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BEGOTTEN OF GOD

Boyce Mouton · 13 pages · 6,828 words

BEGOTTEN OF GOD

“For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 4:15 KJV)

Let us focus both on the difference between “instructors” and “fathers”, as well as the essential theme of being “begotten by God”. Both subjects are important. Let us begin with beget!

The Hebrew word for “beget” is “yalad”. It is found 498 times in the Bible. In the KJV it is translated in the follow ways:
beget 201
bare 110
born 79
bring forth 25
bear 23
travail 16
midwife 10
child 8
delivered 5
borne3
birth 2
labour 2
brought up 2
miscellaneous 12
The Greek word for “beget” is “gennao”. It is found 97 times in the Bible. Here is the way it is translated in the KJV:
begat 49
be born 39
bear 2
gender 2
bring forth 1
be delivered 1

While there are peripheral uses of “yalad” and “gennao”, the primary translation of both words is “beget” or “begat”. There are two basic ideas conveyed by this terminology.

1. Beget can refer to the planting of a seed in the womb of a mother. Jesus was “begotten” by God nine months before He was born (Ps. 2:7; Acts 13:33; Heb. 1:5; 5:5). In fact, Jesus was God’s “only begotten” Son (John 3:16). Gabriel explained to the virgin Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Highest would over shadow her (Lk. 2:35). Jesus was “begotten” at that time in Nazareth.

2. Beget, however, can also refer to the actual birth of a child 9 months after conception. Jesus, for example, was conceived (begotten) in Nazareth and “born” (begotten) in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1). The same word “gennao” is used to describe both the conception of Jesus and His birth nine months later. For your information, the Greek word translated as “born” in Matthew 2:1 is “gennathentos” which is the Gen. Sing. Masc. Part. Aor. 1, Pass. Of “gennao” “Gennao” is also used in Lk. 1:13; and 1: 57 to describe the birth of John the Baptist.

While there may be other legitimate meanings of the word, these two ideas, conception and birth, provide a basis for understanding our text. Paul planted the seed of the Gospel in the hearts of the Corinthians. He began preaching Christ in the synagogue, but when the Jews opposed themselves and blasphemed, he took the believers next door to the house of a man named Justus. Luke records that this house “joined hard” to the synagogue. Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, also believed on the Lord with all his house. Then the Scriptures add that many other of the Corinthians believed and were baptized (Acts 18:6 - 8). Thus, both meanings of the word “beget” describe Paul’s relationship with the believers in Corinthian. First, Paul planted the Seed in their hearts and minds, then the Seed brought forth fruit and the Corinthians were all baptized into One Body (1 Cor. 12:13).

PHYSICAL BIRTH

The Gospel of Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus from Abraham. 42 names are listed and every person in the list was physically “begotten”. Abraham “begat” Isaac, and Isaac “begat” Jacob, etc.

When the sperm (seed) of the father, unites with the ovum (egg) of the mother a child is begotten and a new life is produced. God orchestrates this new life by combining 23 chromosomes and 15,000 genes from each parent. The medical term for this microscopic union is “zygote”. “Zygotos” is a Greek word that means “joined”.

Remember! Life does not occur without God. Note these examples of barren women in the Bible. Sarah was barren (Gen. 11:30). All the women in the house of Abimelech were barren (Gen. 20:18). Rebekah was barren (Gen. 25:21). Rachel was barren (Gen. 29:31). The wife of Manoah was barren (Judges 13:2). Hannah was barren (1 Sam. 1:2). Elizabeth was barren (Lk. 1:7). All of these barren women, however, gave birth to children, but not without the intervention of God. As we have said before, all life ultimately comes from God. This is why we say with confidence that no child is an accident. Life does not occur without God. The Psalmist said it like this: “He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.” (Ps 113:9 KJV). IT IS SOBERING TO REALIZE THAT THE MIRACLE OF LIFE IN EVERYONE OF US COMES FROM GOD!

