"Show Yourself a Man"

Target Audience:

Christian Young Men (ages 18–30)

Scriptural Overview: King David was an older man who was giving instructions to his son on how to live as an honorable, Godly man who prospers in life.

Theme Scripture:

1 Kings 2:1–4 (NIV)

1 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.

2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man,

3 and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go

4 and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’

Lesson Objectives:

  • To define biblical manhood from a spiritual and moral perspective.

  • To challenge young men to pursue strength, integrity, and godliness.

  • To help them embrace responsibility as leaders in their families, churches, and communities.

Lesson Outline:

I. The Call to Strength – “Be Strong”

“Be strong” is not just physical, it’s moral and spiritual.

  • Strength of Character – Resist temptation, flee from sin, and do what is right when it's hard.

  • Spiritual Strength – Develop prayer, discipline, and biblical knowledge (Ephesians 6:10-11).

  • Emotional Strength – Control your emotions, don’t be led by pride or anger (Proverbs 16:32).

Illustration:
A tree that stands through every storm has deep roots. Real strength is in what holds you when no one sees.

II. The Challenge of Manhood – “Show Yourself a Man”

This is not about macho behavior; it’s about godly maturity.

  • Rejecting Passive Living – Don’t wait for life to happen. Step up.

  • Accepting Responsibility – For your choices, your relationships, your walk with God.

  • Living with Integrity – Being the same man in private as you are in public.

Scripture Cross-Reference:

  • 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

III. The Legacy of Leadership – David’s Last Words

David understood that who Solomon would become would shape the future of the nation.

  • Every Young Man is Building a Legacy – Your choices now will echo in your family, church, and community.

  • David to Solomon, You to the Next Generation – This moment is not just about you; it’s about what God will do through you.

  • Leadership Begins with Self-Discipline – Lead yourself before leading others.

Challenge Question:
What kind of man will you be when no one is watching?

IV. Today’s Society vs. God’s Standard

The world celebrates image; God values integrity.

  • Culture says: Be famous, flashy, selfish.

  • God says: Be faithful, humble, and strong in truth.

Call to Action:

  • Turn off the noise. Stop letting social media define manhood.

  • Surround yourself with mentors, accountability partners, and real brothers in Christ.

  • Choose to stand out, not blend in.

Closing Charge: "Stand Up, Step In, and Show Yourself a Man"

  • Step into your purpose with the strength of God.

  • Step into manhood with courage and conviction.

  • Be the change your community desperately needs.

ACTION:

  • Write about ‘What manhood means to you.”

  • Talk to another Christian man every week, as a “check-in.”

New Birth Church of Louisville

Pastor Mike