Bible Study 3: The Redeemed Man — Christ as the Model

Bible Study 3: The Redeemed Man — Christ as the Model

Opening Introduction

“If Adam’s failure introduced distortion, Christ’s obedience introduced redemption. Where Adam was silent, Jesus spoke the truth with authority and compassion. Where Adam hid in shame, Jesus stepped forward in courage—even to the cross. Where Adam shifted blame, Jesus took responsibility, not for His own sin, but for ours.

Jesus often referred to Himself as the Son of Man. In doing so, He identified fully with our humanity while also showing us the pattern of what manhood looks like when it is lived in perfect obedience to the Father. In Christ we see humility instead of pride, servant leadership instead of domination, sacrificial love instead of selfishness, and faithful presence instead of withdrawal.

Our culture offers countless competing definitions of manhood. Some say masculinity is about dominance—being strong, tough, and in control. Others say it’s about independence—proving yourself, never needing anyone, never showing weakness. Still others measure manhood by success—career, possessions, or achievements. But Jesus flips the script. He shows us that true masculinity is not about climbing higher, but about stooping lower. It is not about being served, but about serving. It is not about proving worth, but about receiving identity from the Father and living it out in love.

The good news is this: Jesus is not only our example—He is our Redeemer. He doesn’t just show us the way; He makes a way. Because of Him, we don’t have to stay trapped in Adam’s shadow of distortion. We can walk in the light of His model and be re-formed as men of God—whole, holy, and mission-ready.”

Romans 5:17–19 — Adam vs. Christ

Greek (Selected Phrases):

• διὰ τοῦ ἑνὸς παραπτώματος (dia tou henos paraptōmatos) — “through the trespass of the one.”
• περισσεύειν τῆς χάριτος (perisseuein tēs charitos) — “the abundance of grace.”
• καθίσταται δίκαιοι (kathistatai dikaioi) — “made righteous.”

WEB Translation:

“For if by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ. So then as through one trespass all men were condemned, even so through one act of righteousness all men were justified to life. For as through the one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one, many will be made righteous.”

Key Insights:

• Adam’s disobedience spread sin and death to all men.
• Christ’s obedience brings righteousness and life to those who receive it.
• Masculinity is no longer defined by Adam’s failure but by Christ’s faithfulness.

Philippians 2:5–11 — Christ’s Humility and Exaltation

Greek (Selected Phrases):

• ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ (en morphē theou) — “in the form of God.”
• ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν (heauton ekenōsen) — “He emptied Himself.” (kenosis = self-emptying).
• γενόμενος ὑπήκοος (genomenos hypēkoos) — “becoming obedient.”
• ὑπερύψωσεν αὐτόν (hyperypsōsen auton) — “God highly exalted Him.”

WEB Translation:

“Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Key Insights:

• Jesus had all power and glory but chose humility and obedience.
• He demonstrates that true greatness is found in servanthood and sacrifice.
• God’s exaltation of Christ proves that humility leads to honor in God’s kingdom.

John 13:12–15 — Washing the Disciples’ Feet

Greek (Selected Phrases):

• νίπτειν τοὺς πόδας (niptein tous podas) — “to wash the feet.” A servant’s task.
• ὑπόδειγμα (hypodeigma) — “an example, pattern.”
• ποιῆτε (poiēte) — “you should do [as I have done].”

WEB Translation:

“So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me, ‘Teacher’ and, ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you.’”

Key Insights:

• Jesus, the Lord and Teacher, lowered Himself to the role of a servant.
• He sets the model: true leadership means service, even in lowly and uncomfortable tasks.
• Redeemed masculinity is not above serving others—it is defined by it.

Takeaway for Men’s Study

• Romans 5 shows Christ as the second Adam—where Adam failed, He obeyed.
• Philippians 2 shows His humility—true strength is surrender to God.
• John 13 shows His servant leadership—true greatness is expressed in service.

Big Idea: The Redeemed Organic Man

Redeemed manhood is not about domination, passivity, or proving yourself through culture’s shifting standards. It is about being re-formed into the likeness of Christ, the true Son of Man. Where Adam distorted God’s design, Jesus restores it. He models obedience to the Father, humility instead of pride, sacrificial love instead of selfishness, and faithful presence instead of hiding.

For the Organic Man, this means:

• Identity: You are no longer defined by Adam’s failure or your own past mistakes. In Christ, you are a son of God, made righteous by His obedience (Romans 5:19). You live out of adoption, not performance.
• Wholeness: Just as Christ fully embraced His humanity, you are called to live as an integrated man—body and spirit together—expressing God’s presence in everyday life. Your strength is not for self-promotion but for surrender and service.
• Calling: Jesus washed feet, carried the cross, and gave His life for others. As an organic man, your calling is to serve in the same way: to lead in marriage with humility, to nurture as a father with tenderness, to stand as a faithful friend and brother, to shepherd in the church without pride, and to live as a citizen seeking the good of your community.
• Mission: Christ’s pattern of life shows that true masculinity is missional—it moves outward in love, sacrifice, and reconciliation. As an organic man, you don’t withdraw from culture or dominate it; you embody redemptive presence, bringing Christ’s humility and love into your workplace, your friendships, and your neighborhood.

Put simply: The Organic Man looks like Jesus. Redeemed masculinity means being a whole, integrated man whose life reflects Christ in obedience, humility, love, and servic

Teaching Summary

• Romans 5:17–19 — The Great Contrast
  Through Adam’s trespass came sin, shame, and death, spreading distortion to every man. But through Christ’s obedience comes righteousness, restoration, and life. Jesus is the “second Adam,” the one who steps into our brokenness to undo the damage of the first. Where Adam was passive, Christ was active. Where Adam disobeyed, Christ obeyed. Where Adam brought death, Christ brings life. For the organic man, this means our identity is no longer chained to failure but rooted in Christ’s victory.
• Philippians 2:5–11 — The Path of Humility
  Though He existed in the form of God, Jesus did not cling to His position or power. Instead, He “emptied Himself” (kenosis), taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient to death on the cross. This is the heart of redeemed manhood: strength surrendered in service. Christ shows us that greatness is not about how high you climb, but how far you stoop in humility for the good of others. For the organic man, this redefines success—not in titles, wealth, or dominance, but in faithfulness, humility, and sacrificial love.
• John 13:12–15 — The Example of Service
  At the Last Supper, Jesus took the lowest position in the room. He washed the disciples’ feet, a task reserved for servants, and then told them, “I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you.” By this act, He demonstrates that true leadership means servanthood, and true authority is expressed in humility. For the organic man, leadership at home, in church, and in society is not about control but about presence—faithfully serving those entrusted to you.

Together, these passages paint a picture of redeemed manhood. It is not defined by domination or withdrawal—the distortions of Adam—but by Christlike presence: obedient, humble, sacrificial, and faithful. The organic man follows Christ’s pattern, living as a whole, integrated soul who brings redemptive presence into his family, friendships, work, church, and community.

Scripture Dig

Romans 5:17–19 — The Contrast Between Adam and Christ

1. How does Paul describe the difference between Adam’s failure and Christ’s obedience?
• Adam’s trespass unleashed sin and death; Christ’s obedience brought righteousness and life.
• One man’s disobedience corrupted humanity; one man’s obedience restores it.
• Application: How does this remind you that your story doesn’t end in failure but can be rewritten in Christ?
2. What does it mean that we “reign in life” through Christ (v.17)?
• To “reign” does not mean dominate, but to live in victory, freedom, and responsibility under Christ’s lordship.
• Men are no longer slaves to Adam’s distortions—they are empowered by grace to live with integrity, purpose, and spiritual authority.
• Application: Where do you need to step into reigning in life instead of shrinking back in shame?
3. How does this passage give you hope in areas where you’ve failed as a man?
• Failure is real, but not final. Christ’s obedience covers and redeems past mistakes.
• Hope comes not from trying harder but from receiving the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness.
• Application: Which area of your manhood—fatherhood, marriage, friendship, work—needs to be surrendered to Christ’s redemption right now?

Philippians 2:5–11 — The Humility of Christ

4. What does it mean that Christ “emptied Himself” (v.7)?
• The Greek word kenosis means Christ willingly set aside His rights and privileges to serve.
• He didn’t stop being God but chose the posture of a servant.
• Application: What “rights” or comforts are you clinging to that keep you from serving others?
5. How does Christ redefine greatness and power in this passage?
• True greatness is humility; true power is obedience to God, even to death.
• The path down (humility, service, sacrifice) is the path up (exaltation and glory).
• Application: How does this vision challenge you to rethink what you admire in men and what you aim for in your own life?
6. How does this challenge cultural models of manhood based on success, control, or pride?
• Culture says: prove yourself, climb higher, never look weak.
• Christ says: serve, stoop lower, trust God to exalt you.
• Application: In what ways are you tempted to chase cultural manhood instead of Christlike manhood?

John 13:12–15 — The Servant Example

7. Why is it significant that Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, a task reserved for the lowest servant?
• In their culture, feet were dirty, and washing them was humiliating work.
• The King of Kings did the work of a servant, showing no task is beneath a man who follows Him.
• Application: What “lowly” task are you tempted to avoid that could actually display Christlike leadership?
8. What does this act teach us about leadership and responsibility in relationships?
• Leadership is not control but care. Responsibility is not about privilege but service.
• Authority in God’s kingdom is measured by how much you are willing to sacrifice for others.
• Application: How could this reshape the way you lead in your family, friendships, or workplace?
9. Where in your life could you “wash feet”—serving when it’s uncomfortable or unnoticed?
• Maybe it’s listening when you’d rather lecture, apologizing when you’d rather defend, or serving when you’d rather be served.
• Application: Identify one practical “foot-washing” act you can do this week for your spouse, children, co-worker, or friend.

Key Point for Men’s Study

• Romans 5: Adam failed, Christ obeyed—you are free to live as a redeemed man.
• Philippians 2: Christ humbled Himself—true strength is surrender and service.
• John 13: Christ washed feet—true leadership is expressed in servanthood.

For the Organic Man: Redeemed manhood is not about domination or withdrawal but about embodying Christlike presence—obedient, humble, sacrificial, and faithful.

Discussion Questions

1. Which of Christ’s qualities—obedience, humility, servant leadership, sacrificial love, or faithful presence—do you most need to grow in right now? Why?
• How has neglecting this area impacted your relationships, work, or walk with God?
• What would it look like to take one step forward in this area this week?
2. How does Jesus’ example redefine strength compared to cultural masculinity?
• Culture often says strength means dominance, independence, or never showing weakness.
• Christ shows us strength in surrender, vulnerability, and service.
• Where have you been tempted to measure your manhood by culture instead of Christ?
3. What is one way you can practice servant leadership this week—in your family, workplace, church, or friendships?
• Think small and practical: washing dishes, listening without distraction, mentoring someone, or putting another’s needs above your own.
• How can you do this in a way that reflects Christ’s heart rather than seeking recognition?
4. How does knowing Christ is not only your model but also your Redeemer give you hope?
• Following His example can feel overwhelming—but how does His grace free you from shame and empower you to try again after failure?
• Where in your life do you need to stop striving on your own and instead lean into His strength?
5. What are practical ways we, as brothers, can help one another imitate Christ more faithfully?
• Could accountability check-ins, shared service projects, or mentoring relationships strengthen our walk?
• How can this group move from “talking about manhood” to actually embodying it together?
6. How would your closest relationships—marriage, fatherhood, friendships, or workplace—look different if you consistently led with humility and sacrifice?
• What reactions might you see from those around you?
• What fears hold you back from living this way?

Group Challenge

After discussing, invite each man to:

• Name one Christlike quality he wants to focus on this week.
• Share one specific act of service he will do to live that quality out.
• Commit to reporting back next week on how it went.

Closing & Application

Prayer Focus

Close the study by lifting the group’s hearts toward Christ as both Redeemer and Model. Emphasize gratitude for His obedience and dependence on the Spirit to shape men into His likeness.

Sample prayer (leader or volunteer may pray aloud):

“Lord Jesus, thank You that You are not only our Redeemer but also our model. Where Adam failed, You obeyed. Where we stumble, You stood firm. You showed us what manhood looks like—obedient to the Father, humble in service, sacrificial in love, and faithful in presence. Shape us into Your likeness. Teach us to find strength in surrender, greatness in service, and courage in faithful presence. Help us lay down pride, resist withdrawal, and lead by serving others in Your name. Amen.”

Encourage men to add short prayers of their own (for their marriage, family, workplace, or friendships) so the prayer is communal, not just led from the front.

Personal Commitment

Ask each man to name one specific act of humble service or sacrificial love he will commit to this week. Encourage them to be practical and concrete.

Examples:

• Helping with chores at home without being asked.
• Listening attentively to a spouse, child, or friend instead of rushing to give answers.
• Serving quietly in the workplace—covering a shift, mentoring a colleague, or showing patience under stress.
• Volunteering for a need at church that usually gets overlooked.

Remind them: “Servant leadership starts in small, ordinary choices. These are the moments that form us into Christ’s likeness.”

Group Accountability

Encourage the group to stay connected during the week.

• Pair men as accountability partners or set up a group text thread.
• Have them ask each other mid-week: “How did you practice servant leadership or sacrificial love this week?”
• Share victories honestly and without pride; share struggles without shame.

This builds brotherhood and reinforces that discipleship is lived in community, not isolation.

Leader’s Wrap-Up

Bring the group back to the big picture:

“Adam failed, but Christ redeemed. You are not defined by your past distortions. In Christ, you are a new creation, being re-formed into His likeness. Go live like Him this week—speak truth when silence feels easier, serve when pride tempts you to withdraw, and love sacrificially even when it costs you. That’s what redeemed manhood looks like. That’s the life of the Organic Man.”

Encourage them to come back next week ready to share their experience of living out servant leadership.