From the very moment of conception the new baby is given a unique identity by God. Gary Bergel and Dr. C. Everett Koop point this out in the booklet “When You Were Formed in Secret”. They state that “the genes, like letters of a divine alphabet, spell out the unique characteristics of

the new individual. The color of eyes, hair and skin, facial features, body types, and certain qualities of personality and intelligence are all determined by this genetic coding”. The complexity of this genetic coding is beyond human comprehension. God places a divine blueprint in every baby when it is microscopic in size. That blueprint contains detailed instructions for the formation of all body parts like hands and feet, and eyes and ears. Just as one star differs from another star in glory (1 Cor. 15:41), so also God makes every child different from every other child. Every baby, for example, has it’s own fingerprints that will never be assigned to any other person. God also places in the zygote the blueprint for the baby’s brain, eyes, ears, and all the other intricate organs of the body. Written in this DNA code is the development of bone marrow capable of manufacturing new hemoglobin and kidneys that can purify 180 quarts of blood every day. God designs every baby with arteries that relax when the heart beats and contract between beats. This pulsing system provides a steady flow of blood to the tiniest branches of the circulatory system. This genetic code also provides for both baby teeth and permanent teeth. Written in the blueprint are instructions for puberty, even though they will not be implemented for several years. All of this, and much much more, is given by God to every child through a physical seed that can be traced back to Adam. Truly we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14).

Since life begins at conception, abortion is wrong! Abortion is the killing of innocent life. What God forms in the womb man has no right to destroy.

SPIRITUAL BIRTH

On the third day God created living organisms that reproduced “after their kind”. This reproduction of life comes from seeds (Gen. 1:11). Physical life comes from a seed, and so does spiritual life. Nicodemus, for example, had a physical body because a physical seed was planted in his mother’s womb. Since every seed reproduces after it’s own kind, that physical seed produced physical life. As the Scriptures teach, our physical life can be traced back to Adam. Physical things, of course, are temporal (2 Cor. 4:18). Consequently, the physical body of Nicodemus died and returned to dust some 2,000 years ago. Obviously, flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. It is also obvious that corruption cannot inherit incorruption (1 Cor. 15:50). That’s why we have to be born again. If we want eternal life it has to come from an Eternal Seed. Some versions translate “born again” as “born from above”. Both translations are correct. The spiritual seed that produces spiritual life comes from God. This should be obvious. Every seed reproduces after it’s own kind. Jesus was amazed that Nicodemus was a teacher in Israel and didn’t understand this. It should be clear: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit” (John 3:6). If you want spiritual life then you must be born again from a spiritual seed.

Peter put it like this: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (1 Peter 1:23 KJV)

Remember! The Bible speaks of two Adams. God created the first Adam in the Garden of Eden. Jesus, Who was is God manifest in the flesh, is called the Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45). Just as

the first Adam is the father of a physical race, the Last Adam is the Father of a spiritual race . Both races come from seeds. The physical seed produces physical life, and spiritual seed produces spiritual life. This means that as we have borne the image of the earthy, we can also bear the image of the heavenly (1 Cor. 15:49). Just as a physical seed produces a DNA code in a new baby, so the Spiritual Seed produces a spiritual code in a new convert. When someone is born again, God writes His laws in their minds and in their hearts. The convert to Christ is indeed a “new creation” (2 Cor 5:17). The new convert lives a transformed life because the “Seed” of God abides in him (1 John 3:9).

Some teach that “salvation is by grace, through faith, plus nothing”. Unfortunately this teaching is not found in the Bible. Since we “must” be born again, it is important to examine all teaching on this subject in the light of the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). Please carefully consider the following Scriptures:
In addition to faith, Jesus commanded that repentance unto the remission of sins was to preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Lk. 24:47). There is no doubt about it. Repentance is not an option! God commands all men everywhere to repent! (Acts 17: 30). Jesus told the men of His day that unless they repented they would perish (Lk. 13:3, 5). The demons believe and tremble, but because they don’t repent they cannot be saved (Ja. 2:19). Certainly no one can be born again who refuses to repent!
Whether we can explain it or not, God has ordained that “confession” also has something to do with our salvation. This too is clearly taught in the Bible: “For with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10). Jesus promised His disciples that if they would confess Him on earth He could confess them before the Father which is in heaven (Matt. 10:32). Jesus also taught that those who deny Him on earth He will deny before the Father Who is in heaven (Matt. 10:33).
While many deny that baptism has anything to do with salvation, the Scriptures teach otherwise.
Baptism is not insignificant or irrelevant! Quite to the contrary. It is the only command in the Bible given in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:18 - 20). To say that baptism is not necessary is to contradict the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus associated baptism with salvation. He said: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:16. Jesus did not say that he that believes and is not baptized shall be saved. Nor did He say that he who believes and is saved shall be baptized. To tamper with the commands of Christ is to infer that you know more about salvation that Jesus does. Remember! Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth - Matt. 28:18. It is blasphemous to assume that we have more authority than Jesus.
Jesus gave to Peter the keys of the Kingdom (Matt. 16:19). This means that Peter was inspired. Whatever he bound on earth would be bound in heaven. Whatsoever he loosed on earth would be loosed in heaven. When Peter preached at Pentecost, he used these keys. He declared that everyone needed to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins so that they might receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

If his words mean anything, then the remission of sins and the gift of the Spirit are inexorably linked with repentance and baptism.

