Scripture

For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father.

Observation

Paul says his dedication to Christ makes him look like a fool. He works hard to support himself, he is patient, and he gently appeals to people, but he is treated like garbage.

He is not writing this to shame the Corinthian christians. Rather, he is warning them as his beloved children. They might have ten thousand teachers, but he is their only spiritual father.

Paul will come back to Corinth. Then he will find out whether their arrogant people have the genuine power from God or whether they just give pretentious speeches.

Application

We have many, many christian teachers- pastors, self-appointed teachers, internet and television experts. Teachers are great at imparting the knowledge of the Bible. Some of them are even right.

But we all need a spiritual father, someone who loves us, cares about us, and speaks truth to us.

A father, natural or spiritual, is important in helping a person to mature, and to keep us going through dark times as well as the good times. A father shows us how to walk with God and minister in the Holy Spirit.

In our individualistic culture, many christians are effectively spiritual orphans. They refuse correction and mentoring. They keep more mature people at a distance, refusing to let them get emotionally or relationally close.

Everyone needs a spiritual dad.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for my spiritual father. Please help me to father those you have entrusted to my care. Amen.