{"id":957,"date":"2024-06-24T14:27:58","date_gmt":"2024-06-24T14:27:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=957"},"modified":"2024-06-24T14:30:34","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T14:30:34","slug":"man-up","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/man-up\/","title":{"rendered":"MAN-UP"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>MAN-UP  (FATHER&#8217;S DAY MESSAGE)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2 Peter 1:3-8<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>INTRODUCTION:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, good morning everyone and <strong>Happy Father\u2019s Day!<\/strong> It is so good to be back home with you all. I thought I\u2019d begin with <strong>something to make you smile.<\/strong> Just a few Father\u2019s Day thoughts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>I read once, where young boy was asked to describe <strong>Father&#8217;s Day<\/strong>, and he put it like this. He said, <strong>\u201cFather\u2019s Day is just like Mother&#8217;s Day \u2014 only we don&#8217;t spend as much money.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I thought this was insightful, <strong>Jim Gaffigan<\/strong> once said this while talking about fatherhood. He said,<strong> \u201cThere really ought to be a children\u2019s song that says: \u2018If you\u2019re happy and you know it \u2014 <\/strong><strong>keep it to yourself and let your dad sleep<\/strong><strong>.\u2019\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He also said, <strong>\u201c(If) You (want to) know what it\u2019s like having a fourth kid? Just imagine you\u2019re drowning, <\/strong><strong>and then someone hands you a BABY.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Several years ago a man was asked to give some good advice to new dads \u2014 to which he said, <strong>\u201cNever, ever raise your hand to your kids.<\/strong><strong> Because it leaves your groin totally unprotected.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Alright, one more\u2026it\u2019s <strong>not really a quote <\/strong>\u2013 <strong>but its funny<\/strong>. A woman wrote about her <strong>Dad<\/strong> and said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cMy dad was completely lost in the kitchen <\/em><em>\u2014 he <\/em><em>never ate unless someone prepared a meal<\/em><em> for him. (One time) when my mom was ill, <\/em><strong><em>he volunteered to go to the supermarket <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>for her<\/em><\/strong><em>. So, she sent him off <\/em><em>with <\/em><strong><em>a carefully numbered list of seven items<\/em><\/strong><em>\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>After a while, <\/em><em>Dad returned from the store, <\/em><strong><em>very proud of himself.<\/em><\/strong><em> And then he proceeded to unpack the grocery bags. Recounting his accuracy \u2014 <\/em><em>he unpacked <\/em><strong><em>one<\/em><\/strong><em> bag of sugar, <\/em><strong><em>two<\/em><\/strong><em> dozen eggs, <\/em><strong><em>three<\/em><\/strong><em> hams, <\/em><strong><em>four<\/em><\/strong><em> boxes of detergent, <\/em><strong><em>five<\/em><\/strong><em> boxes of crackers, <\/em><strong><em>six<\/em><\/strong><em> eggplants, and <\/em><strong><em>seven<\/em><\/strong><em> green peppers.\u201d <\/em><em>Yeah, that Dad needed some help!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well men, <strong>I want to help you today! <\/strong>As we prepare to study <strong>God\u2019s Word,<\/strong> I want to talk to you about <strong>MANNING UP!<\/strong> And I want to begin with a question.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What does it mean to be a man?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In simplest terms, <strong>what does it mean to be a man?<\/strong> How should we define <strong>MANHOOD<\/strong><strong>?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this day and age,<strong> i think that\u2019s a pretty significant question.<\/strong> Especially since <strong>the idea of manhood and gender<\/strong> are under attack. Even so, there seem to be a wide-variety of ways culture defines manhood. It seems as if manhood is quantified most often by achievement. And specifically by <strong>ONE OF FOUR areas. <\/strong>Manhood is usually defined by how a guy performs: In<strong> Business, <\/strong>the<strong> Ball-field, <\/strong>the<strong> Bedroom, <\/strong>orhis<strong> billfold.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In <strong>Business<\/strong>. How successful he is, the titles he\u2019s gained, the authority he\u2019s given, the position he holds.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the <strong>Ball-field<\/strong>. How athletic he is. The strength he shows, and the trophies he\u2019s won.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the <strong>Bedroom<\/strong>. How sexually active he is. How many people he\u2019s slept with.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And lastly, by his <strong>Billfold<\/strong>. How much money he has, how many things he owns. How big his house is.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While these are often the way our culture quantifies manhood \u2014 to be honest, <strong>they\u2019re pretty shallow. <\/strong>Especially, in comparison to the markers identified in Scripture!