OBEDIENCE AND SALVATION

Obedience to Christ is essential to salvation. The very idea that anyone can call Jesus Lord and not obey Him is absurd (Lk. 6:46). The English Standard Version translates John 3:36 as: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him”. Other versions that translate the Greek word “apeithon” in John 3:36 as “not obey” are: NASB, ISV, NAS, ASV, Berean Literal Bible, Jubilee Bible, English Revised Bible, World English Bible, etc. .
Obedience is not an option! Those who hear the commands of Christ and do not obey them are like people who build their house on sand. Disobedience to Christ brings eternal disaster (Lk. 6:49).
The rebellious King Saul lost his kingdom because of disobedience. Samuel reminded him that to obey is better than to sacrifice (1 Sam. 15:22).
Obedience to God, however, does not detract from God. It honors God!
A pagan named Naaman the Syrian, was told that to be healed of leprosy he had to dip seven times in the River Jordan (2 Ki. 5:10). When he obeyed he was healed. He didn’t believe, however, that he had healed himself by works. Quite to the contrary. Naaman knew that his healing came from God. In fact, the experience convinced him that there was no God in all the earth but in Israel (2 Ki. 5:15).
Jesus once commanded a blind man to go wash in the Pool of Siloam (Jn. 9:7). When the man obeyed, he was healed. But again, the blind man never considered that he had healed himself by works. He knew that Jesus had healed him! He was even willing to be put out of the synagogue rather than deny Christ (Jn. 9:13 - 27).
Jesus appeared to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. The story of his conversion is found three times in the book of Acts (chapters 9, 22, and 26). Realizing that Jesus was Lord, Saul obeyed Him in every detail.
Saul was told to go into Damascus and he would be told what he had to do (Acts 22:10) Saul obeyed, and went into Damascus.
Saul was sincere about his obedience and fasted and prayed for the next three days (Acts 9:9).
After three days, a devout man named Ananias came and healed Saul of his blindness. When Annanias commanded: “And now, why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord”(Act 22:16), Saul immediately was baptized.
Saul never considered, however, that his obedience in baptism was a work about which he could boast. Neither did he believe that he had saved himself by being baptized. He emphasized this later in his letter to the Ephesians. By inspiration he wrote that salvation is by grace, through faith. Salvation does not come from man, it is the gift of God. This glorious salvation is not by works lest any man should boast (Eph. 2:8 -10).
Saul not only obeyed Christ in repentance and baptism, but also in preaching to the gentiles. He emphasized this point to King Agrippa and said: “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:10).
Paul’s obedience did not detract from God, it honors God.
It is inconceivable that disobedience can honor God!

DISOBEDIENCE CREATES CONFUSION

The book of Acts describes how people were saved. On the Day of Pentecost, for example, 3,000 were saved (Acts 2:41). Soon after their number grew to about5,000 (Acts 4:4). Since God is not a respecter of persons, everyone was saved the same way. They heard the Gospel and believed it. They confessed with their mouth the Lord Jesus Christ. They repented and were baptized. They arose to walk in newness of life. In every example of Scripture all of these things happened at the same time and on the same day.
“Then, they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41).
“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:36 - 38).
The Philippian jailer said: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house” (Acts 16:30 - 34)
And again this command to Saul: “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16)
Etc.
Today, it is not at all uncommon for people to confess Jesus Christ as “Lord” and not be baptized at all. Others confess Him as “Lord” and wait for days, weeks, or months before being baptized. This disobedience creates confusion! Some insist that even though baptism is commanded by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit it still isn’t necessary. This question was not raised in Bible times for, as we have said, converts immediately repented and were baptized. The fact that many people today choose to delay obedience to Christ is both troubling and confusing. If you have not be baptized into Christ, what are you waiting for?
When a police officer turns on the lights of his patrol car he expects immediate obedience. How is it possible for a true believer to give more authority to a small town police officer than to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
If Jesus is truly our “Lord,” how can “we” decide if and when we will obey Him?
But some will say, “what about the thief on the cross?” (Lk. 23:39 - 43)
First, we must acknowledge that God is Sovereign and can save anyone He wants in whatever way He chooses.
Second, we cannot prove that this thief had not received John”s baptism. Remember! There went out to John, Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan confessing their sins (Matt. 3:6).
In the third place, Christian baptism was not yet commanded by Christ when the thief died. It was 40 days later that Jesus commanded His disciples to go into all the world and baptize those who believe. Shortly after this, as you know, Jesus was received up into heaven. (Mk. 16:15 ff.)
Finally, it seems diabolical for true disciples of Christ to seek out arguments and excuses for not obeying Christ!

