Last night, our sermon for the five15 BIG MEETING was about Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (BMW for short!). Last night was the theological foundation. On November 12, we’ll consider the implications for us as parents and teens.

We looked at three anchors that will hold us secure in the safe harbor of Biblical truth so that we don’t drift away and get crushed in the shipping lanes of modern thought. Those anchors are:

1. “In the Beginning, God”–Manhood and Womanhood is God’s Idea (Gen. 1:1)
2. “In the Image of God He Created Him”–Equal in Value, Dignity, Personhood (Gen. 1:27)
3. “Male and Female He Created Them”–Distinct in Role in the Home and the Church (Gen 1:27; 2:18-25)

Taken together, these anchors refer to what we believe be the biblical teaching on manhood and womanhood: the complementarian position. It’s a big word, but it’s worth knowing. We also looked at John Piper’s definitions of masculinity and femininity:

Masculinity: At the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead, provide for and protect women in ways appropriate to a man’s differing relationships.

Femininity: At the heart of mature femininity is a freeing disposition to affirm, receive, and nurture strength and leadership from worthy men in ways appropriate to a woman’s differing relationships. – John Piper, What’s the Difference?

We’ll be reviewing this message at the next five15 meeting, but here are some questions you can discuss with your parents in the meantime (obviously, frame the question in the gender that is appropriate to you):

• Where do you see me expressing biblical manhood/womanhood?
• Are there any ways where you think I am tempted to neglect or reject aspects of my masculine/feminine role?
• What is one thing I can be doing to prepare to be godly man/woman, husband/wife, father/mother?

Categories: five15 blog