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that\u2019s because, the biblical indicators of <strong>manhood<\/strong> focus more on the <strong>heart<\/strong> than the <strong>hand<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They focus more on <strong>godliness<\/strong> then they do on <strong>trophies <\/strong>or<strong> titles.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s to this point that the <strong>prophet<\/strong> <strong>Micah<\/strong> says in <strong>Micah 6:8 (NKJV)<\/strong>, <em>\u201c(God) has shown you, O man, what is <\/em><strong><em>good \u2014 <\/em><\/strong><em>and <\/em><strong><em>what does the Lord require of you,<\/em><\/strong><em> but <\/em><em>to <\/em><strong><em>do justice<\/em><\/strong><em>, and to <\/em><strong><em>love kindness<\/em><\/strong><em>, and to <\/em><strong><em>walk humbly with your God<\/em><\/strong><em>?\u201d <\/em>(Acting justly, showing kindness or mercy, and practicing humility\u2026these are the markers of real manhood).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>apostle<\/strong> <strong>Paul<\/strong> wrote in <strong>1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT) <\/strong>and said, <em>\u201cBe on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.\u201d <\/em>(So, add to the list the qualities of: faith, courage and inner strength).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One more, in <strong>1 Timothy 6:11 (NIV)<\/strong>, <strong>Paul<\/strong> says: <em>\u201cBut you, man of God, flee from all this, and <\/em><strong><em>pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance <\/em><\/strong><em>and<\/em><strong><em> gentleness.\u201d <\/em><\/strong>Wow\u2026what a list. <strong>That\u2019s manhood<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, it seems that the Biblical standard for <strong>being a man<\/strong> is much more about our <strong>WALK WITH JESUS than our achievements<\/strong>. It\u2019s more about our <strong>godliness than our personal gains.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, <strong>if you want to be a REAL MAN <\/strong>\u2014 one who reflects the <strong>Biblical Marks<\/strong> <strong>of<\/strong> <strong>Manhood<\/strong>\u2026then it\u2019s going to take your full surrender to Jesus, it\u2019s going to take your faith in Him over your pursuits of success and gains in this world. And, if you\u2019re wondering how to do that\u2026well, you\u2019ve come to the right place!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MESSAGE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have your Bible, look with me at <strong>2 Peter chapter 1<\/strong>. It\u2019s here that <strong>Peter<\/strong> addresses that question\u2026as he writes to a group of early Christians \u2014 encouraging them to live their lives fully surrendered to <strong>Jesus<\/strong>. And, as they faced many of the same struggles we do (a combative culture, external persecution for their faith, and misguided teaching), <strong>Peter <\/strong>urges them to <strong>MAN-UP!<\/strong>Beginning in <strong>verse 3<\/strong>, <strong>Peter<\/strong> writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d9b7ab2aaedd10838bbf50ea68b18d70\"><em><sup>3&nbsp;<\/sup><\/em><em>By his divine power, <\/em><strong><em>God has given us everything we need for living a godly life<\/em><\/strong><em>.<\/em><em> We have received all of this <\/em><strong><em>by coming to know him<\/em><\/strong><em>, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.&nbsp;<\/em><em><sup>4&nbsp;<\/sup><\/em><em>And because of his glory and excellence, <\/em><strong><em>he has given us great and precious promises<\/em><\/strong><em>.<\/em><em>These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world\u2019s corruption<\/em><em>caused by human desires<\/em><em>.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5d011eba6d29f5371fa6ec7716cafeff\"><em><sup>5&nbsp;<\/sup><\/em><em>In view of all this, <\/em><strong><em>make every effort to respond to God\u2019s promises.<\/em><\/strong><em> Supplement your faith with a generous provision of <\/em><em>moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge,&nbsp;<\/em><em><sup>6&nbsp;<\/sup><\/em><em>and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness,&nbsp;<\/em><em><sup>7&nbsp;<\/sup><\/em><em>and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone<\/em><em>. <\/em><em><sup>8&nbsp;<\/sup><\/em><strong><em>The more you grow <\/em><\/strong><em>like this, t<\/em><strong><em>he more productive and useful you will be<\/em><\/strong><em> in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2 Peter 1:3-8 (NLT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, this morning I want to give you three challenges from God\u2019s Word. Three invitations that we need to consider if we\u2019re going to <strong>MAN UP <\/strong>\u2014 and the first is this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Men, I challenge you to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-headings-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-efd57a547670eb10466d18f0f8ead467\"><strong>1. Rely on God&#8217;s Power.