Act Like Men! Maleness, Masculinity, and Patriarchy

00:00 Introduction to the Straight Truth Podcast
00:38 What Does It Mean to "Act Like Men"? (1 Corinthians 16)
01:12 Masculinity, Family, and the Role of Parents
03:42 Christian Masculinity Shaped by God’s Word
04:57 Strength, Provision, Protection, and Leadership in the Home
05:57 Understanding Patriarchy and Biblical Headship
06:34 Christlikeness as the Model for True Manhood
07:19 Dangers of Feminization and Abuses of Authority
09:54 Masculinity, Culture, and External Expressions (Dress, Hair, Roles)
12:54 Adam, Eve, and the Fall: Abdicating Responsibility
15:56 Can a Man Be Emasculated by His Wife?
17:12 Is Patriarchy a Biblical Concept? Headship vs. Patriarchy
20:51 Christlike Leadership in Marriage, Family, and Church
23:07 Why Headship Matters More Than Terminology
24:01 Male Authority in Home, Church, and Culture
26:12 The Gospel, Cultural Change, and Christian Faithfulness
26:50 Closing and How to Support the Podcast

Related Sermons:
The First Attack on God's Design: https://youtu.be/EawfTtrMkVU

God's Image for God's Glory: https://youtu.be/OTx9RHOb8dk

Act Like Men - Part 1: https://youtu.be/pe5UtCAAj1g

Act Like Men - Part 2: https://youtu.be/ZUY0flsN4-g

Six Marks of Godly Manhood: https://youtu.be/8grAddhj_lY

The First Husband and Wife: https://youtu.be/oNxGWaLAhU8

Decision Time - Part 1: https://youtu.be/Yq5ypTGTZyI

Decision Time - Part 2: https://youtu.be/QKOmYIrvB4s

What does it mean to act like a man according to the Bible? The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 16, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” But what exactly is Paul commanding here, and how should Christian men live this out in their daily life? In this episode of the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell and host Josh Philpot explore the biblical meaning of masculinity, headship, and God’s design for men and women. You’ll also learn what the Bible says about patriarchy and authority, how the Bible calls men to live these things out, why Paul’s command to act like men and be strong is still relevant today, and how Christian masculinity reflects Christ Himself. This conversation brings clarity to what it means to act like a man according to the Bible and will help you see that God’s design for men and women is good, wise, and life-giving.

Our culture sends confusing and conflicting messages about masculinity. On one side, there is a trend toward the feminization of men, encouraging them to abandon the distinct roles God has given. On the other, there are distortions that promote a harsh, domineering model of manhood that abuses authority. Both are perversions of what Scripture teaches. In this conversation, Dr. Caldwell explains that true Christian masculinity is not about stereotypes or extremes. Instead, biblical manhood is rooted in God’s Word and modeled after Christ Himself.

The discussion considers whether patriarchy and authority are biblical terms. While the word patriarchy is often associated today with male dominance or misogyny, the Bible speaks of biblical headship. Headship in the Bible refers to authority that is God-given, Christ-centered, and exercised in humility. The husband is the head of the wife, but this does not mean she is of lesser value. In fact, husbands are called to lead their wives with Christlike leadership, loving them as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her.

Dr. Caldwell highlights the responsibility of men in the home and the church. Male authority in Scripture means providing for, protecting, and spiritually leading one’s family. Fathers are called to raise sons who know what it means to act like men. Mothers affirm and undergird this calling, and the church provides teaching and discipleship that reinforces it. Biblical manhood is not defined by sports, careers, or hobbies, but by living faithfully under God’s design.

The conversation also looks back to Adam and Eve in Genesis. Adam was given responsibility before Eve was created. He was commanded to obey God, to exercise headship over creation, and to lead. Yet in the fall, Adam abdicated this role when he listened to the voice of his wife and failed to protect and lead her. This failure shows the importance of biblical authority and headship, not as authoritarianism but as responsibility and obedience to God’s Word. True Christian masculinity includes the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control all shape what it means to act like a man according to the Bible. Men are called to be strong, to provide, to protect, and to lead with courage, but all of this must be carried out in a way that reflects Christlike manhood. Authority is never for self-exaltation or selfish gain. Every husband, father, and leader is himself under authority—under the authority of Christ.