characteristics of a spiritual father

The Holy Spirit is our heavenly Father’s agent. It is the byproduct of a lifetime of spiritual, mental sweat. As God has brought spiritual fathers into my life, and as I have begun to step into a fathering role, I am beginning to see some characteristics that mark spiritual fathers. In fact, God sent John the Baptist “in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children” (Luke 1:17). I’m not suggesting that spiritual fathers model perfectly. Two pregnancies tell the story of Christmas. One result of the gospel in man’s life is that a biological father will also be his children’s spiritual father. Since God was an eternal Father when man was created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26, 27), he was given the potential role of father to earthly children. Humility is the ability to see myself as I really am apart from gospel-grace. Just as sons in the natural receive an inheritance from their fathers, spiritual fathers lead their sons into their spiritual inheritance. God created fathers and families to glorify this eternal reality, and biological fathers become spiritual fathers by knowing and imitating him. A good father makes all … A father is always around through thick and thin. This means he will compensate for the absence of a biological father. Here are three dimensions of God’s fatherhood that these men saw and imitated. Being a spiritual father involves encouraging, coaching, and correcting when needed. In the early days of the church—with few models to follow—people needed spiritual mothers and fathers to teach them how to be Christians. I am suggesting that they effectively teach their children from the Bible, and then sincerely attempt to walk it out. If born again, we want to be both the biological and spiritual fathers of our children. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A spiritual father does not overstep the role of the natural father. He is protective: A good dad protects his kids by drawing clear boundaries, considers their best interests, talks to them about things they should be aware of and puts things in place. Paul imparted into Timothy’s life: “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6). For that, I will be eternally grateful. But as I consider the blessings, I am also reminded of the responsibilities. Neither should faithful single mothers be discouraged. I am blessed to have children and very thankful for that wonderful opportunity. Yet Jesus taught us to pray “Our Father in heaven” because He was confident in the character and the heart of a heavenly Father. “The quality of a father can be seen in the goals, dreams and aspirations he sets not only for himself, but for his family.” – Reed Markham. Lewis suggested that masculinity is the willingness to initiate. 2. God is a Father to the fatherless. 9 Qualities Of A Good Father 1. ‘Teknon’ stresses the new spiritual relationship of life we enjoy because of our acceptance of Christ as Saviour and Lord (e.g. He said that he thanked God for him and told him that “without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day” (2 Timothy 1:3). The spiritual father will pour out knowledge, understanding, wisdom, counsel, and blessing to the son. Many think humble people are weak and passive. Spiritual fathers are critical to the fulfillment of this prophecy, but so is the rise of sons and daughters. Writing Letters Spiritual Vitality Strong People Spiritual Maturity From The Beginning Virtues Of Young People Man's Authority Over The Devil Maturity Fathers Responsibilities I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. There are many qualities of a good Christian father that we can find in the Bible. Capable elders begin by becoming spiritual fathers to their children. God provides to a father that which He desires imparted to the son. In this post I want to highlight 6 qualities of a true son in the Lord. There are so many more characteristics of a faithful Christian leader that I could list here. Turn in your Bible, if you will, to 1 Corinthians chapter 4 as we look to our study for this morning. It starts at home. But it is not simply gifts that fathers impart. This means it initiates! Each was filled with the Holy Spirit. Trust him, and he will act. A father might do everything right, and yet despite this, one of his children never relates to him as a spiritual father. Discipline without affection can be tyrannical. This month’s faith lesson provides the perfect opportunity for you to talk with your teen about fatherhood — what it is and what it can be when we see the heavenly Father as our model. I hope, by God’s grace, to equip and motivate biological fathers to gladly assume the responsibility and privilege of being their children’s spiritual fathers. But this distinction This is the essence of love. In the same way, spiritual fathers initiate. Here are six concrete things you can do to explore the call to spiritual maternity and realize that it isn’t a consolation prize — it’s a incredible calling from the Father. Perhaps our prayers are the most important thing that we can give to those whom we disciple, mentor, and walk with. The effect of these three dimensions — discipline coupled with affection, teaching modeled with sincerity, and humility that initiates — is magnetic. But like Paul to Timothy, God will often use spiritual fathers and mothers to reveal Himself to us, encourage us, and lead us in our walk. Required fields are marked *. Jake Kail was called to ministry in college, after a life-changing encounter with God. They live in Spokane, Washington. John the Baptist preached God’s coming judgment (Matthew 3:8–12), and Paul repeatedly warned his spiritual children that, if necessary, he would use his power to discipline the unrepentant (1 Corinthians 4:18; 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:23–24). Therefore, although single and childless, Elijah and Elisha raised children from the dead (1 Kings 17:17–24; 2 Kings 4). Pastors and all mature leaders in the body of Christ should first and foremost function as spiritual fathers that can nurture younger believers (1 John 2:12-14). Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. Anyone who assumes he is free and independent apart from God is in reality enslaved to the world and a lackey of Satan. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The truth is the exact opposite. If you discipline unjustly, ask that child to forgive you. But combine these two virtues in the same man and he is on the road to spiritual fatherhood. There is no shortcut to this knowledge. He disciplines the children that he loves. Even as believers, it is possible to be a biological father but not a spiritual father to one’s children. Qualities of a True Spiritual Father The Holy Elder Philotheos (Zervakos) points out the qualities of the good Confessor or Spiritual Father using St. Arsenios of Paros (1800-1877) as his exemplar. “A Spiritual Warrior is a person who challenges the fear, lies, false beliefs, and judgments that create pain and suffering on this planet. He is the author of multiple books & lead pastor at Threshold Church. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? I was converted at age 22. To be absolutely clear: no earthly relationship can replace our need for a vital connection with our heavenly Father through Jesus. The quest of the Spiritual Warrior is the same as spiritual seekers around the world. Jake is the author of multiple books, and he speaks at churches, conferences, retreats, and other events. God the Father is a combination of humility and initiative. So extensive was the Son’s teaching that the apostle John called him the Word of God, and Jesus modeled in flesh and blood everything he taught. To the degree that pastors and elders become spiritual fathers to their biological children, their churches, like their biological families, will become spiritual families. A Loving Father. This is especially important in spiritual things like family prayer, Bible study, church attendance, and discussions about spiritual things. 3. It turns biological fathers into spiritual fathers, and like fillings to a magnet, children are attracted. As my father did not share my faith, it was difficult to go to him for spiritual advice. This is not the biblical ideal. God makes the spiritual father brave. What made these men prototypical spiritual fathers? Your apologies will communicate to them that you are in deadly earnest about obedience, that you are not content to continue in sin, and that you are attempting to walk out what you teach. C.S. For example, he is a good listener, he has a great sense of awareness and even when he has not experienced the same life event as someone that he serves, he empathizes and accepts them for who they are. He was my biological father, but he was not a spiritual father. They impart their very lives into sons and daughters so that they will be everything God has called them to be. Sons honor their father. They don’t get entangled in the immature behavior of others. A local pastor reached out to me, spent time with me, and discipled me in the Christian life. He knows he has fallen short of the glory of God, and he does not expect his performance to merit his relationship with God. It is always both. “I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning” (1 John 2:13). Characteristics of Fathering Leaders. Despite his weaknesses, he rejoices in an unearnable love gifted to him by a gracious Father. Malachi 4:10 . Then they become spiritual fathers to the local church. It is a privilege to pass on the blessing of God. Affection without discipline will spoil children. “ knew ” God the father simply being present participated, then, then are. Is from the beginning ” ( Exodus 34:6 ) the great joys in life speaks at,! 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