THE SPIRITUAL FATHER/SON (MOTHER / DAUGHTER) RELATIONSHIP

THE SPIRITUAL FATHER/SON

(MOTHER / DAUGHTER) RELATIONSHIP

Philippians 2:19-24

¹⁹ But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. ²⁰ For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. ²¹ For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. ²² But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. ²³ Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. ²⁴ But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly

Romans 8:14-17

Itso supas- Joint heir

Huioi- j

Oldest son

Adoption makes you a joint heir

INTRODUCTION 

This relationship goes beyond employer and employee, leader and follower, teacher and learner.  It might include some or all of these, but it is more.

PROPOSITION

We will consider the FOUNDATION, and FRUIT, DUTIES of the Spiritual Father/Son relationship

       I. THE FOUNDATION IS RELATIONAL, NOT POSITIONAL

·         The BASIS the Relationship

A.        The SON chooses the Father; the Father does not INITIATE the choice.

1.   The Father must not “recruit” sons.

2.   This is not just birth; it is ADOPTION.

                              The son asks, “Will you ADOPT me?”

3.   Beware of a so-called “father” who RECRUITS sons!

     

B.        The Father chooses to be CHOSEN

1.   He is open to the potential son.

2.   He may even express that openness, but the initial choice must be made freely by the “Son.”

      You may have a lot of mentors in your life, but only one spiritual father at a time.

3.   The Father must respond. The response closes the deal!

     II. THE FRUIT IS TWO FOLD

·         These are the Rewards of the Relationship.

A.                Benefits to the SON

1.   IDENTIFICATION – A spiritual father can look and see the anointing in the calling of a spiritual son. He could identify who and what that spiritual son is about.

Luke 6:13

¹³ And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.

2.   INFORMATION - Not just tips and techniques only, but principles and core values by observation and not memorization; internalized and not cognized.

·         (More “caught” than “taught.”)

3.   INSPIRATION model • example • encourager

·         “Put up . . . not put down”

·         “Draw forward . . . not drag backward”

·         “Your greatest fan and cheerleader!”

4.   IMPARTATION – Mantle • Spirit • Essence (“DNA”)

·         Moses – “God put Moses’ spirit on the Elders.”

·         Elijah – Elisha . . . “hard” = pala = means central, core (not difficult)

      2 Kings 2:10

      “Ask what I shall do for you . . .”

      “DOUBLE PORTION, SON”

5.   INHERITANCE Legacy:  both spiritual and ministerial

6.   INTIMACY transparency • vulnerability • no secrets •Total Trust

Not necessarily proximity

B.        Benefits to the FATHER

·      These are Life-strengthening

1.     ASSISTANCE  

·      “Fulfill the FATHERS vision to receive your own.”

·      “Elisha washed the hands of Elijah.”

2.   PERSPECTIVE

      Joel 2:28

      ²⁸    “And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.

3.   CONTINUITY

            Exodus 3:6

⁶ Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.

      It’s not what you learn . . . do . . . that matters.

      It’s only what you LEAVE THAT MATTERS!!!

III. THE DUTIES ARE REALISTIC NOT BURDENSOME

Four R’s

1.   RECOGNIZE

a.   Recognize the Son’s anointing.

b.   Cause/assist the Son to better understand his anointing, hence his worth, focus.

c.   Acknowledge the Son’s anointing • calling • excellence to others.

2.   RAISE UP

a.   Into Biblical Understanding (wisdom)

1.   Word

2.   Self

3.   Relationship

b.   Into Practical Effectiveness

1.   Techniques of ministry

2.   Right Tools of ministry

3.   Principles of ministry

c.   Into Personal Excellence

1.   Integrity

2.   Sincerity

3.   Propriety Do what is right even if it hurts to be true to your word even if it hurts

3.   RELEASE

a.   Endorse him – “This is my beloved Son ….”

b.   Announce him – “…hear him.” -

c.   Place him – “I am sending you unto Timothy.”

Titus – Cyprus

Epaphroditus – Colossae

Silas – Corinth

Aquila and Priscilla in Rome

Timothy in Ephesus

4.   RESOURCE.

a.   RELATIONALLY

1.   Self– “be there” – strength/bulwark

2.   Siblings – “bridge” for growth.

3.   Superiors – “bridge” for benefit

b.   REVELATION-ALLY

1.   Hear from God through you!

2.   In Person and/or via media.

c.   RESOURCEFULLY

d.   REPARARATIONALLY

1.   Repair when They Fall • broken • burnt out

B.        Responsibilities of the Son

Four R’s applied differently

1.   RECOGNIZE

a.   Respect him for who he is!

2.   RAISE UP

a.   Honor him at every opportunity!

b.   “Put him up; never put him down.”

                        3.   RELEASE

           

a.   “Release Him to speak into my life and ministry.” —Authority

4.   RESOURCE

a.   Tithes and Offerings

·         (Always) not personal • not positional • not institutional • not coerced