THE NEW CREATURE

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).

There is something dogmatic about pregnancy. You are either pregnant, or you are not pregnant. It is impossible to be partially pregnant, or a little bit pregnant, or kind of pregnant. You are pregnant, or you are not pregnant.

The same is true of being born again. You are either born again, or you are not born again. You cannot be a partially born again, or a little bit born again, or kind of born again. You are either born again or you are not born again.

Pregnancy tests were used as long ago as 1930. Modern techniques, however, are much better. One modern pregnancy test, for example, is known as EPF or “early pregnancy factor”. It can accurately determine if a woman is pregnant within 48 hours. Something discernable happens when a woman becomes pregnant. Something discernable also happens when someone is born again. Paul urged the Corinthians “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates”? (2 Cor. 13:5)

If God has written His laws in your minds and hearts the transformation of your life will be increasingly obvious. The more we mature in Christ, the more we become like Christ. The Apostle John uses “gennao” six times in his first epistle to describe those who have been “begotten” or “born” of God. Please consider:

“If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has
been born of him” (I Jn 2:29).
“No-one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God” (I Jn 3:9).
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (I Jn 4:7).
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well” (I Jn 5:1).
“for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (I Jn 5:4).
“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him” (I Jn 5:18).

BORN OUT OF DUE TIME

In 1 Cor.. 15:8 Paul describes himself as one “born out of due time”. While scholars do not agree on exactly what he meant by that, true fathers care about their children regardless of the circumstances of their birth.

Emilia Grabarczyk is thought to be the smallest baby every born that survived. At the end of her mother’s 26th week of pregnancy, Dr. Sven Schiermeier discovered that the placenta was not providing sufficient nutrition for the unborn baby to survive. The baby’s only chance was an untimely birth. Her parents loved her before she was born and wanted to give her a chance. When Emilia was taken by C- section she was only 8.6 inches long and weighed only 8 ounces. A typical unborn child at the 26th week of pregnancy would weigh 21 ounces. Emilia survived, however, and nine months later weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz. and was getting stronger every day. Fortunately, Emilia had a father who wanted her to live. Fortunately, Dr. Schiermeier also shared the desire to give Emilia a chance to live. Her unusual birth makes her something special. Every child is something special to the father. Paul was also someone special who had an untimely birth. God specializes in caring for infants. His beloved Israel, for example, was like a baby abandoned at birth. God took that little baby and helped it grow into a beautiful woman (Ez. 16:1 - 34). Unfortunately Israel did not appreciate God’s love and care. Do you?

John Mark Stallings is another example that helps us understand the importance of a father’s love. He was born June 11, 1962 with both Down Syndrome and a serious heart problem. He was not expected to live beyond his fourth birthday. His father, Gene Stallings, was a famous football coach. Johnny was his only son. At first, his father prayed that God would change Johnny and make him right. Instead, God chose to change his father to make him right. In an age when many fathers are “absent without leave”, Gene did the right thing and accepted the full responsibilities of fatherhood. Gene even wrote a biography of his son: “A Coach’s Story of Raising an Exceptional Child”. This book has blessed millions.

Against all odds Johnny lived to be 46 years old. He died August 2, 2008. As word spread of Johnny’s death 1,500 letters poured in from all over the country. Two governors sent police escorts to lead the funeral procession. Hundreds showed up to pay their respects.

Though Johnny could not read, or write, or even count to ten, his short life impacted millions. Here are some of his achievements:
A biography honoring his life was written, which we have already mentioned.
He was baptized into Christ in 1985 in Dallas, Texas.
For years he assisted teaching four year olds in Sunday School.
He received an honorary High School Diploma from Dallas Christian High School.
He received a "Change the World" honor from Abilene Christian University;
An equipment room was named in his honor at the University of Alabama.
A playground also named for him at the University of Alabama.
A football field was named in his honor at Faulkner University.
A life size statue of him and his father is on display at Faulkner University.
He was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International.
He was made an honorary Marine by the U.S. Marine Corps.
The Texas A & M Class of 57 endowed a Medical School Scholarship in his honor.
He proudly represented Texas in the International Special Olympics.
He was featured in the only United Way commercial for the NFL.
He received the Alabama Sports Festival Medal which was carried on the space shuttle.
He kicked off the "First Down for Downs" associated with the NFL Arizona Cardinals.
He appeared on the Today Show, Dateline, and an ABC Special.
He was featured in People s Magazine, Reader s Digest, and many Christian publications.
One university included him in a special list of only 5 people who have changed the world..
His name has been written down in the Lamb s Book of Live in heaven.

