The Way - Men of Relationship
22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob's hip on the sinew of the thigh. - Genesis 32:22-32
Seven Characteristics of Godly Men
1. Men of God Pray
Prayer marks a godly man whether he is single or married.
Prayer prepares a man to be “marryable”; to be the kind of man God can entrust with His daughters.
Fathers, sons, brothers, grandparents; all must live a life of prayer.
Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Luke 18:1, James 5:16
2. Men of God Love the Scriptures
They are men of the Word.
They do not read for mere information; they read to stay alive.
They “eat” the Scriptures — they feast on them and find their joy and sustenance in God’s Word.
Scripture References: Psalm 1:2, 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Jeremiah 15:16
3. Men of God Deeply Love Their Spouse
The best way to love children is to love your spouse.
This love is expressed through:
Providing for her
Protecting her
Bringing peace to her
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:19, 1 Peter 3:7
4. Men of God Give Generously
Godly men cannot afford to withhold from the Lord.
Generosity begins with tithing — the entry level of obedience.
Giving secures God’s promises not just for us but for our children and future generations.
Scripture References: Proverbs 3:9–10, 2 Corinthians 9:6–7, Malachi 3:10
5. Men of God Sacrifice
They give of themselves and discover they are most alive when they sacrifice.
Sacrificial men are hardworking, not lazy.
Example: Paul worked while in ministry; laziness in the name of “calling” is unbiblical.
Sacrifice looks like discipline, diligence, and hard work for God’s glory, spouse, and children.
Scripture References: Romans 12:1, John 15:13, 1 Corinthians 15:58
6. Men of God Are Steady and Consistent
They put down roots for the sake of their families.
Consistency brings peace and lasting fruit.
Godly men live with predictable patterns of discipline and discipleship.
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 15:58, Psalm 112:6–7, Matthew 7:24–25
7. Men of God Are Willing to Die for Jesus and Their Loved Ones
At the end of the day, true men of God are ready to lay down their lives for Christ and those they love.
This is the greatest expression of love.
Example: In Eastern Orthodox weddings, a hymn to the martyrs is sung, teaching couples that marriage requires a heart of sacrificial love and willingness to lay down one’s life.
Scripture References: Revelation 12:11, Philippians 1:21, Ephesians 5:2
Reflection Questions
Where am I spending my time and how is my relationship with God reflected in that?
What keeps me from getting alone with God?
What keeps me from being vulnerable with God?
What can I do to start getting alone with God and be vulnerable with Him?
For all of Pastor Ryan’s teaching notes, click here.