“Man-formation” came to mind as I considered what Christ does in the lives of men. This is, of course, a play on the word ‘transformation’. As I consider biblical manhood as something I am pursuing, then I must consider the fact that this “man-formation” is part of my sanctification. Sanctification is a transforming process performed by the Holy Spirit in a disciples life. The process of sanctification is the process by which the disciple is transformed into the likeness of Christ. “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29) This process is an ongoing process in the life of a disciple that will not be completed until we reach heaven and experience glorification.
So then, how does this transformation or “man-formation” happen in my life? I am glad you asked! There are three points I want to share with you on this subject. I believe that men must be devoted to three things so that he can experience continued “man-formation”. These three things are the study of God’s Word, personal prayer, and the ordinances of the church. Why these three? Let us take a look.
The priority of personal Bible study is seen in the New Testament. Paul wrote “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2) In the Old Testament, we read in Psalms “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3) A man cannot find anything more capable of transforming his life for good than the study of God’s Word. Jesus in his own words made the following statement… “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, if ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32) The priority of God’s word in the lives of disciples is seen over and over in scripture. There is a second thing that it is important to note in the life of a disciple: personal prayer.
Devotion to prayer is essential to any man’s spiritual growth. Any man that is being used by God in a great way, I think you would discover him to be a man of prayer. If I ask what the purpose is or reason for prayer, what would you say? Is the purpose of prayer to get things? Is the purpose of prayer to get God to do what I want? Is the purpose of prayer to heal sick folks? Is the purpose of prayer to be sure it doesn’t rain out the big game or that my Nascar driver wins? The answer is absolutely not. The primary purpose, as my primary focus in prayer must be, is to change my heart and to remove the stain of sin. Now you might say “but I am already a Christian. So what?” Christians must maintain a heart of repentance. If the Holy Spirit reveals an area of my life that needs repentance, then I must in prayer repent and ask God to cleanse my heart.
Jesus stated “For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Luke 11:10) Jesus is not referring to prayers about sports teams or superficial desires. Our prayers should be directed at our hearts. I must pray for God to open my heart and to reveal areas where I need continued transformation. Why would we need to pray for God to change us?
Christian men are men, and may have deep rooted sin issues. This is very common, but as common as the sin is, it is just as common for the sin to remain unconfessed. The result is that our relationship with our Savior suffers due to our sin. Men, we cannot afford to allow unconfessed sin to become a barrier in our relationship with God. As the Holy Spirit works and convicts us of our sin, we must be sensitive to this and quick to repent.
So what do I do when the Holy Spirit points out one of these areas of sinfulness? Pray! Pray to be set free, admit your weakness to God and pray for strength. Pray for permanent freedom from whatever sin has been revealed. The Bible says when we ask according to the will of the Father he will hear us. (1 John 5:14) Paul also wrote “This is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thess 4:3) so pray men! Pray for God to continue his work of transformation in your life. This is God’s will for us! Remember to be conformed to the image of his son. (Romans 8:29)
Let us look at the third point. The ordinances we observe are Baptism and Holy Communion (The Lord’s Supper). We put a lot of focus on baptism. People want to be baptized. How many times have you heard a story of a small child asking to be “bapatized”? There is such a focus on Baptism that in our churches we install indoor pools equipped with heated water and painted murals or stained glass. When it comes to the Lord’s Supper we have special silver or gold trays adorned with crosses and crisp white tapestries to cover the tables. Special care and prayer is used in the preparation of the elements. If I asked you which of the two ordinances is the most important what would be the answer? It seems that the answer is commonly baptism. I am in no way minimizing the importance that baptism plays in the life of a disciple. Just consider this, a disciple is baptized on average once in their lifetime. The average disciple with regular church attendance will participate in the Lord’s Supper around 280 times in a person’s life. Our Lord was baptized, and it was our Lord who ordained the Lord’s Supper and instructed that his church his disciples observe it as a perpetual ordnance until his return. Our participation in the ordnances of the church is important. The Holy Spirit uses these ordinances to increase our faith and to edify the disciple of Christ.
The point I am attempting to make with this is that each of these ordnances are observed as part of regular church fellowship. People say frequently “I don’t have to go to church to be a Christian.” I am not sure where this phrase came from. This is one of the most spurious statements made by people who profess to be Christians. “Church attendance is as vital to a disciple as a transfusion of rich, healthy blood to a sick man.” (Dwight L. Moody) The Bible speaks on this matter of church fellowship in several places. One is found in Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
As disciples, slaves of Christ we should continue in these three means of grace- Word, Prayer, and ordinances. God will, through his blessed Holy Spirit, free us of Sin when we repent. No man will achieve perfect holiness on this side of heaven. (Phil 3:12) But how wonderful that day when from these bodies of sin and decay we rise to be with the Lord FOREVER!! That is when we will be complete through Christ.
Men, our calling today is to live so that our priority above all else is to glorify God.
How are we glorifying God today?
BE THE MAN!
Brother Tripp
Be The Man 