Series: Other Speakers
27 July 2014 – Johan Cronje
(1 Tim. 1:2, 18a); (1 Cor. 4:15); (Gen. 9:23); (Matt. 17:5); (Ps. 2:7); (Heb. 5:5); (Lev. 8:12-13)
The apostle Paul had this to say about true fathering: “For if you were to have countless tutors (instructors=boy-leaders) in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel” (1 Cor 4:15). The present loss of power and the current dilution and confusion in the wider church, is due to the fact that we do not discern between the voice of many instructors and that of true spiritual fathers.
John talks about the various stages of our spiritual growth: little children – young men (sons) – fathers (those who know Him who has been from the beginning) (I Jn 1:12-14).
A genuine spiritual father ministry must be sure he hears the voice of the heavenly Father before he assumes fatherhood in ministry on the earth. The apostle Paul was recognised as a spiritual father. He referred to Timothy as his son (1 Tim. 1:2, 18a). At no time, however, did Paul take the place of God in the life of Timothy. He told Timothy “…present yourself approved to God…”(2 Tim 2:15). He also said “For there is one God and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus!” (I Tim 2:5)
A father has a proceeding word in his mouth because he has a relationship with God. He is not just a motivational speaker. He can also bring correction and discipline (also referred to as circumcision) when necessary, but in it there is always life; it is not condemning. When he speaks a word of correction, life is imparted to you. There is nothing worse than a son who runs from house to house after being circumcised by a father, leaving a trail of blood wherever he runs. There is something that when the father speaks, it brings correction, it brings order and rest. It puts you in the position where you can rest in God.
A father ministry is also flesh and blood, like everyone else; he is not a “superman”. True spiritual sons will cover their spiritual father when he is in need or pain. We see the example of Shem and Japheth, when their father Noah was naked (Gen 9:23).
The same Spirit that unites us to our heavenly Father brings us into relationship to our ministry father. When you are in doubt ask God to remind you of the voice of the father in this house.