THE PATTERN OF FATHERHOOD AND SONSHIP

Luke 1:17 Elijah anointing: forerunner; turn hearts; 1) fathers to sons, 2) disobedient to the righteous, 3) prepare for the Lord’s appearing.

Luke 15:11-32 Wayward son and a faithful father. Gaining an Inheritance by obedience.

Our Father’s love for us, through Christ Jesus, is eternal. 1 John 3:1, John 3:16

Fatherhood on earth derives its pattern from heaven- Ephesians 3:14-15

In the human society, there is no substitute for effective fathers. Model manhood, headship.

Fathers make us grow up into adults. Apart from fatherhood in our life, we are left permanently immature and irresponsible. (Imagine an 18 yr old with a bottle!)

Ten Commandments: "Honor your father and your mother" Consequences of dishonor?

Ephesians 6:1-2 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord...."

Whose responsibility is it to train the children? The church? The State? Their mother?

Three key duties: 1) Keep the Covenant, 2) Honor God, 3) Raise the children.

1) Fathers hold us accountable to obey God. Hebrews 12:5-13. How? By discipline, which produces security, confidence, identity, promotes unselfish character, & trains us to do right.

2) Fathers exemplify faith and faithfulness. 1 Cor. 4:14, Heb. 13:7, 17. Role models, heroes.

3) Fathers encourage their sons. 1 Timothy 1:18 Intercession, father’s prophetic blessing, faithful love to them and to their mother.

Important Greek words for STAGES OF GROWTH toward maturity:

1) Babes= Nepios. Heb. 5:13. Infants. Not talking, simple minded. Milk, Love, fed carefully.

2) Children= Paidion. 1 John 2:13. Toddlers until age 12. Learn obedience by serving.

3) Teens and young adults= Teknon. John 13:33, Gal. 4:19. Think they know it all!

Need a pedagogue (teacher) until they are fully mature. (Galatians 3:25, 1 Pet. 5:5)

This final stage of development requires a mentor, submission, learning obedience.

4) Sons (& Daughters)= Houis. Rom. 8:14-17. Fully Mature. Able to handle responsibility. Able to hear the voice of the Spirit. Represent their father’s will and ways.

5) Adoption= uihothesia, Eph. 1:5 "To place as a son." A transition where the father affirms that you are ready to take on duties in the house. Time of public appointment. Speaks over you: "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. Hear him!"

6) Fathers= Pater. 1 John 2:12-14. Children know their sins are forgive. Young men have God’s word in them and overcome. Fathers know their father’s plans, purposes, and heart.

Do you know your heavenly Father’s heart? Abba= daddy! HS’s role! Romans 8:16

You can receive the Father’s love by receiving Christ- John 1:12.

You can walk in God’s manifest love continually by obeying Jesus’ Words! John 14:21

Fatherhood Principles (when fathers are affirming, not controlling) are eternal.

Fatherhood, when properly understood, is a key to apostolic character and methodology.

1) Who is your spiritual father? Who formed your character and took on responsibility for your training and development? (Either by birth or adoption)

2) How are you showing him honor? Is it empty words or is it practical and supportive? Are you still in his house or has he sent you out to start your own?

© 2001 Ron Wood, Touched By Grace, Inc.
ron@touchedbygrace.org