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As <strong>Peter<\/strong> begins this letter, he emphasizes the importance of fully relying on God&#8217;s power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Drawing from his close relationship with Jesus, Peter, nearing the end of his life, imparts essential truths to fellow believers. Chief among these truths is the assurance of divine empowerment for spiritual growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll notice \u2014 he underscores that <strong>we are inherently designed to grow and become more like Christ. That\u2019s the goal. That\u2019s the expectation.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, he also stresses that while we might be tempted to manufacture spiritual growth on our own, the ability to live according to God&#8217;s standards comes from His power and grace not from our efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This foundational principle underscores the premise that w<strong>e are inherently designed to grow<\/strong> \u2014 to expand \u2014 and become more like <strong>Jesus<\/strong>. God created us to reflect Him. <strong>Our MANHOOD our identity is to reflect His character (his nature).&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, <strong>Peter<\/strong> wants us to understand that while we are often tempted to try and manufacture spiritual growth and maturity on our own \u2014 the ability to live according to <strong>God&#8217;s standards <\/strong>doesn&#8217;t come from our hard work \u2014 but from <strong>God\u2019s Power and Grace <\/strong>at work within us.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, <strong>Peter<\/strong> says \u2014 understand\u2026everything you need to live a godly life comes from the power and work of <strong>God<\/strong> within you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EVERYTHING YOU NEED <\/strong>\u2014 meaning, <strong>God&#8217;s power is sufficient! IT IS ENOUGH! He\u2019s enough!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve been designed and wired to become more. You have been crafted and shaped in such a manner that you can\u2019t stay the same. And, if you know Jesus \u2014 if you\u2019ve surrendered your life to Him\u2026then He has embedded within you <strong>THE POWER to GROW<\/strong> and become a man that reflects His nature.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As <strong>Peter<\/strong> says,&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c62842c7cdfa8e682d9cda107285ccdf\"><em><sup>3&nbsp;<\/sup><\/em><em>By his divine power, <\/em><strong><em>God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.<\/em><\/strong><em> We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By his power<\/strong>, <strong>God<\/strong> <strong>gave you and me everything we need<\/strong> to live for Him!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Peter makes it clear: the foundation for our lives is <strong>God\u2019s power and grace!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am so glad that the secret to my <strong>SUCCESS<\/strong> in life isn\u2019t dependent upon my power. Because left on my own, I struggle! But, with <strong>HIS POWER<\/strong> working within me\u2026I can do ALL THINGS IN CHRIST JESUS!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that\u2019s Peter\u2019s point. Everything you need to live a life that honors God is within you! And, it came as a free gift \u2014 accompanying your salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you were born again you were given <em>the <\/em><strong><em>Holy Spirit<\/em> on the inside to guide you, teach you, and lead you<\/strong> in the things of God. You were given<strong> <em>a new heart<\/em> <\/strong>and <strong><em>a new mind<\/em><\/strong><em>.<\/em> And that transformation was seeded with the presence of Christ at work within you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, <strong>RELY ON HIS POWER<\/strong>\u2026not your own. Look to HIS POWER not your creativity, craftiness, or abilities. Those are great \u2014 but they\u2019re not enough!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I was in the 7th grade I picked up a trumpet for the first time. As I began to learn it, my band director, Mr. Bray taught me how to buzz my lips. How to breath from my diaphragm, how to hold my horn up perpendicular to the ground, and how to blow warm air thought the trumpet. It took a lot of practice, but eventually I learned. As the years went on, I became better and better. More skilled at reading music and supporting the air flow. And the muscles around my lips gained strength.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During my last year of college, I was practicing 2-3 hours a day. But even in my best day\u2026I had to take breaks because my embouchure couldn\u2019t take the constant work. My lips would swell and my muscles,especially would become fatigued.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I had come a long way since those 7th grade lessons. But even at my greatest, my playing had a limit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I for one am so glad that my living for Jesus isn\u2019t dependent upon my abilities and power, because, even though I\u2019ve come a long way since I first was saved\u2026my abilities to perform and strength to stand against temptation are still limited.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>BUT PETER SAYS, I HAVE ALL THE POWER I NEED&nbsp; IN JESUS! <\/strong><strong>HIS\u2026IS A POWER WITHOUT LIMIT!