Introduction: There are many verses in the Bible addressed to men, telling them to act like men (I Samuel 4:9; II Samuel 10:12; I Kings 2:2; Job 40:7; Isaiah 46:8; I Cor. 16:13). What does it mean, "To act like a man?" Women have strong opinions. I did a survey on the internet about this, and 9 women responded, zero men.

Summarizing the ladies' responses:
"I never look for manliness in a gentleman...It makes me think of the Marlboro Man or Rocky Balboa."
"A man should be someone who looks in the mirror less than I do, which isn't often."
"In my experience, manly equals obnoxious. Other qualities are way more important."
"I have a beef with the word "manly." To me it is associated with brutality and cutting put-downs."
"To me manliness entails old-fashioned notions like strength of character, integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness."
"Muscles, more muscles, sweat, 5 o'clock shadow, more muscles. Arnold Schwarznegger/Terminator character...A bunch of muscles with a potato in place of a brain."
"Manliness is a protection thing, making me feel safe, physically and socially. Also, looks have to enter into it. You either have it or you don't."
"Manly is a purely physical assessment...I can see men on the street, and I am immediately able to categorize them as manly or not."
"The right smell."
"A manly man makes me feel protected. He has health, confidence and strength. He has a sense of justice, but he also has a touch of clumsiness, often manifested in an inability to read or follow instructions."

To know what it means to be a man, we must look to God. To act like a man means to do what God wants men to do. Men and women are of equal value to God, and we are equal in nearly all of our abilities. But we have God-given roles to fulfill. The question for the manly man, is not "what do I want to do," or "what am I capable of doing." It is not, "what does my society or peer group expect of me," but "what does God want me to do. How does God want me to act." God speaks to men about four areas of personality and life.

I. On a personal level, what does it mean to act like a man?

A. Men must not look like women (I Corinthians 11:14-15).
B. Men must not wear womens clothing (Deut. 22:5).
C. Men must not act like women sexually (Leviticus 20:13).

II. What is manliness with respect to my Nation?

A. Men, not women, are expected to go to battle (remember the opening scripture verses, enjoining men to "act like men." All these verses have to do with going into battle.
B. It is also a fact that God encourages men to lead the nation. There are always exceptions to the rule. We have some fine women senators, and mayors. Deborah was a judge in Israel. But God is looking for men to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:23-31).

III. How does God want men to live in their Families?

A. Husbands are to lead, wives are to submit (Ephesians 5:22-25).
B. Fathers are to govern their children (Ephesians 6:1-4; Hebrews 12:7-8).

IV. What responsibilities has God given men in the Church?

Simply stated, God wants men to lead (I Timothy 2:11--3:1; I Co. 14:34-35).
The problem in our generation is not that women are elbowing out the men. The problem is that men are shirking their duties, and thereby creating a need that well-meaning women are trying to meet. Gentlemen, let's be responsible!

Conclusion: What does it mean to be a man? We must not decide on the basis of what our culture says, but on what God says in His Word. Gentlemen, let's act like men!