I will only touch lightly on the subject of discipling men in the church, since I am a woman and I believe that men should teach men. It doesn't take an expert to tell, though, that the church is not raising men to be leaders in their families.What does the Bible say about men?
"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness... Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us." --Titus 2:1-2, 6-8
This means men must actually know what sound doctrine is. Men who already fit this bill must disciple other men so they, too, can learn and teach others, especially their families. They should hear sound doctrine from the pulpit, in classes, in home discipleship, from mentors. They should be held accountable to high biblical standards, and the accountability must be consistent. I find one of the downfalls of the Church is that, even when sound doctrine is taught, there is no follow-up to see that it is being applied in the lives of believers. Where is our fellowship and mentoring to make sure men understand how to be men, husbands and fathers? God didn't expect us to do it alone, or He wouldn't have written so much in His Word and instructed us to keep each other accountable.
What instruction do husbands receive?
"But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God." -- 1 Corinthians 11:3
"For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior... Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her... In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body... However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."
--Ephesians 5:23, 25, 28-30, 33
"Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." -- Colossians 3:19
"Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." -- 1 Peter 3:7
Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church, treat them kindly, be understanding, show them honor, cherish them, protect them, and guide them as their head. Why? Because they are followers of Christ. Not because they "feel like it" or because their wife may or may not be attractive, kind, and respectful. It is commanded they do so out of respect and obedience for God.
What does the Bible say about fathers?
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." -- Ephesians 6:4
"Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." -- Colossians 3:21
I think most instruction will be in the section on children, but it is clear that the father is the head of the family, and he is in charge of bringing up his children in the Lord.
For more information about biblical manhood, I highly recommend Voddie Baucham's series titled "Biblical Manhood" on YouTube (the link is to part 1 of 8).
An interesting commentary on manhood by Geoffrey Botkin "A Gift for the Family Hearth"
What instruction do husbands receive?
"But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God." -- 1 Corinthians 11:3
"For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior... Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her... In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body... However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."
--Ephesians 5:23, 25, 28-30, 33
"Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." -- Colossians 3:19
"Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." -- 1 Peter 3:7
Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church, treat them kindly, be understanding, show them honor, cherish them, protect them, and guide them as their head. Why? Because they are followers of Christ. Not because they "feel like it" or because their wife may or may not be attractive, kind, and respectful. It is commanded they do so out of respect and obedience for God.
What does the Bible say about fathers?
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." -- Ephesians 6:4
"Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." -- Colossians 3:21
I think most instruction will be in the section on children, but it is clear that the father is the head of the family, and he is in charge of bringing up his children in the Lord.
For more information about biblical manhood, I highly recommend Voddie Baucham's series titled "Biblical Manhood" on YouTube (the link is to part 1 of 8).
An interesting commentary on manhood by Geoffrey Botkin "A Gift for the Family Hearth"
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