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And <strong>Peter<\/strong> says, God\u2019s limitless power is available to you and me today. Through His grace we\u2019ve been given access to a divine power to enable us to live Godly lives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And understand this \u2014 <strong>His power has been \u201cgranted\u201d to us, <\/strong>as a gift. We weren\u2019t awarded it based on our production or propensity for goodness. We obtained it based on His goodness and generosity alone! And since we didn\u2019t earn it \u2014 that means, we don\u2019t have to keep earning it. It\u2019s not based on your skill, or test scores or our abilities to maintain a certain level of excellence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s ours simply because <strong>our Heavenly Father is good and generous<\/strong>!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of it like this \u2014 a student heading off to college can apply and receive <strong>financial aid.<\/strong> The aid comes as a <strong>grant<\/strong>, not earned by the student\u2019s <strong>productivity<\/strong>, but given based on need and the generosity of the program. Similarly, God&#8217;s power is given to you when you surrender your life to Him. So, through His salvation, His limitless power was granted to you from His reservoir of generosity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only qualification is to acknowledge your need and accept His gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s the picture of salvation. <strong>When you were born again, <\/strong>you were given a new mind and new heart. You were transformed and made new.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paul tells us in <strong>2 Corinthians 5 (ESV)<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e6d77cddc38d7367c9f15e81474d4735\"><em>\u201cTherefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Understand, you\u2019re life has changed. You are new! And, that new life is fully equipped with everything you need to grow and mature spiritually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>So, men, I challenge you to fully rely on His power. Look to Him. Depend upon Him. Pray and invite Him to help you, every day. MAN UP and Rely upon Him!<\/strong>Which brings us to the second CHALLENGE of this passage. And it\u2019s this:\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-headings-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-772067695f458e209cb8b2aaea8fbed8\"><strong>2. TRUST IN GOD\u2019S PROMISES.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meaning, believe in His promises. Trust that He will keep His Word. In <strong>verse 4<\/strong>, <strong>Peter<\/strong> says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0411e5f73a33629455bf85ec13f6e10e\"><em><sup>4&nbsp;<\/sup><\/em><em>And because of his glory and excellence, <\/em><em>he has given us great and precious promises. <\/em><em>These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world\u2019s corruption caused by human desires. &nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2 Peter 1:4 (NLT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Along with His power, God has given us promises. <strong>Great<\/strong> <strong>and<\/strong> <strong>precious<\/strong> <strong>promises<\/strong>. And God doesn\u2019t make promises flippantly. He means every word He has spoken. And the point <strong>Peter<\/strong> is making \u2014 is that we can <strong>TRUST GOD <\/strong>to keep His Word..&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Peter<\/strong> tells us, the promises of God are <strong>GREAT<\/strong> \u2014 and that\u2019s because they are vast. Meaning they are great because of their scope and significance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, they are also <strong>PRECIOUS<\/strong> because of their value and their quality.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, these promises are <strong>not just empty words<\/strong>; they hold the power to transform our lives and our spiritual journeys. Through these promises, we can share in God\u2019s divine nature. This means that we are invited to partake in God&#8217;s character, becoming more like Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What an <strong>incredible<\/strong> <strong>privilege<\/strong>. What <strong>amazing<\/strong> <strong>promises<\/strong> \u2014 that we can reflect His nature in our own lives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like a young boy looking up at his father \u2014 hoping one day to look just like Him. Hoping to stand as tall as Him. Hoping to walk like Him, talk like Him, work like Him, be like Him. God tells us that He will make sure that one day we can grow up to be like Him.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Peter<\/strong> is telling us,<strong> God\u2019s promises are trustworthy. <\/strong>He is faithful and true to His word. When we trust in His promises, we are standing on solid ground. We can have confidence that what He has promised, He will do. This trust leads us to peace, hope, and joy, even in the midst of life&#8217;s challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we trust in these promises, we are aligning ourselves with God\u2019s divine plan for our future. His plan to grow us in godliness \u2014 to make us more and more like Him\u2026and enabling us to resist the temptations and corruptions of this world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Listen, <strong>that\u2019s the kind of promise I can believe in!<\/strong> Because I need His help. I need His strength. I need His power \u2014 <strong>what about you?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These promises He\u2019s given us are the very foundation for our hope and faith.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His promises remind us that He is actively working in our lives, providing us with just the right power at just the right time. He knows where we are in life at all times. And through His omniscience He is able to discern just what we need in every moment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2014 So, when <strong>temptation<\/strong> <strong>arises<\/strong> \u2014 He knows how and when to give us a way of escape.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2014 When <strong>discouragement<\/strong> <strong>comes<\/strong> our way \u2014 He knows just what we need to be encouraged and inspired with hope.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2014 When <strong>struggle<\/strong> <strong>and<\/strong> <strong>pain<\/strong> <strong>confront<\/strong> us \u2014 He knows how to strengthen us and empower us to persevere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With every step we take, He is with us. In fact, that\u2019s one of <strong>HIS PROMISES!<\/strong> <em>He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us<\/em> (<strong>Matthew 28:19<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trusting in God\u2019s promises means believing that He will fulfill what He has said. Here are some powerful promises from Scripture that illustrate God\u2019s faithfulness and how we can rely on Him:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>His Promise of Provision<\/strong>: to meet your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In to <strong>Philippians 4:19, Paul says, <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-85f8680f7f3bcc4d08fe9c9d9ccbe9f2\"><em>\u201cAnd my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of you need to <strong>RELY ON THAT PROMISE<\/strong> today. You need to believe that God knows your needs and will provide for you. So, stop striving. Stop fretting. Stop sacrificing your family for your paycheck. Work. Work hard\u2026but trust in God to meet your needs and provide for your family. He is your provider. That\u2019s his promise to you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or, what about this \u2014 God has given you <strong>His Promise of Peace:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <strong>John 14:27,<\/strong> <strong>Jesus<\/strong> said,<em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-247f4a79abd28d6d7c7253074d6d973b\"><em>\u201dPeace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So men \u2014 embrace that peace! If you\u2019re living stressed out and anxious about today, or tomorrow, or your future\u2026<strong>RELY ON GOD\u2019S PROMISE OF PEACE.<\/strong> Trust that His peace will calm your heart and mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or, what about<strong> His Promise of Good Plans for Your Life:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In <strong>Jeremiah 29:11<\/strong>, God says,<em> <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-809f16ddf30646879e122ba23f3172e1\"><em>&#8220;For I know the plans I have for you,\u201d declares the LORD, \u201cplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, I challenge you today \u2014 believe in that promise. Trust that God\u2019s plans for you are good. Trust Him with your future, trust Him to lead you and direct you into good things. Trust that He has a purpose and plan for your life. Don\u2019t live in fear! <strong>TRUST ON HIS PROMISES!&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think on His promises and meditate on them. Remind yourself of His faithfulness, and take Him at His Word, knowing that He is always true to His promises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you want to MAN-UP, then\u2026learn to rely on God\u2019s power. And, Trust in His promises. And lastly\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-headings-color has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-b5d9234a62477ab58b20190fb5ead886\"><strong>3. MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO GROW!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Peter<\/strong> urges us to make every effort <strong>to respond<\/strong> to God&#8217;s power and promises at work within us. It&#8217;s like being given checks that we need to cash\u2014<strong>God calls us to put His promises into action<\/strong>\u2026those promises of <strong>GODLY CHARACTER. <\/strong>So, <strong>Peter<\/strong> says in <strong>verse 5<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0c384ac11876887fdc8217ebe6cfd45d\"><em><sup>5&nbsp;<\/sup><\/em><em>In view of all this, <\/em><strong><em>make every effort to respond to God\u2019s promises.<\/em><\/strong><em> Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge,&nbsp;<\/em><em><sup>6&nbsp;<\/sup><\/em><em>and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness,&nbsp;<\/em><em><sup>7&nbsp;<\/sup><\/em><em>and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. &nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2 Peter 1:5-7 (NLT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These verses outline <strong>seven traits <\/strong>of godly character, reflecting the impact of God\u2019s work in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, these things manifest automatically; they require our involvement. Just as a check must be cashed to affect our <strong>bank<\/strong> <strong>account<\/strong>, God&#8217;s promises must be practiced to shape our character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>God<\/strong> has equipped you to grow. He has enabled you to grow, but you have to make the effort to grow!That\u2019s what <strong>Paul<\/strong> meant when he wrote in <strong>Philippians 2:12 <\/strong>and said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e12d569602ae2716ce654715124e42e3\"><em>\u201cWork out your own salvation\u201d <\/em>(NASB). Not <em>&#8220;work <\/em><strong><em>FOR<\/em><\/strong><em>\u201d \u2014 but, <\/em><em>&#8220;work <\/em><strong><em>OUT\u201d<\/em><\/strong><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that\u2019s because your <strong>salvation is free<\/strong> \u2014 but living a Godly life takes work.&nbsp; When it comes to salvation \u2014 He does it for you. But when it comes to godliness, He employs you. He empowers you.&nbsp; He calls you to get involved and <strong>WORK IT OUT!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notice again the <strong>seven<\/strong> <strong>Traits<\/strong> that <strong>Peter<\/strong> mentions. He says practice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Moral Excellence:<\/strong> <em>that<\/em> means prioritizing our actions by making decisions that reflect morality and ethical integrity. It&#8217;s about making choices that honor God and respect others.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And to this, He says, grow in\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Knowledge:<\/strong> This is pursuing a deeper understanding things. It\u2019s being a student of truth (and God\u2019s Word). And as you learn it \u2014 apply it. Knowledge is truth lived out. It\u2019s experiential. More than information \u2014 it\u2019s about life transformation. So, grow in your determination to know God\u2019s Word.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And to this, He says, grow in your\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Self-Control:<\/strong> Now, come on\u2026we all know what this is! It\u2019s learning to manage your actions and your emotions. As a <strong>6th century<\/strong> <strong>Chinese philosopher<\/strong> (<strong>Lao-tzu<\/strong>) once said, \u201cHe who gains victory over other men is strong, but he who gains victory over himself is stronger.\u201d That\u2019s what self-control is all about. It\u2019s about increasing your strength. It\u2019s bridling or harnessing yourself so that you don\u2019t say or do something you\u2019ll later regret.&nbsp;So, men\u2026practice self-control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And to this, He says, practice\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Patient Endurance:<\/strong> This is about living with determination \u2014 but learning to couple it with patience. It\u2019s sticking to it. Its perseverance. It\u2019s holding on (even when life is hard). It\u2019s about sticking with something longer than most. It\u2019s about not giving up even when you\u2019re tempted to do so. So, be the kind of man who perseveres and presses on. Live committed! So, be patient and stay the course!&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And to this, Peter says, grow in\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Godliness<\/strong><strong> (<\/strong>or your <strong>God-likeness):<\/strong> This is about becoming more and more like Jesus. It\u2019s about living in such a way that your friends, and family, and especially your children look at you and see glimpses of Jesus. It\u2019s about intentionally seeking to let Jesus shine through you. So grow in godliness!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And to this, He says, grow in\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Brotherly Affection:<\/strong> You might think of this as support\u2026or \u201cBRO CARE\u201d \u2014 it\u2019s about being there for others. It\u2019s about looking out for and supporting those closest to you (especially other believers). Peter is saying, don\u2019t just look out for #1 \u2014 look out for those around you. Care for fellow believers. Help them. Serve them. So, seek opportunities to encourage others, pray for them, and stand with them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And lastly He wraps it all up when he says, grow in your\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>LOVE<\/strong><strong>:<\/strong> Now, I know this doesn\u2019t sound masculine \u2014 but it is. Because the model for how we are to love is Jesus! It\u2019s Jesus\u2026the one who endured reticule for you and me. He stood up for us when no one else would. He picked up a heavy cross, drug it through the heart of Jerusalem, and then to the mountain top know as Golgotha\u2014where he sacrificed his life for ours. <strong>That\u2019s a picture of masculine love. <\/strong>It\u2019s about commitment, and sacrifice, and service. It\u2019s about faithfulness and strength. So, learn to love like <strong>that<\/strong>!