In my previous blog I have talked about spiritual fatherhood in the broader sense of the word. I would like to personalize it more and use Paul as a very good example of spiritual fatherhood.
He even said in 1 Corinthians 4 that we should be imitators of him as a spiritual father
Let's take a look…
Paul attained spiritual fatherhood through hardship and suffering. He is writing to a church which is deeply divided, fleshly and immature.
1 Co 4:9-16 9 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now. 14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me. (NKJV)
Paul is not criticizing instructors (teachers), but I believe he was reminded of the words of our Lord Jesus in Mat 10:24 a disciple is not above his teacher, nor is a servant or slave above his master.
Jesus was referring to the fact that a teacher (instructor) will not allow his disciple to grow and develop beyond himself.
One can understand the urgency of Paul only when you understand the meaning of the word "instructor - teacher" in this context.
Instructors - teachers are "guides to direct children"
Paul is saying to this church: you have many "guides who direct and treat you as children", telling you what is wrong and what is right - what to do and what not to do.
This will not create room for spiritual growth. You need people who will love you as a father and take care of you, who understand your true needs and who will create an environment where you will be able to grow and develop spiritually beyond them.
I remember in my own life when I became a father (physically), I was so infused with the drive to make sure my children achieve way more than I did in my lifetime. A true father rejoices when his child excels and become better than him.
A closer look at the meaning of the word "begotten" or "became your father" will give us a greater understanding of what Paul is actually saying:
1 Cor 4:15 "for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel."
Another translation reads like this:
For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.(ESV)
Begotten - means: Men begetting children and raising them, taking care of all their needs and taking them to maturity.
Paul is saying here: I brought you the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You became children of God and I never walked away from you. I took spiritual responsibility over you and through spiritual impartation I am taking you to maturity so that you can reach your destiny.
Now I urge you - become like me - become spiritual fathers yourself and take responsibility over others.
Why do we (Averille and I) embrace the true Biblical concept of "fatherhood" so deeply?
We believe it is the only way through which proper impartation could take place. By building genuine relationships with people and groups of people we become acquainted with their hurts, their desires and needs and wants, and we can at least start praying and interceding for them. In our walk with God there was a time that we experienced so much hardship and suffering and lack. Thank God, this did not make us "bitter" but "better. Today we can identify with people who are struggling and we can come alongside them, imparting unto them how God sustained us and cared for us.
God gave us so much insight, understanding and wisdom regarding purpose, destiny and vision and it is our greatest pleasure to share this with other people, without expecting anything in return. I believe this is what spiritual fatherhood is about - pouring out your whole life into other people's lives without expecting to be rewarded.
As a result of this "fatherhood attitude" we have seen so many lives changed, churches been impacted and business turned around.
This is the only way we can make the world a better place to live in.
I want to challenge you to practice being imitators of Paul in the sense of spiritual fatherhood in your own life and life of others.
Be blessed Deon