Christian Manhood: Handout for Breakout Groups

This is a wonderful way to empower men to step into their divine calling! 🌟 Below is a categorized handout designed for six breakout groups, incorporating the writings of Ellen White and Scripture to guide your study and discussion.

Handout: The Blueprint of Godly Manhood

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Group 1: Reaching the Divine Standard

God has set an elevated standard for the human family, and reaching it requires painstaking effort and a lifelong commitment to growth5T 500.2+1. This perfection of character is not attained through "cutoff tracks" or easy methods, but by slow and toilsome steps taken in God's appointed way5T 500.2.

• Bible Foundation: You must put off the "old man" and be renewed in the spirit of your mind to put on the "new man" created in righteousness Ephesians 4:22-24.
• Discussion Question: Why is "surface work" or "boasted holiness" a danger for men today, and how do we ensure our character growth is deep and genuine?

Group 2: Standing with Dignity and Moral Courage

Every man who fears God is called to put away childish and vain things, standing erect in the dignity of his manhoodPM 62.3. This requires a man to develop moral courage, shunning low familiarity while binding his heart to others in Christian lovePM 62.3. True manliness is shown when a man stands firm for the right even amid prevailing iniquityST November 3, 1881, par. 16.

• Bible Foundation: True holiness is found when a man is created anew after the likeness of God Ephesians 4:24.
• Discussion Question: What are some "childish or vain things" in modern culture that prevent men from standing in their God-given dignity?

Group 3: Victory Over Appetite and Habit

The soul-temple is often defiled by sinful indulgences that trample reason and conscience underfootPH100 12.2. God calls men to arouse and strive with all their might to win back the manhood that has been sacrificed through the slavery of perverted appetite4MR 206.1+1. You have the power to choose whether you will be a slave to habit or stand free in Godlike manhood4MR 206.1.

• Discussion Question: How does the grace of God provide the "moral renovation" necessary to break chains that reason alone cannot overcome?

Group 4: Stewardship of the Human Machinery

The human organism is the handiwork of God, and the organs of the body were made by Him4MR 349.2. A man who seeks to be recorded in the books of heaven as a "man" will intelligently obey the laws of nature and cooperate with God in caring for his physical health4MR 349.2. Consecrating all our powers to God includes understanding how to care for this delicate human machinery4MR 349.2.

• Discussion Question: How does our physical health and the "laws of nature" impact our ability to serve God and maintain spiritual clarity?

Group 5: Cultivating the "New Man"

While the "twig" of character is most easily bent in youth, those with misshapen characters can still become conquerors through the merits of ChristT26 127.1. It requires the strongest energy and unfaltering determination to control a temper that has long chafed under restraintT26 127.1. When the "old man" is put away, a man’s talents and intellect are finally devoted to God’s service Ephesians 4:22-24T26 127.1.

• Discussion Question: For those who did not have a godly education in childhood, what steps can be taken now to master self-control through the Holy Spirit?

Group 6: Intellect, Influence, and True Greatness

Intellect is a powerful gift, but it does not constitute true manhood if it is not sanctified and controlled by the Spirit of GodRH July 11, 1907, par. 3. When great intellect is used to minister to vice, it becomes a curse to the man and all those he influencesRH July 11, 1907, par. 3. A man who is true to his God-given manhood will not only be blessed himself but will aid others in securing an eternal rewardST June 17, 1886, par. 5.

• Discussion Question: How can we ensure that our professional talents and intellectual pursuits are "ministering to virtue" rather than "ministering to vice"?

May these resources be a blessing to your ministry! If you have more questions, feel free to ask. 🙏