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the habits that <strong>God<\/strong> wants you to practice. So men, it\u2019s<strong> time to grow! I<\/strong><strong>t\u2019s time to MAN UP<\/strong><strong>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, this is really important for those who are fathers. Because, you have children (of all ages), watching you. They\u2019re looking at you and the way you live to determine the patterns that they\u2019ll employ in their own lives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I wish shaping their lives were as simple as giving <strong>LECTURES<\/strong>, because I think I\u2019ve mastered the art of giving good lectures to my kids. But, what I\u2019ve discovered along life\u2019s journey is that my words mean far less than my actions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve also discover that <strong>CHARACTER IS CAUGHT<\/strong>\u2026more than it is <strong>TAUGHT<\/strong>! So, guys \u2014 <strong>IT\u2019S TIME TO MAN UP!<\/strong> It\u2019s time to make every effort to grow! Our children are counting on it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And I know this is a <strong>LOT TO LIVE UP TO<\/strong>\u2026but, if you\u2019ll be diligent \u2014 <strong>God<\/strong> will be faithful. He will take your little and make much out of it. He is committed to shaping you into the kind of man He\u2019s designed you to be.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As <strong>verse 8<\/strong> says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cbb1b53df81fbc2ee71d07019a4541b5\"><em><sup>8&nbsp;<\/sup><\/em><strong><em>The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be<\/em><\/strong><em>in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2 Peter 1:8 (NLT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Let\u2019s learn to rely on God\u2019s power. Trust in His promises. And make every effort to grow.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CONCLUSION<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You know, there\u2019s a monument high in the Alps built in honor of <strong>a faithful guide<\/strong> who perished while ascending a peak to rescue a stranded tourist. Inscribed on that memorial stone are three powerful words: <strong>HE DIED CLIMBING<\/strong>. <strong>May we live our lives that way.<\/strong> May we too continue to ascend the mountain of godliness and become the men God has called us to be.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, be bold and <strong>MAN UP<\/strong>! Don\u2019t give up. Don\u2019t check out. Don\u2019t back down\u2026keep pressing on. Keep climbing \u2014 onward and upward towards the high-calling that God\u2019s placed on your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And if we will, we can rest assured that God will keep His promise\u2026for as <strong>Paul<\/strong> said in <strong>Philippians 1:6<\/strong>, <em>\u201cAnd I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Philippians 1:6 (NLT)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SO, let\u2019s look forward to that dsy\u2026but between now and then, LET\u2019S MAN-UP!&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PRAYER<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0c394b89ea8dd187410efbc264df7a9b\">Hey men, I\u2019d like to pray for you today before we go. So, if you\u2019re a man in this house (regardless of age), if you\u2019re a man \u2014 would you stand where you are? And let me pray a prayer of blessing over you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b030e7db09efb8cfd4bc9fdd483536db\"><em>Heavenly Father, on this Father&#8217;s Day, we come to You with gratitude and humility. Grant us the strength and determination to press on toward the goal of becoming the men You have called us to be. Help us to rely on Your power in every circumstance and to trust in Your promises without wavering.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-1-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c86c92bce06a79c7c8a2a52df4599499\"><em>Lord, guide us in growing in godliness each day, seeking Your wisdom and reflecting Your love in our lives. May we live with faith and perseverance, knowing Your strength sustains us and Your Word directs our path. Empower us to be examples of Your grace and truth, leading others to know You more deeply\u2026especially our own families. In Jesus&#8217; name we pray, Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>MAN-UP (FATHER&#8217;S DAY MESSAGE) 2 Peter 1:3-8 INTRODUCTION:\u00a0 Well, good morning everyone and Happy Father\u2019s Day! It is so good to be back home with &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-957","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/957","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=957"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/957\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":962,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/957\/revisions\/962"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=957"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}