Made to be a fruitful vine
John 15:8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
We were made to BEAR much fruit … not just consume it…
The Magic basket
1 Cor 4:14-16 yet you do not have many fathers
- Instructors: [Boy Tutors] hired help to take the weight of responsibility off fathers for raising their children. Instructors cannot raise a family, only fathers can.
An “instructor” want to know that you learned what he taught you. A father wants to see that you can live it out, and go teach it to others — only better than he could!
1 Cor 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
- The Toddlers Creed
2 Cor 12:14-15 I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you… And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls;
A child’s first thought is, “how can you benefit me?” A father’s first thought is, How can I benefit you?” We have been remade into the image of Christ when our first thought is for others, and our last thought for ourselves.
Love with an arrow or a hook? – Bob Mumford
Matthew 5:43-48
A child gets offended when his expectations of others are not met (entitlement). A father sees an area of lack as an opportunity to minister grace.
2 Tim 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
A child expects others to sacrifice for him, and seldom even remembers to say, “thank you.” A father is happy to sacrifice everything to see his children prosper.
Gal 4:19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,
A child is competitive, jealous, and self-promoting. A father has a deep, earnest desire to see another come to full maturity in Christ.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS