Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Church of Eleven22
Episode: Be Strong – Stand Firm & Act Like Men: Week 4
Host/Speaker: Pastor Joby Martin
Date: November 9, 2025
Scripture Focus: Matthew 20:17-28, 1 Corinthians 16:13

Episode Overview

In Week 4 of the series "Stand Firm & Act Like Men," Pastor Joby Martin explores what biblical strength truly means. Moving past cultural stereotypes of masculinity and power, he challenges men to embrace resilience, humility, perseverance, and service—defining strength as Jesus does rather than as the world does.
The message centers on Jesus’ example in Matthew 20, where Christ redefines greatness, not as a matter of position or achievement, but as rooted in sacrificial service and humble obedience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Series Recap & Context

• Recap of Previous Weeks:
  • Week 1: Manhood is God’s idea; something went wrong (sin), and true manhood is restored only in Christ.
  • Week 2: Men must stay vigilant because there’s a spiritual enemy.
  • Week 3: Strength isn't about physical combat, but fighting spiritual battles.
• This Week: Focus is on “Be strong”—what true strength means according to Jesus (00:40–05:00).

2. Redefining Strength: Two Definitions

• Worldly view: Strength is power—lifting, doing, possessing.
• Biblical view: Strength as resilience—“the ability to withstand great force or pressure.” (05:45)
  • Quote: “Resilience may be more important than strength because strength is waning.” (06:30)
  • Strength under pressure (resilience) is what men really need.

3. Jesus’ Radical Redefinition (Matthew 20:17-28)

• Jesus foretells His suffering and resurrection. (08:45–11:00)
  • Purpose of Jesus is not for power or recognition, but self-sacrifice: “He primarily came to lay his life down as a ransom for many.”
• Disciples and the Mother of Zebedee’s Sons
  • The quest for greatness and power—how easy it is to miss God’s point by pursuing personal advancement. (12:00–17:00)
• “We don’t have to apologize for biblical manhood; we just need to reject the world’s definition of it.”

4. Four Marks of a Strong Man (Jesus' Real Definition)

a) A Strong Man is a Sabbath Man

• Right priorities and rhythm; rest in Christ. (20:00–30:00)
  • Sabbath is not just “taking a day off” but living in a rhythm that keeps God at the center.
  • Quote: “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” (28:15)
  • Busyness leads to poor decisions and spiritual exhaustion.
  • Anecdote: Pastor Joby’s accidental airport arrest because of busyness (31:00–35:00)—illustrates how busyness leads to oversight and trouble.

b) A Strong Man is a Persevering Man

• Endurance and willingness to suffer for others. (38:00–43:00)
  • Jesus asks, “Can you drink from the cup I am to drink?”—meaning, can you endure pain and hardship for God’s mission?
  • Taking responsibility where it’s not your fault is manly.
  • Quote: “Men don’t talk about fault. We talk about responsibility. Boys say, ‘That’s not my fault.’ Men say, ‘I’ll handle it.’” (40:45)
• Husbands are called to love sacrificially, as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5), even if the challenges weren’t “their fault.”

c) A Strong Man is a Humble Man

• Jesus’ example of humility—even Son of God submits to the Father’s will. (44:00–48:00)
  • Quote: “No one can keep you from what God has for you, and no one can give you what God has not.” – Pastor Britt as shared by Joby (47:00)
  • Pastor Joby’s personal story about learning humility from his mentor, Pastor Jerry Sweatt.
  • “A strong man makes much of Jesus, not of himself.”

d) A Strong Man is a Serving Man

• Greatness comes from serving; not from position or title. (48:30–54:30)
  • Jesus says, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant… just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28)
  • Anecdote: Foot washing isn’t symbolic—it was the lowest, dirtiest job, Jesus did it in love.
  • Quote: “Everybody’s cool with being a servant until you get treated like one.” (52:40)
  • Serving at home: “Possums provide and protect for their family—maybe raise the bar, cowboy.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On True Strength:
  • "True strength is not found in position, possession, or power, but in the person and work of Jesus.” (53:55)
• On Sabbath:
  • “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” (28:15)
• On Responsibility:
  • “Men don’t talk about fault. We talk about responsibility. Boys say, ‘That’s not my fault.’ Men say, ‘I’ll handle it.’” (40:45)
• On Greatness:
  • “A strong man makes much of Jesus because he is a humble man.” (46:10)
• On Service:
  • “Everybody’s cool with being a servant until you get treated like one.” (52:40)
• On Legacy:
  • “All I want people to say about me… is he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” (Acts 11:24) (54:30)

Important Timestamps

• 00:40 – 05:00: Series recap, introduction to theme
• 06:30: The importance of resilience over mere strength
• 11:30 – 17:00: Jesus as the model; the disciples’ worldly view of power
• 20:00 – 30:00: The true meaning of Sabbath and rest
• 31:00 – 35:00: Humorous airport arrest anecdote illustrating the dangers of busyness
• 38:00 – 43:00: Perseverance, pain, and responsibility
• 44:00 – 48:00: Humility, authority, and leadership
• 48:30 – 54:30: Serving as an act of love; anecdote of Jesus washing feet
• 54:40 – End: Closing challenge and prayer: what will your legacy be?

Conclusion: The Call to Biblical Manhood

The episode closes with a direct challenge: Imagine the most influential man in your life—what if he were this kind of man? Then—what if you were?
Men are urged to reject the world’s definition of strength and instead pursue greatness by living as Sabbath keepers, persevering through difficulty, posturing themselves in humility, and serving others sacrificially.

Summary of the Challenge:

• Be great as God defines greatness—not for power or recognition, but to imitate Christ in service, sacrifice, and selflessness.
• Take your stand, not in your abilities, but by depending on God’s grace and setting Jesus before all things.

Closing Prayer & Response Invitation

(54:50)

• “May we be the kind of men you have called us to be—not strong by the world’s standards, but by Jesus’ example. May we keep you first in our lives, endure well, walk in humility, and serve gladly.”

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This message is a powerful recalibration of strength and manhood, turning upside down cultural expectations and calling men to self-examination. Its four-part challenge is practical, actionable, and rooted in the person and work of Christ—casting a vision for men to transform families, communities, and the church by following Jesus’ path: humble, persevering, servant-hearted, and always rooted in rest in God.

To go deeper: Read Matthew 20:17-28 and reflect on how Christ’s definition of greatness can shape your life this week.