Background Information
The Bible is the oldest, most sacred, and most highly revered books in the world. It is considered the holy Bible of Christianity, and is the primary foundation of religious and spiritual instruction for millions of people around the world. It contains books which were written over a period of around 1500 years, from approximately 1400 BCE to 100 CE. Although most of the books of the Bible were written by male authors, the Bible contains important messages about men in all its books.
Gender Roles
The Bible speaks of men in a range of gender roles. In the Old Testament, men are considered the ‘head’ of the family, with primary responsibility for providing, protecting, and instructing other family members. Fathers are described as decision makers and leaders of their households, while mothers are considered caretakers. In addition, fathers are portrayed as the providers of spiritual instruction and guidance, leading their children to a life in God’s ways.
The New Testament also makes clear that men are responsible for the spiritual well-being of the family, while women are called to be in submission to their husbands. While it is true that equality exists between men and women in terms of salvation, the New Testament discusses more specifically the roles women should play in relation to men.
Spiritual Leadership
The Bible makes it clear that men are to be the primary leaders in spiritual matters. This is very clear in Ephesians 5:23, which says: “The husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body.” Men are called to be the spiritual leaders in their households, leading by example, and leading the way in prayer, worship and scripture study.
The Bible also states that men are to be the primary teachers and preachers in the church. In the early church, Paul exhorted the men to “lead in the Lord’s service” (1 Corinthians 16:13), and “teach [Christians] to obey” (2 Timothy 2:2). Christ himself chose 12 men to be his apostles, and these men are given great authority in the New Testament.
Man as Provider
The Bible also speaks of man’s responsibility as a provider. In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul says that “if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” This is echoed in Genesis 2:15, which says that God put Adam in the Garden of Eden “to work it and keep it.” From this we can see that the Bible places an emphasis on the man being the provider of a family.
In addition, the Bible instructs men to be the “head of their house” (1 Timothy 3:4). This means, in essence, that the man is to be the leader of the household. He is to be the one who is responsible for the well-being of his family and is expected to take a special interest in their welfare. This could mean anything from providing financially, to providing emotional and spiritual support.
Sexuality and Marriage
The Bible speaks often of sexuality and marriage. Marriage is seen as ordained by God and is meant to be a holy union between a man and a woman. The man is expected to remain faithful and loyal to his wife, and is instructed to love her “as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).
The Bible also speaks of sexual morality and respect. Proverbs 5:3-4 states that “the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.” The Bible calls men to guard their hearts and minds against temptation, and warns against indulgence in sexual immorality or infidelity.
Respect for Women
The Bible speaks of men’s responsibility to respect women. In 1 Peter 3:7, Peter exhorts men to “show honor to women,” and to “live with your wives in an understanding way.” The Bible encourages men to show kindness and respect to all women, not just their wives and daughters. Men are directed to show respect for the elderly, for single women, and for widows.
The Bible also speaks of women as being equal image-bearers of God, though with different and complementary roles. Men are instructed to never “take advantage of a woman” (1 Peter 3:7). Instead, they are to “treat their wives with respect and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life” (1 Peter 3:7).
Final Considerations
It is clear that the Bible has a lot to say about men and their roles in life. Men are called to lead spiritually, spatially, and in terms of respect and honour. They are to be the primary providers for their family, and the primary teachers of their children in the ways of God. Above all, men are to show respect and love for women, and be careful to protect their hearts and minds.
Serving God with your Work
The Bible also speaks of serving God through work. In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul says to “whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” This passage shows the importance of using one’s skills and talents to serve God and to bring glory to His name. Men are to strive to be faithful, hardworking, and diligent in their efforts to glorify God, and to use their work as an opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Seeking Bible-Centred Faith
In the end, the Bible speaks of a faith that is Bible-centred and based on truth. Men are presented with a mandate to seek after God, to gain knowledge of His word, and to live a life according to His teachings. Men are called to lead spiritually and to love and respect those around them.
In fulfilling these responsibilities, men are to draw strength and courage from God. God is a faithful God who never fails and who provides strength in times of need. In times of difficulty, men are encouraged to turn to the Lord in prayer and commit their lives to His service.
Partnering with God
At its core, the Bible speaks of men in terms of partnership with God. God is the ultimate leader, provider, and protector, and men are called to emulate His example. Men are to use their skills and talents to serve God, to honour and respect others, and to be faithful to the vows they have taken. In living this out, men can bring much glory to the Lord and be an example to those around them.
Male Self-Care
In the midst of life’s challenges and daily tasks, the Bible encourages men to prioritise self-care. Proverbs 6:6-8 encourages men to “eat honey, for it is good; and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste..it is a gift of God”. God calls us to take care of our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being in order to thrive.
God has gifted us with life and our responsibility is to steward it well and protect it carefully. This can include finding time for rest and recreation, seeking out Christian community and fellowship, and pursuing activities that bring joy and satisfaction.
Honour and Integrity
The Bible speaks of men as having honour and integrity. The Bible does not condone deceit, lies or trickery, but rather calls for upright and honest living before God. In Psalm 15:2-3, the writer says: “O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart.”
The Bible speaks of men as having honour, integrity, and truthfulness. Men are called to live out their faith with integrity and honour, speaking truthfully and respectfully even in difficult circumstances. Integrity and honour should be at the heart of every man’s life as they seek to glorify God and show respect to those around them.
Respecting Authority
In addition to living up to Biblical standards, men are also called to respect authority and to obey those whom God has placed in positions of power. This includes obeying the laws of the land, the commands of God, and the authority of civil government. Men should always seek to live out God’s will, regardless of the consequences.
Romans 13:1-2 states: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities… For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God.” Men are to be respectful of those in authority and work to support them, understanding that ultimately it is God who is in control.
