Introduction
Jesus Christ is the ultimate man.
He is the One every believing man wants to emulate. We are bombarded daily with images and impressions and attitudes from society's popularized men, but none of them are worthy to loose Jesus' sandal strap.
There is no athlete or actor or businessman or celebrity worthy of our emulation. Only Jesus, the perfect man, should capture our attention and affections. He is our perfect example.
Jesus Christ is the ultimate man.
Two Ditches
Unfortunately, however, many Christian men have fallen into one of two ditches when thinking about Jesus as the perfect man.
On one side, believing men will often fake Christlikeness in public while flailing in private. Our words, actions, and demeanor will have an appearance of godliness, but without any personal power.
On the other side, believing men will often give up on any attempt at Christlikeness, believing Jesus is an unattainable goal. And, though we know we will only be glorified when we see him face-to-face, many men erroneously believe there is no chance they can be like him today.
But there is hope. Though we should not fake Christlikeness, we also should not give up on it either, for Christlikeness is the goal of the Holy Spirit within you.
Key Scripture: "And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." (2 Corinthians 3:18, NLT)
What this means is that the power of the entire Godhead is aimed at transforming you and me into the image of Christ. He makes us more and more like him. As we walk with God, we are changed into his glorious image. So Christlikeness isn't something we fake, nor is it an impossible goal, but it is something the Father is working in us by his Spirit.
In other words, Christlikeness is your mission, but it is also God's mission.
Key Point: The Spirit is trying to produce Christlikeness in you.
Key Question: What is Christ like?
What Is Jesus Like?
If Christlikeness is our aim -- and also God's aim -- what was Christ like? If the character and nature of Jesus are what God is trying to produce in us, what do that character and nature look like?
To answer that question, we will think of three roles Jesus filled. In the Bible, the kings and prophets and priests led Israel. When Jesus came along, he was the ultimate of all three. The perfect King. The perfect prophet. The perfect priest.
With this in mind, we can consider how He might want to work in us. His role as king, how could it influence us today? His role as prophet, how does it impact us? His priestly service, do we copy it? In other words, Jesus is the perfect king, prophet, and priest. The Spirit wants to infuse Jesus' life into ours, so we will grow in all three areas.
Remember, "Your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). He has something for you. He longs to transform you.
So let's set our sights upon Jesus...
1. King Jesus
Jesus is supreme. He is the highest. He is to have the preeminence in all things. There is never a room he walks into where he is not the greatest. He is always supreme.
Additionally, he knows this. He is not insecure or uncertain of the incredible position that is his. He gets it. The night he was betrayed, he knew. "Knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going back to God," he then washed the disciples' feet (John 13:3). Full of that knowledge, he humbled Himself and served his men.
A. Be Humble
He is supreme, yet he humbled himself and served. This is the kind of King we have in Him -- the servant of all.
So the man of God will humble himself. God has put people in your life. Your aim isn't self-promotion, to climb the ladder of success, but service. Climb the ladder of service, and God will bring you his version of success.
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." (James 4:10, ESV)
"The greatest among you will be the servant of all," Jesus said (see Mark 10:41-45). We lower ourselves as Jesus lowered Himself.
In Philippians, Paul dropped one of the most theologically rich principles on the Philippian church. It almost appears accidental. He wanted them to love and serve one another with humility. So he told them to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5):
"who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:6–8, ESV)
Jesus "emptied himself" -- that's the theological bombshell scholars have tripped themselves up over ever since. The God-King, the eternally pre-existent sovereign who upholds the universe by the word of his power, emptied himself. He took the form of a servant. And he humbled himself to the death of the cross. Let us follow his humble example.
Our hero, our kingdom's leader, the One we worship, our role model, the leader we like, the one we respect, is humble. In a world of braggards and bullies, we must remember the humble nature of Christ.
Who has God given you responsibility for? Lower yourself for them. We aren't the King of Kings. We're not even the king of our living rooms.
If the King of Kings lowered himself for his people, we must lower ourselves for our people. Our community needs us to humble ourselves for them. Our families. Our wives. Our children. Our friends. Our churches. We must lower ourselves like Christ.
B. Be A Leader
But, as King, Jesus led his disciples and leads his church today. During his life, he called people to follow him. He asked fishermen to set down their nets and let him make them into fishers of men. He demanded their entire lives. And much of the New Testament is concerned with connection to Jesus' leadership right now.
Now, we do not have little kingdoms to lead. We are not sovereigns in whatever environment our Lord has placed us. We do not ask for people to leave all and follow after us. Not at all. But his kingly nature can become part of our daily experience as we lead as Christ would have us lead.
We must first lead ourselves. We have bodies and minds and hearts that must be submitted to Christ. We must use our feet to get to the church gathering, use our hands to serve others, and use our eyes and ears and mouths for that which glorifies God. We must lead ourselves.
As Paul said, "This is the will of God, your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, that each one of you knows how to control his own body" (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4a). That is self-leadership. And as Christlikeness increases, so will our ability to lead our own lives toward a certain destination. Jesus was always working toward the cross and the establishment of the church. Everything he did had a goal. And Christ's man, as he becomes more like his Lord, will increasingly demonstrate intentionality when it comes to his finances, time, and relationships.
We must also lead in our workplaces. God designed us to fill the earth and subdue it. He made a garden for us to tend and keep. He made us to work. Work became harder because of sin, but it is still one of the best ways for us to love our neighbor and serve our God. In our workplaces, even if we aren't in positions of leadership, we can lead by example, attitude, and effort.
Those of us who are married or have children are called to lead in our families. The exemplary believer -- elders -- are called to manage their households well (1 Timothy 3:4). This is not the Bible's way of saying no one else has to lead their families well -- only the pastors -- but is the Bible's way of elevating a goal or standard for all of us to strive for and emulate. Pastors should manage their homes well, rather than punting all the details of family priorities, child development, and finances to their wives. We must lead in our homes. Be involved.
And we must lead in our churches and communities. There are people to serve, ministries to engage in, and problems to solve. Teams need coaches. New believers need mentors. Children need guidance. Let us lead and serve well.
In the book of Judges, during a particularly dark time in Israel's history, it was time for Israel to go to war. A man named Barak was approached. He wouldn't go into battle unless Deborah, the prophetess, went with him. He should have been willing to obey and go without her -- begrudgingly, she went. And God gave them victory.
After winning, they sang a new song. It began this way:
"That the leaders took the lead in Israel!" (Judges 5:2).
Israel had leaders. But it was a blessing when they led. It is possible to have the position and do nothing with it. Lead. Get after it. Go!
2. Prophet Jesus
This is not the title I normally use of Jesus. Perhaps I've developed an allergy to the title after hearing many say, "Jesus was a good teacher, a prophet, but not God." I reject that. He is God who became flesh to dwell among us (John 1:14).
Still, he is the greatest prophet who ever walked the earth (Deuteronomy 18:15). He not only spoke the truth like the prophets of old, but He is the truth. He is "the true light, which enlightens everyone" (John 1:9).
A. Be Biblical
As the greatest Prophet who ever walked the earth, Jesus is solidly biblical. He is so biblical he is the Word. But we must be biblical men like our Lord.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..." (Colossians 3:16)
It is the word we need. God's thoughts must become ours.
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1–2, ESV)
One might expect a different statement. I mean, if the blessed man doesn't walk in the counsel of the ungodly, hangout in the way of sinners, and sit in the scoffer's seat, wouldn't they then practice the opposite? Shouldn't they walk in the counsel of godly people, spend time with people practicing righteousness, and sit with those who revere God?
Of course, the answer to these questions is "yes," but the psalm addresses something more. It isn't good company that drives out the bad but a delighted relationship with the word of God, referred to here as the law of the Lord (2).
You see, it is the Scripture that drives out the "ideas and images" that run rampant in these minds and hearts of ours. The community Christ creates by his blood is meant to come under the authority of his word. As we delight in it, meditating on it daily, we are transformed.
Be a man of the word. Men of the word more easily process the calamity of our time. Men of the word are protected from error. Men of the word are spiritually strong because they've been nourished by the meat of Scripture. Men of the word can endure this life.
Consider the Old Testament. Many Christians are allergic to its contents. But...
Men who regularly read Genesis understand how God made them and the ruinous impact of sin. Men who regularly read Exodus understand how God aims to rescue us from slavery and redeem us for himself. Men who regularly read Leviticus know the cost of Christ's blood and the value of holiness. Men who regularly read Numbers understand the tragic nature of fear and the importance of moving forward with faith in God. Men who regularly read Deuteronomy understand the importance of repetition in the word and the need to pass it on to the next generations.
Men who read Joshua know the battle for sanctification isn't easy. Men who read Judges know theological compromise kills from within. Men who read Ruth know God is working even in the darkest of times. Men who read Samuel know the importance of having God on the throne. Men who read Kings know the devastating effect of compromise. Men who read Chronicles are better prepared to be godly when others aren't.
Men who read Ezra know how to prioritize their spiritual life even when it's hard to do so. Men who read Nehemiah know how to take responsibility and steadfastly build in God's kingdom. Men who read Esther know God protects his people even in the darkest political moments.
Men who read Job see every trial as an opportunity to glorify God. Men who read the Psalms know how to pray and praise God. Men who read Proverbs know how to wisely navigate life. Men who read Ecclesiastes know life must be reengineered from eternity's vantage point. Men who read Song of Solomon know the sacredness of sex and marriage.
Men who read Isaiah know of God's long range plan for salvation. Men who read Jeremiah know how to submit to God's discipline. Men who read Lamentations know how to lament and confess before God. Men who read Ezekiel know God's glory is worth defending. Men who read Daniel know God is in control of the history of the nations.
Men who read Hosea know not to betray God's covenantal love. Men who read Joel know God will settle every score. Men who read Amos know God's children are called to a higher standard. Men who read Obadiah know to trust God with the evil in society. Men who read Jonah know a lack of evangelistic love can kill them from within. Men who read Micah know the Spirit can help them become faithful to God. Men who read Nahum know that God's longsuffering will not last forever. Men who read Habakkuk know they must walk by faith, and look inward when it seems like no one loves the law of God. Men who read Zephaniah know God will restore everything. Men who read Haggai know to prioritize God's kingdom. Men who read Zechariah know God works even when they cannot see how. And men who read Malachi know backsliding is a dangerous game.
B. Be Vocal
Christina and I, when we had toddlers, constantly told them, in times of frustration, to use their words. The thing about Jesus is that he used His words. He taught. And he taught and taught and taught. He just kept teaching. In every moment, he would open his mouth to instruct.
He taught about the blessed life (Matthew 5:3-12). He taught about future judgment (Matthew 13:36-43). He taught about marriage (Matthew 19:1-10). He taught about sin (Matthew 5:21-48). He taught about heart defilement (Mark 7:14-23). He gave warnings about hypocrisy (Luke 12:1). He explained the forgiveness of sin (Matthew 26:28).
Jesus was creative in his teaching. Parables for the masses, illustrations for the slow to hear. Private explanations for His disciples. Constantly, he taught. Words dripped out of his mouth. Proverbs. Wisdom. Grace. Doctrine. Love. Conviction. He did it all with his words.
Men of God will speak the truth. We will teach. We've all met the guy who pours forth his own opinions, his own thoughts and philosophies. Nary a word of God is present. We want something different. We want the word of Christ to pour from our lips.
We are called to teach the people in our care. We might not be teachers in the classic sense, but we are to communicate. Our children need to hear our words. Our friends need to hear our encouragements. Our wives need to receive our praise. Our church needs to hear our exhortations. We must use our Bible-saturated and influenced words for his glory and kingdom. Speak.
As a prophet, Jesus also spoke into the lives of the men he cared for. He served them by speaking into their lives. Again, Peter comes to mind. "'You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas' (which means Peter [or rock])" (John 1:42). He looked straight into Peter's heart and told him, "There's more for you." You are called. God has a plan for your life.
Like Prophet Jesus, we must identify the will and work of God in the lives of the people we love and care for. They are searching. They are insecure. They are in need of wisdom.
Speak into their lives. Exhort them. Encourage them. Raise them up. Tell them there's more to them, something deeper. Help identify it for them. Be instrumental in leading them to the greener pastures Christ has for them. Identify.
Will we draw things out of the people in our lives? We aren't their king, but if we are in a leadership role in their lives, we have an opportunity. We can suppress and discourage. We can put off the "you'll never amount to anything" vibe, or we can encourage them into maturity. We can build them up like Prophet Jesus built up his men.
3. Priest Jesus
In the Old Testament era, there was a priesthood. They existed to serve and worship God, but also to facilitate the worship of others. They were focused on God, but also on God's people. They were meant to make the house of God a house of prayer for all nations. Their lives were focused upward, but also outward.
Jesus replaced that priesthood and established another. The Old Testament priests would offer sacrifices, but Jesus offered Himself as the sacrifice. Because of his ultimate and final sacrifice, the Bible says he Priest forever.
Hebrews 4:14 (ESV)—14 ...we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God...
He is our priest. And when he came, he made it clear his life was about loving his Father and his people. Everything he did was an act of worship and obedience to the Father God, and his whole mission was centered around dying for the people of the world. When they asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was, he said it was to love God, with a second like it, to love your neighbor as yourself. As priest, Jesus did both with perfection.
And now, we are to operate as a kingdom of priests (Revelation 1:6). We call this the priesthood of all believers (see 1 Peter 2:1-12). We are called to love God and serve others with the same heart those Old Testament priests did -- with the heart of our Lord.
A. Be Godward Focused
Men, let's be Godward focused. Each day, let's tune our hearts to heaven's frequency. All the great men of God were men of prayer, men of the word. They diligently sought God and -- just as Hebrews promises -- they were rewarded (Hebrews 11:6).
I would encourage you in your devotional life to God. Have one. Have a quiet time, a daily office, a daily post (as one of my pastors called it). Each day, get before God and commune with him.
Believers commit one of two errors on this subject. On one side, there is the belief that we all interact in different ways with God, so we should simply find what works for us. But Scripture teaches us that health comes to us when we engage in prayer and with the word. Finger painting and collecting seashells might provide you a modicum of refreshment, but they aren't your devotional life. On the other side, we sometimes get too granular in precisely 'how' someone ought to be in the word and prayer. I believe every man should have the word and prayer in their lives, but our experiences will vary from man to man.
That said, I will give you insight into my devotional life. It is far from perfect, but it has worked for me over the past twenty-plus years.
Each day, the alarm clock goes off, and a battle begins. I have social medias, email, and internet browsers disabled on my phone -- and only my wife can turn them back on -- so I have already won the battle to check email or the news first thing in the morning. So I put a pot of water on to make a cup of coffee. While it boils, I listen to a Scripture-based audiobook. After fifteen minutes of waking up, making coffee, taking vitamins, and doing some old man stretching, I sit down at my desk.
With coffee in hand, I leave the phone behind for a good ol' analog journal and my Bible. I usually have two bookmarks -- one in the Old Testament and one in the New. On average, I will read three Old Testament chapters and one in the New, which gets me through the Bible about once per year. As I read, I write down very short notes or prayers based on what I'm reading.
I find many of my journal entries are actually in the form of prayers, part of "praying without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The idea is that we are in constant communion with God. But I want to get after it in prayer, so I like to budget some time for that each morning. So, after reading, I head out for a short prayer walk, where I will talk to God about what I read, the day to come, and other prayer concerns I've accumulated over the years.
I have prayer lists, but they are mostly in my heart by now, so I will just pray through my life and lists as I walk and talk with God. The responsibilities and people of my life are frequent subjects in prayer. My walk, my character, my marriage, my children, and my friendships are topics of conversation with my Father in heaven. Calvary Monterey and its leadership, direction, and fruitfulness are constantly on my mind in prayer. People God has placed in my life are also significant in my prayer life.
B. Be People Oriented
One last thing. The ancient priests in Israel were Godward focused but people-oriented. A robust priesthood in Israel was a lagging indicator of the regular people's spiritual health. When they showed up for worship, the priests had to show up too. More people, more priests to serve them.
And Jesus, of course, was also intensely people-oriented. I don't want to say he was constantly available. He knew how to say 'no.' He went into the wilderness for prayer. His days began with solitude before his Father. But he was orientated to care for people. The sick, the oppressed, the poor, and the hungry all got Jesus' attention. And the bulk of his focus was on twelve men -- a group who would help him establish his church.
We must, like Jesus, grow in our ability to care for others. You cannot be devoted to God without serving your fellow man.
I began walking with Jesus in 1996. Fresh out of the world, in God's providence, I was placed in a Bible study about the Holy Spirit. The pastor explained how the Spirit could help us serve Jesus better. One day, he asked if any of us wanted him to pray for them. I accepted his humble invitation.
In the weeks that followed, I began seeing evidence of the Spirit's work in my life. I wondered if he was shaping me to teach and lead God's people. But the major change was a brand new love for God's people. It seemed every group of Christians was an opportunity. Inevitably, after each group dispersed, I was left with one or two hurting souls, trying to encourage them with the few scriptural bullets in my clip. God had changed me. He had given me a love for his people. We cannot be like Christ without this love.
Conclusion
When I was a boy, when two guys wanted to fight each other, it was often preceded by quite a bit of posturing. And one of the requirements, as far as I remember it, was that one boy would call out another. "I call you out!" he would say. It was an ultimatum. To call someone out was to throw down a challenge. What kind of man are you? I call you out!
Well, this morning, I call you out. I do not mean I want to meet you in the parking lot after our gathering. But the real you, the new creation in Christ Jesus, the Christlike person within, I call him out. I call you out to be kingly like Jesus. I call you out to be prophetic like Jesus. I call you out to be priestly like Jesus.