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Tracing 'Act Like Men' Through Scripture
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV
Men seemed to be obsessed with the meaning behind this phrase — Act Like Men.
There are at least two dozen books available on Amazon that draw inspiration from this Biblical exhortation.
There is … “Act Like Men: 40 Days to Biblical Manhood”
And … “Act Like a Man: 9 Ways to Punch Life in the Mouth”
To give a clear picture of what being a man is, this book features cover art depicting a rugged, bearded man in a cowboy hat slaying two wolves with a blood-soaked sword.
You actually do need a sword to understand this passage — the sword of the Spirit.
Yes, the Bible is the only book you need.
Let scripture interpret scripture.
When Paul wrote this closing exhortation to the Corinth church, he wasn’t writing to American men, or decrying the feminization of Christian culture by claiming “most churches are run by men who might die if shot with a Nerf gun.” (Yes, that’s in the aforementioned book’s description).
Paul’s purpose of writing this letter was to course correct a troubled church facing infighting and sexual scandal, and stop any more infiltration from a notoriously immoral city that made modern-day Las Vegas look like Disneyland.
In the closing of this letter, Paul uses a unique Greek word — andrízomai.
It is defined by one lexicon as “to act as a man” and “to be responsible and courageous by taking the initiatives God reveals through faith.”
This is where the ESV gets the phrase “Act Like Men.”
The KJV renders it “quit you like men,” while the NIV translation is “be courageous.”
Interestingly, this is the only time this word is used in the entire New Testament.
It appears nearly two dozen times, however, in the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint or LXX) as part of the famous refrain — “Be strong and courageous.”
As a former Pharisee, Paul was well-versed in these scriptures.
Trace its usage through the Old Testament, and you will see that Paul was pointing the Corinth church back to critical points in Israel's past which began with one of its most famed leaders — Joshua.
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Moses to Israel (Deut. 31:6)
Moses to Joshua (Deut. 31:7)
God to Joshua (Deut. 31:23, Josh. 1:6–9, 18)
Joshua to Israel (Josh. 10:25)
David to Solomon (1 Chr. 28:20)
Hezekiah to Judah (2 Chr. 32:7)
And others (Isa. 35:4; Dan. 10:19; Hag. 2:4)
If the “Act Like Men” exhortation points back to Joshua, how did he act?
He Acted Obediently
The first time Joshua appears in Scripture, he is placed in charge as Israel’s battlefield commander. He takes his orders from Moses, who is acting under divine direction. Joshua obeys, fights, and God grants victory. (Exodus 17:8–16)
He Acted Humbly
Throughout Exodus and Numbers, Joshua is a faithful understudy to Moses. He did not leave the tent of meeting when Moses went back into camp. (Exodus 33:11). Only later does God command Moses to appoint Joshua as successor, calling him “a man in whom is the Spirit.” (Numbers 27:18)
He Acted Boldly
When it was time to scout the Promised Land, Joshua was one of only two men who trusted God’s word. Ten others spread fear and division, and the result was forty years lost in the wilderness for an entire generation. Joshua spent those forty years not in punishment, but in preparation. He did not follow the crowd. He followed his faith. (Numbers 13–14)
Read more on of Joshua’s story in Numbers 13-14 in this post titled, “Grasshopper Virus.”
When it was time to lead, Joshua stepped out front. With his ear tuned to God’s commands, he led Israel across the Jordan, oversaw the fall of Jericho, addressed failure at Ai, and finished his life with a reputation for leading Israel in faithful service to God (Joshua 24:31). He made his allegiances clear.
“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
So does acting like a man mean acting like Joshua?
Not exactly.
Joshua points to something far greater.
Jesus: The GREATER Joshua
Jesus acted in ultimate obedience.
Joshua followed orders and led Israel into a promised land.
Jesus's obedience on the cross leads us into the Promised Land.
Jesus acted in ultimate humility.
Joshua served for years before he led.
Jesus, though equal with God, laid aside His rights and took the form of a servant.
From his incarnation in a humble manger to one of his final acts washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus lived out his message that anyone who wishes to be first must be the very last, and a servant of all (Mark 9:35).
Jesus acted in ultimate boldness.
Joshua confronted enemies with the sword.
Jesus confronted sin, hypocrisy, and oppression with grace and truth.
Jesus was tempted in every way, but boldly resisted sin throughout his perfect life (Hebrews 4:15).
Joshua conquered cities.
Jesus conquered death.
Jesus did not just act like a man.
He is perfect manhood personified.
He is the answer.
Act like a man?
Act like Jesus.
Mountain Mover
How do we actually act like Jesus?
Paul also gave us this:
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18
This verse describes progressive sanctification — the lifelong process by which believers are shaped into the image of Christ.
After we place our faith in Jesus (justification), we are gradually molded to look more like Him (sanctification), until the day we are made perfect in His presence (glorification).
Paul uses the word metamorphoō — where we get metamorphosis — the same word used to describe Jesus’ transfiguration. God’s work in us is an inside-out, complete transformation.
And it happens “from one degree of glory to another.”
Not all at once.
Not overnight.
But steadily.
Small changes compound.
The small things done daily will always outweigh the big things done occasionally.
James Clear popularized this idea in the book Atomic Habits, noting that a barely noticeable one-percent improvement each day compounds into massive growth over time. The same principle applies spiritually.
So turn this into Atomic (Holy) Habits:
Pray a little extra
Give a little more
Study small sections of Scripture — stop trying to finish the Bible and let the Bible finish you
Act a little more like Jesus each day
What Atomic (Holy) Habit will you add this week? Comment below.
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Excellent post!
I love the explanation of act like a man=act like Jesus. Not like the Marlboro man.