*Special Edition for Father's Day* Topic: "Responsible Men" Theme: Godly Responsibility in the Life of a Man By M. S. Stephens Text: Ezekiel 22:30 – “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” INTRODUCTION Responsibility is the heartbeat of manhood. In today’s society, there is a growing crisis not of masculinity, but of responsible men—men who understand their divine calling, embrace leadership in love, and stand firm in righteousness. From the family to the church and the society at large, the need for men who will stand in the gap is as urgent today as it was in the days of Ezekiel. God has always looked for men who would take up spiritual, moral, social, and emotional responsibility. In Ezekiel 22:30, God lamented that He could not find such a man. What a tragedy! In a generation filled with men, He found none willing to stand in the gap. This message challenges every male believer to rise to the call of responsibility in every sphere of life. BASICS OF THE MESSAGE 1. Responsible Men are Accountable to God - Genesis 3:9 – “And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?” - God holds men accountable for leadership in the home, society, and His church. 2. Responsible Men Embrace Leadership with Servanthood - 1 Corinthians 11:3 – “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man…” - Headship is not tyranny—it is sacrificial leadership after Christ’s pattern. 3. Responsible Men Provide and Protect - 1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house…” - Responsibility includes provision (physical, spiritual, emotional) and protection. 4. Responsible Men Influence and Intercede. - Job 1:5 - Job rose early to intercede for his children. - Ezekiel 22:30 – God sought an intercessor to avert judgment. CHALLENGES TO RESPONSIBLE MANHOOD 1. Cultural Confusion – Society redefines manhood, promoting selfishness and indifference. 2. Spiritual Laziness – Many men neglect spiritual disciplines like prayer and Scripture reading. 3. Broken Homes & Absentee Fathers – Many lack models of responsible manhood. 4. Fear of Commitment – Avoiding leadership roles, accountability, and long-term responsibilities. BIBLICAL CONCEPTS ASSOCIATED WITH RESPONSIBILITY Stewardship (Luke 12:48b) – “…to whom much is given, of him shall be much required.” Servant Leadership (Mark 10:45) – “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister…” Fatherhood & Priesthood (Joshua 24:15) – “…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2) – “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” APPLICATION As husbands: Be sacrificial in love and consistent in leadership (Ephesians 5:25). As fathers: Train up your children in the fear of God (Proverbs 22:6). As leaders in church and society: Uphold truth, show integrity, serve with humility (Micah 6:8). As young men: Develop character and discipline early (1 Timothy 4:12). IMPLICATIONS AND LESSONS TO LEARN 1. A generation can be lost when men abandon their responsibilities. 2. The spiritual health of homes and churches often rises or falls with the quality of male leadership. 3. God still seeks responsible men—He has not lowered His standard. 4. Every man is either standing in the gap or allowing the hedge to be broken. 5. True manhood is measured not by dominance, but by devotion and duty. CALL TO ACTION God is still asking today, “Where is the man who will stand in the gap?” Will you answer that call? Let every man reflect: Am I being responsible where God has placed me? Let us repent where we have failed and arise with strength and grace to lead, love, and serve as God intends. CONCLUSION "Responsible Men" are the backbone of godly homes, vibrant churches, and thriving societies. In a world suffering from absenteeism and irresponsibility, may we be the men God is searching for—faithful in little, valiant in battle, and humble in leadership. May our generation not echo the lament of Ezekiel 22:30, but instead resound with the victory of men who stood in the gap. MATCHING BAPTIST HYMN BH 506 – “Rise Up, O Men of God” Verse 1: Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things, Give heart and soul and mind and strength To serve the King of kings. CLOSING PRAYER Heavenly Father, We thank You for this word today. We repent of every form of irresponsibility and negligence. Raise up in this generation, men who will stand in the gap—men who will love as Christ loved, lead as Christ led, and live as Christ lived. Empower every man here today to embrace Your calling with humility and faithfulness. May our homes, churches, and nations feel the impact of responsible men who fear You and walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen. 5 TAKE-HOME QUESTIONS 1. What areas of responsibility has God placed in your hands today, and how are you managing them? 2. In what ways can you grow in spiritual leadership within your family and community? 3. Are you currently “standing in the gap” for someone or something? If not, what is holding you back? 4. How does Jesus’ model of servant leadership challenge your understanding of manhood? 5. What practical step will you take this week to demonstrate greater responsibility in your home or church?