In an interview with Dr. James Dobson, Gene Stallings said that if he had it all to do over, he would never ask God to change Johnny. He said that Johnny was like an angel from heaven who taught him about love, and friendship, and what it means to really care. One woman reflected on his life and wrote: "Life is not about waiting until the storm passes by, it s about learning to dance in the rain". His father concurred and said: "Johnny taught the girls and Ruth Ann and me, to dance in the rain. Just do the best we have with what we’ve got."

Thank God that John Mark Stallings had a father who was faithful! There is a difference between an “instructor” and a “father”. Paul was like a father to his converts, are you?

INSTRUCTORS AND FATHERS

But let us return to our text. Paul correctly makes a distinction between “instructors” and “fathers”. He said you could have 10,000 instructors, but not many fathers. Every father can understand this difference. There may be many babies in the hospital, but fathers have a special commitment to their own child. There may be many students in the school, but fathers have a way of seeing their own child in a different light and a special way. The book of Hebrews reminds us that a father disciplines his own child, but not the children of others (Heb. 12:5 - 11). A child without discipline is like an illegitimate child. Further, parents are expected by God to provide for the future of their own children, but not the children of others (2 Cor. 12:14). Paul insisted that if a man does not provide for his own, and especially those of his own house, he has denied the faith and is worse

than an infidel (1 Tim. 5:8).

Please ponder the follwing article that originally appeared in the Brazilian version of People Magazine (March 5, 1974). It was titled: “FAILURE TO HELP DRIVES DOCTOR INSANE”. Since the article was in Portuguese, here is the translation into English by Philip Moreland and Joanne Bayless.

“A doctor from a private clinic in Pituba, an upper middle class district (Salvador - Bahia) was hospitalized for a few days in the Psychiatric Clinic of Lapinha in the Capital of Bahia. He was in trauma because of his son, the victim of an accident in the capital, from from his failure to help him due to bureaucratic problems. According to the newspaper, “Jornal do Brasil”, the story was kkept in secret until last week. However, last Tuesday it was confirmed by the Administrator of the Emergency Hospital, Jair C. Lopes, and by an employee of the Legal Medical Institute, Nina Rodriques, and also by Gregorio Sacramento, who registered the happening. These, obeying the orders of their superiors, refused to give the identification of the child and parents. What happened was this, a boy was run over by a vehicle whose drive fled without helping. The boy was then taken to the hospital, Our Lady of Light, by a taxi driver. The doctor on call asked for his identification, but the driver said he didn’t have the document, and didn’t even know the boy. The doctor insisted on a deposit of 2,000 cruzeiros (editors note - this was only about $2 U.S.) Since the driver did not have the money, the doctor explained that nothing more could be done. So he stated driving to the Hospital Getulio Vargas, was is located more than 12 kilometers from the clinic, but on the say the boy died. With the death of the boy it became necessary to investigate the case. It was determined that the child had died because the doctor refused to help him. This turned out to be a coincidence that usually happens only in the movies or on television. There was discovered a tragic circumstance. The doctor had failed tdo attend, and thus condemned to death, his own son”.

Both the Soviet Union and Communist China tried to do away with the family. They discovered by experience, however, that a child’s father will take better care of him for nothing than a professional baby sitter will do for a large amount of money.

The way we look at someone is significant. Jesus warned against calling your brother “Raca” or “Fool” (Matt. 5:21, 22). There is something dehumanizing about a label. It is easier to hate a label, for example, than it is a person. Many years ago special forces attacked Panama to arrest the late Manuel Noriega. Equipped with special weapons and night vision goggles they took out “targets” to accomplish their goal. The “targets” of course, were people. It is easier to “take out a “target” than it to “kill a person”.

The above mentioned doctor didn’t help his own son because he didn’t know who he was. Without proper identification his own son was only a “patient” and not as a “person”. The point is, there is a difference between the way an “instructor” looks at a child, and the way a “father” does. The Corinthians had lots of “instructors” but not many “fathers”.

Here are some of the special ways Paul related to the believers in Corinth:

He fed them with milk and not with meat (1 Cor. 3:2). He did not want to do anything that would retard their growth, or hinder their development. If eating meat would cause them to stumble, Paul would eat no flesh as long as the world was standing (1 Cor. 8:13)
Paul abased himself to protect the Corinthian believers. When they foolishly divided over human leaders, Paul “transferred” the blame to himself and Apollos rather than identify the true culprits (1 Cor. 4:6). Note these poignant words from a loving father: “Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. “ (1 Corinthians 4:8-15)
Paul refused to take money from the Corinthians. He said that fathers ought to lay up money for their children, not the other way around (2 Cor. 12:14). While others took money for preaching to the Corinthians, Paul did not (1 Cor. 9:12).
Paul taught the Corinthians, however, to be generous. This is an integral part of parenting. Little children are born selfish, and loving parents have to teach them to consider others. Paul taught the Corinthians that giving money to those in need was like a farmer planting seeds. Those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly. He reminded them that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:6, 7).
Paul disciplined the Corinthians. As we have said before, a father is to discipline the child that he loves. To be without chastisement is to not have a father. One example of his discipline is recorded in 1 Cor. 5. They were wrong in tolerating fornication within the church and Paul threatened to come to them with a rod (1 Cor. 4:21).
Every father who has given his daughter in marriage knows the profound emotions associated with that event. In this regard Paul had a deep love for the Corinthians and wanted to present them as a chaste virgin to Christ (2 Cor. 11:2).
Even though the more Paul loved the Corinthians, the less he was loved by them, he still insisted that he would gladly “spend” and “be spent” for them (2 Cor. 12:15).
There is definitely a difference between an instructor and a father!

APPLICATION TO US

It is easy to fall into the trap of dehumanizing people and seeing them as only “students’. Pastors have a way of counting “dollars” and “noses”. There is often competition between preachers over “how many did you have”? and “how much did they give”? Paul warned that those who think

this way “corrupt” the word of God (2 Cor. 2:17). They are not like fathers, they are like hucksters. They market the Gospel like a commodity and preach the Gospel for gain. Paul warned Timothy to stay away from people like this (1 Tim. 6:5) .

Just as God knows the name of every star (Ps. 147:4), He also knows the name of every person. Moreover, He even numbers the hairs on our head (Matt. 10:30). Every person is important to God! Our Heavenly Father’s love is beautifully illustrated in the familiar parable of the Prodical Son. To most, this wayward rebel was worthless. Like a bruised reed or a smoking flax he was a nuisance with no redeeming value. To the Father, however, he was someone special. The Father not only grieved when he left, but maintained a constant vigil waiting for his return. That’s why he saw him when he was a great way off (Lk. 15:20).

In addition to the physical torture Paul experienced in his ministry, there came upon him daily the care of all the churches (2 Cor. 11:28).

He cared for the Thessalonians like a nurse cherishes her children. In fact, they were so dear to him that he was willing to impart his own soul unto them (1 Thess. 2:7, 8).
He travailed over the Galatians like a mother giving birth (Gal. 4:19).
He ceased not to give thanks for the Ephesians, making mention of them in his prayers (Eph. 1:16).
He wrote to the Romans that he could wish himself accursed from Christ if only his Jewish brethren could be saved (Rom. 9:1 - 3).
He had a special love for the Philippians as they supported him when others did not (Phil. 4:15 - 17).
Even though he had never been to Colosse when he heard of their faith and love was always praying for them (Col. 1:3, 4).
Etc.

There is a difference between an “instructor” and a “father”!

THEY DIDN’T KNOW THAT IT WAS JESUS

Luke records that Jesus appeared to two of His disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Lk. 24:13 - 32). They walked and talked with Him for several miles but their eyes were holden that they should not know Him (Lk. 24:16). When they broke bread with Him, however, their eyes were opened and they recognized that it was Jesus (Lk. 24:31).

On Judgement Day everyone will be divided into two different groups. One group will be saved, and the other will be lost. Both groups will be reminded of the way they treated others. In

some mysterious way, the way they treated others was the way they treated Christ.

It is remarkable what Jesus didn’t mention on this occasion. He said nothing about church attendance, tithing, or evangelism. This is not to say that these things are not important, it is only to say that on Judgement Day the way we have treated people seems to take precedence .

Please prayerfully ponder these words of Christ:

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal”. (Matthew 25:31-46 (KJV)

This brief study was written by Boyce Mouton and may be freely used in whole, or in part, for the cause of Christ.