By Wes Richardson
“A kingdom man is the kind of man that when his feet hit the floor each morning the devil says, ‘Oh crap, he’s up!’” – Tony Evans
The true essence of a Kingdom Man is found in a man who has come to live every aspect of his life under the lordship of Christ, aligning his actions, decisions, and character with God’s purpose and authority. This commitment defines Biblical Manhood at its core—grounding a man’s identity and purpose not in the fleeting ideals of society, but in the timeless strength and virtue modeled by Christ. In embodying this Kingdom-centered life, a man fulfills the calling of Biblical Manhood, becoming a protector, provider, and leader who exemplifies godly virtues with courage, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Biblical manhood offers a powerful and transformative framework that emphasizes responsibility, integrity, and sacrificial love. Rooted in scripture, biblical manhood presents an enduring model of masculinity that fosters personal growth, healthier relationships, and positive contributions to society.
Biblical manhood draws from the teachings of scripture, where masculinity is portrayed through both strength and compassion. Key figures in the Bible exemplify manhood not only through power and dominance but also through love, service, and moral leadership. A central figure in understanding biblical manhood is Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings underscore a balanced and holistic approach to being a man. As John Piper explains, “A man is a servant leader who is called to love his wife and children, to protect and provide for them, and to guide them in righteousness” (Piper 57).
Tony Evans, in Kingdom Man, articulates that “a kingdom man is one who understands that he is under the authority of God and who seeks to reflect that authority in every area of his life” (Evans 34). This description emphasizes that living in biblical manhood requires men to embrace divine authority, aligning their lives with God’s purpose. The concept of biblical manhood is not merely about adopting a set of rules or behaviors; it is about embodying God’s intentions for men to be protectors, providers, and spiritual leaders.
Patrick Morley, in How God Makes Men, emphasizes the transformation that occurs when men align themselves with God’s character. Morley states, “God’s plan is to mold us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ” (Morley 112). This journey of transformation is at the heart of biblical manhood, where men are called to reflect Christ’s character in their daily lives, particularly in their roles as husbands, fathers, and leaders. Living in biblical manhood entails embodying fortitude, integrity,, and love, all of which are central to a man’s calling.
John Eldredge, in Beautiful Outlaw, highlights Jesus’ personality and character, which redefine manhood. Eldredge argues, “Jesus is the most captivating man in history, and understanding His character gives us the keys to our own” (Eldredge 25). His exploration of Jesus as a multifaceted figure, full of courage, compassion, and strength, provides a model for men today. By following Christ’s example, men can develop a more nuanced and complete understanding of what it means to be a man, embracing both strength and humanity.
The practice of biblical manhood requires discipline and commitment to spiritual growth. R. Kent Hughes, in Disciplines of a Godly Man, discusses the significance of practicing spiritual disciplines, asserting that “the man who is serious about his relationship with God must practice the disciplines of the faith” (Hughes 23). This includes prayer, Bible study, and service to others. Spiritual disciplines enable men to align their hearts and actions with God’s will, allowing them to lead their families and communities with wisdom and humility.
In Make the Call, Mark Richt highlights the importance of decision-making in biblical manhood. He asserts, “The character of a man is revealed in the choices he makes” (Richt 47). Living in biblical manhood requires men to make choices that reflect their commitment to God and to the well-being of those around them. Richt’s focus on accountability and integrity aligns with the biblical model of manhood, where men are called to lead by example, consistently making decisions that reflect their faith.
Eric Mason, in Manhood Restored, emphasizes the need for men to reclaim their God-given roles. He argues, “Restoration begins when men take back their rightful place in the family and society” (Mason 63). This reclamation is not about being an authoritarian or a tyrant, but about responsibility, leadership, and service. Biblical manhood encourages men to rise to the challenge of living lives that honor God and serve others, restoring their sense of purpose and direction.
James Denney, in The Warrior Within, similarly highlights the necessity of an inner strength, writing, “Every man has a warrior within him, a call to fight for what is right and just” (Denney 12). The warrior spirit, when aligned with biblical principles, propels men to advocate for justice, righteousness, and integrity. This inner warrior is about standing firm in one’s convictions and living a life that reflects God’s truth.
In Man of God, Charles Stanley echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the need for men to live according to the principles of scripture. Stanley writes, “A man of God is someone who lives according to the principles of Scripture and seeks to follow God’s path for his life” (Stanley 45). This pursuit of godliness is the essence of biblical manhood, requiring men to continually seek spiritual growth, develop godly character, and align their actions with divine purposes.
The contemporary crisis of masculinity stems from cultural shifts that have blurred traditional roles and values. In an era where manhood is increasingly defined by fleeting notions of greed and lack of morals, many men find themselves adrift, unsure of their identity and purpose. However, biblical manhood offers a way forward by providing a model rooted in divine authority and moral principles. This path encourages men to reject the superficial portrayals of masculinity and instead embrace a life characterized by integrity, service, and responsibility.
The framework of biblical manhood provides a transformative path that empowers men to embrace their inherent strengths while also nurturing a spirit of compassion and integrity. By grounding themselves in biblical principles, men can redefine their identities in ways that foster healthy relationships, promote moral leadership, and cultivate a sense of community and service. This holistic approach enables men to navigate modern complexities with confidence and purpose, allowing them to live out their callings as protectors, providers, and spiritual leaders.
In biblical manhood, men must strive for balance—a balance between strength, leadership and service, and discipline and compassion. As men align their lives with the teachings of scripture, they rediscover their roles as protectors and providers, but also as stewards. Living in biblical manhood not only transforms individual lives but also has the power to restore families and communities. By embracing biblical principles, men can rise to their God-given potential, living lives of strength, purpose, and honor.
At the core of my life lies my relationship with God. I was once shattered and lost in the depths of despair, but with the help of God, I have risen from the ashes, forged anew in the fires of adversity. This connection is my anchor, the source that propels me forward and sustains me in moments of hardship. As I walk humbly with God, I am fortified by a strength greater than my own, driving me to step up and tackle the burdens and responsibilities that inevitably cross my path. True masculinity is about embodying the unwavering virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, temperance, and faith. I strive to be a protector, provider, and leader—unshaken by fear and relentless in my pursuit of what is right. I live with honor, resilience, and an iron-willed sense of responsibility, tempered by discipline and self-control. I channel my strength not only for myself but for the well-being of those I love and serve. In every step, I exemplify determination, guided by a higher purpose and anchored in an unbreakable faith.
Works Cited
Denney, James. The Warrior Within. Zondervan, 2012.
Eldredge, John. Beautiful Outlaw: Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus. FaithWords, 2011.
Evans, Tony. Kingdom Man: Every Man’s Destiny, Every Woman’s Dream. Tyndale House Publishers, 2012.
Foster, Michael. It’s Good to Be a Man: A Handbook for Godly Masculinity. Canon Press, 2021.
Garris, Zachary M. Masculine Christianity. Stone Mountain Media, 2020