1 Corinthians 4:15 [AKJV]: "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."
What in the world does that mean, many instructors and few fathers? What was the Holy Spirit through Paul telling us? Later in this same letter, Paul would write: "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord." 1 Corinthians 14:37. That the things that Paul would write were commandments of the Lord, that they were of and from the now risen Christ. Elsewhere concerning the giving of the gospel wrote: "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Galatians 1:11-12. So then what is that gospel given that is to be believed? This is that gospel given by revelation from Paul to us: "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Peter himself gave us this: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1 Peter 1:3,13, 21 & 3:15 respectfully.
Observation: notice that Peter writes "asketh" 1 Peter 3:15, whereas Paul writes we are ambassadors for Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Peter preaching under "law, times past" and Paul "under grace, but now." The passages both correct but only in their times, "rightly dividing" [applied] 2 Timothy 2:15.
Last Sunday being in study class, before the class started one individual stated that they were confused, the reason for their confusion was not given but that they were confused with the basic (Roman) doctrine. The class facilitator hearing the comment gave a short, non-relative ignorant reply and that they would continue with the class. The individual not really knowing what they were confused about simply said, "Well, I'm still confused." This verse came to mind: "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?" Luke 11:11-12. Being only my second time in attendance, but still failed to intervene in the one-sided conversation, my mistake, and my error. I had failed to stand for the truth which I know and the gospel with the excuse being I was new to the group, shame on me.
There are those who are many; i.e. instructors, teachers, do-gooders, know-it-alls and such but few fathers. Here is what I see, and also am guilty of. Teachers and such like are either placed in the position to instruct or volunteer. Before and after the instruction are uninterested in the outcome of the information disturbed to whoever they are speaking. Some paid and some not, but their main focus is to instruct those attending.
On the other hand, fathers are more or should be more interested in not only instruct but to ensure the instruction is adhered to. "An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou, therefore, which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?" Romans 2:20-22. The father, if being a father must followup. Is the person a son or daughter in the Lord or merely an attendee falling back on "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Philippians 2:12. That being the instructor's excuse to leave the student to their own devices. But on the other hand, the father will take, make time to teach and instruct the individual and followup [disipleship] ensuring that not only they heard but have believed and obeyed the truth by instructing and loving that person as Christ doth love us.
What I see here is that fathers operate in love; That love is demonstrated in a conscience continued effort in the pupil's well being and continued growth. Being constantly instructed in righteousness, yet meanwhile reproving for correction which is profitable in all doctrine. An instructor may very well be not so minded.
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