Ep. 559 Joby Martin: Stand Firm and Act Like Men

Shows Main Idea – In this episode, Rick Thomas talks with Pastor Joby Martin about his book Stand Firm and Act Like Men and the urgent need for Biblical masculinity in today’s culture. Far from cultural stereotypes of passivity or toxic aggression, Joby explains how Scripture calls men to live as providers, protectors, prophets, priests, and servant kings—all under the lordship of Christ. Together, Rick and Joby unpack the traps that ensnare men—pride, anxiety, laziness, isolation, and lust—and the crucial role of accountability through what Joby calls “mat carriers.” They also address how women can encourage rather than correct, why technology is one of the greatest threats to family life, and how the Church must avoid softening or distorting masculinity. This conversation calls men to bend the knee to Jesus before they can stand firm in strength and love.

Show Notes

More Helpful Resources:

• Get Stand Firm and Act Like Men
• The Church of Eleven22
• Joby Martin’s Website

1. Introduction to Joby Martin
   1. Married to Gretchen for 25 years, father of two children walking with the Lord
   2. Founder of The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, FL
   3. Conversion through his high school football coach sharing the Gospel
2. Defining Biblical Masculinity
   1. Rooted in 1 Corinthians 16:13–14: stand firm, act like men, be strong, let all be done in love
   2. Roles: provider, protector, prophet, priest, servant king
   3. Contrast: cultural stereotypes of weakness or toxic dominance vs. Christ-centered manhood
3. Prophet, Priest, King Framework
   1. Prophet: speaks truth, anchors the home in God’s Word
   2. Priest: points family toward God, intercedes for them
   3. King: cultivates an environment where others flourish
   4. Application for husbands, fathers, and leaders
4. The Five Traps Men Face
   1. Pride, anxiety, laziness, isolation, lust
   2. Laziness as the root shortcut for many sins
   3. Rick’s insight: shortcuts undermine endurance in sanctification
5. The Role of Accountability (“Mat Carriers”)
   1. Based on Mark 2 – men carrying their paralyzed friend to Jesus
   2. Every man needs 4–5 trusted brothers who see his real life, not just his online persona
   3. Examples of Joby’s accountability partners
6. Women’s Encouragement in Biblical Masculinity
   1. The power of affirmation: “Every man has a king and a jester inside; you’ll get the one you speak to”
   2. Wives as cheerleaders rather than constant correctors
   3. Rick’s note: Men are more fragile than many imagine; women’s words carry great weight
7. Technology and the Family
   1. Devices as doorways: not just access to the world, but the world accessing our children
   2. Joby’s rules: no devices in bedrooms, technology-free times, value of boredom
   3. Rick’s connection: technology tied to nearly every counseling problem
8. The Church and Masculinity
   1. Historical problem: churches feminizing the call for men to follow Christ
   2. True masculinity does not require checking manhood at the door
   3. The gospel affirms masculinity without distortion or toxic stereotypes
9. Closing Applications
   1. Men: bend the knee to Christ first, then stand firm
   2. Deputize your “mat carriers” for accountability
   3. Fathers: define Biblical manhood for your sons
   4. Follow godly older men with a worn-out Bible and a smiling wife
   5. Read and discuss Stand Firm and Act Like Men in groups for accountability

Call to Action

Joby reminded us that Biblical masculinity begins by bending the knee to Christ before you can stand firm in strength and love. As you think about his words, here are some questions to consider:

1. Which of the five traps—pride, anxiety, laziness, isolation, or lust—do you recognize most in your life right now?
2. Do you have “mat carriers” who see your real life and speak truth to you, or are you navigating manhood in isolation?
3. As a husband or father, how are you functioning as a prophet, priest, and king in your home?
4. Wives, are you speaking to the king or the jester in your husband? How are your words shaping his courage and leadership?
5. How is technology shaping the culture of your family, and what practical parameters do you need to put in place?

The gospel calls us not just to reject cultural stereotypes of manhood, but to embrace Christ’s design for Biblical masculinity. Will you take the next step in standing firm and acting like men?

Need More Help?

1. If you want to learn more from us, you may search this site for thousands of resources—articles, podcasts, videos, graphics, and more. Please spend time studying the ones that interest you. They are free.
2. If you want to talk to us, we have private forums for those who support this ministry financially. Please support us here if you want to help us keep our resources free.

Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).