unchanged, with God revealed as Father and Jesus Christ as Son, Husband, Elder Brother, and King. The fear persists that future efforts to introduce politically correct, unisex terms into biblical texts will continue more discreetly, reflecting broader cultural influences on religious understanding.

Is God a Male Chauvinist?

Article by David F. Maas

In an effort to address societal pressures, there has been a push towards gender-neutral language in biblical translations, altering traditional expressions to avoid masculine dominance. Changes include replacing "sons of God" with "children of God" in Matthew 5:9, and "a man is justified by faith" with "a person is justified by faith" in Romans 3:28. Other substitutions involve using plural pronouns like "they" instead of "he" in James 5:14-15, and replacing "man" with "humankind" in Genesis 1:27. Such modifications are seen as concessions to political correctness, potentially sacrificing accuracy and clarity. Societal trends also reflect a fascination with swapping traditional gender roles, evident in media portrayals where women take on roles like elite combat soldiers and men assume domestic duties. These depictions often challenge stereotypical gender expectations, raising questions about equality and adaptation to non-traditional roles. Scripturally, God created both male and female in His image, as stated in Genesis 1:26, emphasizing that together they form a composite reflection of Him. Neither sex is superior or inferior, and marriage is designed as a God-plane relationship to learn from the traits of the opposite sex, aiming for completeness in personality. Godly characteristics are not confined to one gender; men are encouraged to adopt traits like tenderness and mercy, while women are urged to embrace strength and decisiveness. Examples from Scripture highlight masculine traits such as strength and power, and feminine traits like beauty and mercy, underscoring that both are essential for members of God's Family. The balance of these traits is vital, as seen in personal examples of individuals who embody both strength and sensitivity without diminishing their masculinity or femininity. This balance adds a dimension of Godhood, pushing beyond natural tendencies towards a fuller reflection of God's image in both men and women.

Let Boys Be Boys!

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The societal shift influenced by radical feminism in Western nations has led to a reevaluation of gender roles, particularly concerning boys. There is a noticeable effort to alter the natural exuberance and disposition of boys, which some view as an attempt to rewrite their fundamental inclinations. This movement, initially sparked by concerns over discrimination against girls in cultural and educational systems, has sometimes been perceived as anti-boy. Despite arguments that progress for girls does not equate to a setback for boys, there remains a contention that misguided feminism is harming young men by suppressing their inherent traits. In prophetic imagery, a society rejecting God's way struggles to produce leaders across all sectors. Leadership roles are often filled by women, or by men who exhibit traits traditionally associated with women, leading to a lack of decisive guidance. God points to these women as causing the nation to stray, either through direct implementation of ungodly programs or by passively allowing such actions. This dynamic has contributed to the disintegration of societal and religious foundations in nations, highlighting a broader impact of shifting gender roles on leadership and moral direction.

A Woman's World

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

It is no longer primarily a man's world, and God's Word has a great deal to say about a society when feminism rules the day.

Should the Church Ordain Women as Ministers (I Timothy 2:12)?

Bible Questions & Answers

God shows this matter to be one of difference between the genders rather than one being better or worse than the other. Men and women have different roles.

In the Wake of An Unnatural Disaster (Part Four)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Jimmy Carter left the Southern Baptist Church because of looking at the story of Adam and Eve through the eyes of a humanist instead of believing God.

Called Their Name Adam

Sermon by Mark Schindler

God named both Adam and Eve 'Adam', signifying an unbreakable bond. This bond was secure until sin entered, creating enmity between men, women, and God.

The First Prophecy (Part Two)

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In Eve's curse lies the beginnings of both women's difficulties in childbearing and the battle of the sexes. The effects of this curse are still being felt daily!

God's Pattern of the Family

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The family structure, with assigned orders of responsibility (not orders of importance implying superiority or inferiority), is paramount to God's plan.

Manoah, Father of Samson

Sermonette by Mike Ford

Many Biblical scholars teach that Manoah was dimwitted, lazy, jealous, and faithless. But a close reading of the Scriptures proves just the opposite.

Manoah (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Mike Ford

Manoah, father of Samson, has suffered a fair amount of criticism over the years. Was he really a horrible husband, father, and man in general?

Men and Women, Hats and Hair

'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn

Should women wear hats to church? What is the correct hair length for men and women? Paul teaches on these subjects in I Corinthians 11.

Father Knows Best

'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford

Negative role models and failure to take responsibility characterize more and more fathers today. Here's why this is happening and what to do about it.

The Politicalization of Motherhood

Sermonette by Mike Ford

Mothers are crucial in developing the baby's nervous system during the first three years, something that husbands, fathers, or day care centers cannot do.

Virtues Hard and Soft

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The 'hard' virtues displayed by men and 'soft' virtues displayed by women are partial traits of the God being. Both male and female are in His image.

Christian Men: Personal Responsibility

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Although men have no moral or mental advantages over women, God has commissioned them to actively lead, providing security and stability to family and society.

The Perfect Wife

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Biblically ordained marriage roles are at odds or in conflict with cultural expectations, especially the influences of radical feminism and postmodernism.

Wonderful Women

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

According to God's vision of the institution of marriage, when man and wife follow the rule of submission and sacrificial love, patriarchy is a blessing.

Leadership and the Covenants (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Becoming equipped for leadership requires that we discipline ourselves in following God's way of life, allowing the mind of Jesus Christ to be in us in.

Bad Is The New Good For Girls!

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

The transition from girlhood to womanhood has been made difficult because of impossible societal demands requiring young women to become sexy supermodels.

New and Improved? A PC Bible

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Zondervan has produced a politically correct Bible to please the loud and boisterous feminist lobby. Maybe this Bible's acronym should be PCNIV.

Genesis 3:16: Consequences for Eve

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Spiritually, male and female have equal potential. Rights and legalities are far less important than spiritual development, subject to God-ordained gender roles.

Prove Yourself A Man!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Masculine leadership is demonstrated by men who embrace God's commandments, love and protect their wives, and instill a love of God's truth in their children.

What's Wrong With 'Here Comes the Groom'?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Radical feminism has tried to empower one gender by disabling and marginalizing the other gender, creating a pathological, dysfunctional society.

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Seven)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The letters to the seven churches of Revelation warn of losing our first love, heeding false teachers, compromising God's Truth, and forgetting right doctrine.

Leadership and Covenants (Part Five)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Universal in scope, the Edenic Covenant introduces God to mankind as his Creator and establishes the way human beings are to relate to Him and the creation.

Right Out of the Gate

Sermonette by Austin Del Castillo

God has called many to be the bride, but only a relative few have been chosen. We have the honor of having God as our friend just as much as Abraham.

The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Jesus demonstrated His meekness in His treatment of many with whom He interacted. Balancing firmness and gentleness, He seeks to save rather than destroy.

A Leader in Every Man!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As Joshua felt fearful at assuming leadership, most men also feel the same trepidation, but God Almighty has placed in their DNA the ability to lead.

Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Clothing and hair length signal and reflect areas of rebellion, defiled attitudes, and spiritual health, providing a barometer of a person's character.

Displaying Gentle and Patient Conduct

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God's people must follow the spirit of the law regarding the treatment of others, being humble, sincere, and gentle, esteeming others before themselves.

The Spirit of Babylon (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Despite Inanna's marriage to a god named Dumuzi, she still took lovers whenever she wished—she would not be constrained by the divine order of marriage.