Following the first conversation with Jacob Browning, this episode tackles the idea of men and abuse head on and challenges the narrative that all men are violent abusers. From the book The Boy Crisis by Dr. Warren Farrell (not a recommendation), a poem expresses the concept that men are “attackers” and both Jacob and Dan challenge that assessment and put the responsibility back on each individual to make choices to be men who are protectors and providers of others, not abusers.

Jacob takes the listener to 1 Peter 3:7 which reads, “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered” (ESV). The biblical standard of a man (especially a husband) is one who takes time to understand and appreciate his wife and cherishes her as a valuable part of his life and ministry - knowing that the Lord looks to protect His children.

Dan brought in the idea that physical abuse is not the only abuse that some face - there is also emotional and verbal abuse as well. Some have misapplied the writing of Paul in Ephesians 5:22, which states, “Wives, submit to your own husbands” (ESV) and sought to use the verse as a stick to force women into submission instead of taking their focus down three more verses to Ephesians 5:25 which calls men to the high standard described, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (ESV).

Practically speaking, men wanting to see the example of what true masculinity looks like need to examine the life of Jesus Himself - as written in Scripture. Dan suggested that men ought to watch the physical depiction of these Biblical narratives brought to life in the show called The Chosen - which is an incredible television drama created, written, and directed by Dallas Jenkins (download and watch on The Chosen app). In addition, check out some great books that raise the standard of what it means to be a man - here are a few suggestions:

A Man of God by Jack Graham

The Godly Man’s Picture by Thomas Watson

Play the Man by Mark Batterson

Point Man, Finishing Strong, King Me by Steve Farrar