- Published on
Passitivy In Men
- Authors
- Name
- André Ellis Jr.
Topic Introduction:
Many men today struggle with passivity—whether in their faith, relationships, work, or personal growth. Instead of leading, we shrink back. Instead of fighting for what matters, we avoid confrontation. This is not the life God has called men to live. From the beginning, passivity has been one of man’s greatest downfalls (Genesis 3:6), but Scripture calls us to step up, take action, and lead with courage.
Opening Questions:
- Have you ever avoided doing something you knew was right because it was easier to do nothing? What happened?
- Why do you think many men today struggle with passivity?
- What’s the difference between patience and passivity?
- How do you think fear and insecurity contribute to passivity in men?
- Who is a man you respect because he takes action instead of being passive? What sets him apart?
Main Talking Points:
1. The Danger of Passivity: It Started in the Garden
- Genesis 3:6 – "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate."
- James 4:17 – "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."
- Discussion: How does passivity lead to brokenness in our relationships, work, and faith?
2. God Calls Men to Take Initiative
- 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 – "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."
- Joshua 1:9 – "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
- Discussion: What are some areas in life where men need to step up instead of waiting for someone else to act?
3. Overcoming Fear and Insecurity
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
- Proverbs 28:1 – "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion."
- Discussion: What fears keep men from stepping into leadership, fatherhood, ministry, or responsibility?
4. Taking Ownership in Relationships
- Ephesians 5:25 – "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
- Proverbs 27:17 – "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
- Discussion: How can men be more intentional in leading and strengthening relationships with their wives, children, and friends?
5. Passivity in Faith: The Need for Spiritual Discipline
- Romans 12:11 – "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."
- 1 Timothy 4:8 – "For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
- Discussion: What are ways men become passive in their spiritual lives? How can we fight against it?
6. Taking Action Against Sin
- Matthew 5:29-30 – "If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell."
- Hebrews 12:1-2 – "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
- Discussion: What sins do men tend to tolerate in their lives? How can we be more aggressive in cutting them out?
7. Living with Purpose and Boldness
- Colossians 3:23 – "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."
- Acts 4:29 – "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness."
- Discussion: What is one area in your life where you need to be more bold and intentional?
Outro (Thought and Motion):
- Thought(prayer): Spend daily time in prayer, asking God to reveal areas of passivity in your own life and ask for direction. (faith, family, work, sin, relationships, etc.).
- Motion(action): Take an intentional step to fight passivity—whether it’s leading your family in prayer, having a hard conversation you’ve been avoiding, confessing a sin, etc.