Whether you’re single, dating, engaged, or married we are all diving deeper into what it means to have God at the center of who we are and how we love.

This week we learned how our relationship with God can help us answer the question: How do I find the perfect man?

Key Takeaway

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about direction.

Just like the perfect woman, a perfect man doesn’t exist. Yet some of us have spent a lot of energy trying to find or be someone who can live up to an unrealistic set of worldly ideals.

Fortunately, Psalms 112 shares with us a different set of virtues that can help us not only live a life that is honoring to God, but gives us a picture of what makes a good man in his eyes.

A Good Man: Knows God – enjoys obedience – dad material – blesses others – good with money – thinks about the future generous – compassionate – righteous – not afraid – trusts God – picks the right battles

How do we find, or become, a man like that?

Good men are formed by allowing these virtues to frame their future. They remain in God’s presence, with God’s people, and they choose, over and over again, to pursue God’s purpose. He fights for his faith and family and uses his influence to point others toward God.

A good man doesn’t strive for perfection but turns his direction toward Jesus.

Pray

Prayer is our time to talk to God. Let this prayer inspire your conversations with God this week.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being the ultimate standard of good. We recognize that while we strive to be more like Jesus, we fall short of that glory.

Thank you for providing the model in your son, Jesus Christ. Help us recognize that while perfection is unattainable on earth, we can continue to choose your direction and become more like you each day.

As we seek out godly attributes in our partners, help us not to lose focus of the grace that you have extended to us throughout our journey as your child.

Thank you for the reminder that perfection is unattainable, but that your sacrifice has provided us with the conclusive example of the mark that we reach for. For it’s in your son’s precious name we pray, amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your Slot and Spot and thank God for his love for you.

• The Joy by The Belonging Co.
• Mighty Name of Jesus by Hope Darst
• The One You Love by Elevation Worship

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

• Read Psalm 112
• Read What Is a Godly Man?
• Watch – Bible Project’s Psalms Overview
• Listen – Psalm 112 from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your Slot and Spot/discussions with others.

What’s ONE thing you learned from this message that you want to apply to your life this week?

• What step do you need to take to do that?

Women, how have your past relationships shaped your expectations of current or future relationships?

• If you are seeking a “perfect man” which traits do you think you have been overlooking in your search?
• When you hold onto the wounds from the past, instead of bringing them to Jesus, how does it impact your ability to be vulnerable in your current relationship?
• How does walking in the loving, grace-filled relationship that God desires to have with you, shape the expectations that you have for your current or future partner?

Men, as you reflect on your relationships (whether with your Heavenly Father, your earthly father, or in a romantic relationship) how have they shaped your understanding of what it means to be a godly man?

• Which trait of a good man described in the message do you feel God calling you to grow in this year?
• What is one way you can lean into your relationship with God to help you develop that trait?

When you read through Psalm 112, think about the following questions: What does it mean to “fear the Lord”?

• How does this Psalm describe the inner life of a godly man versus his public life?
• Which characteristics of the righteous man stand out the most to you, and why?
• Can you think of specific men in your life who live out any of these traits?
  • What can you learn from their example?

Next Steps

This week, let biblical virtues frame your future and your relationships. Read and reflect on Psalms 112 in your Slot and Spot.

• Take steps to remain in God’s presence, with God’s people, and pursue God’s purpose: Join a J-Group now and surround yourself with some other people who will walk alongside you in faith.
• Make plans to join us at Plugged In this month and find your place on the J-Team.