“In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
“To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:2-5)
“To Titus, my true son in our common faith:” (Titus 1:4)
“It is as none other than Paul -an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus -that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains... I am sending him -who is my very heart- back to you.” (Philemon 1:10,12)
Timothy, Titus and Onesimus had in common that they were all Paul's spiritual son's. Paul was a spiritual father to each one of them and poured his heart into them. One author, David Cannistraci writes about Paul and Timothy, “Together they wrote to churches, preached, taught converts, faced dangers and experienced a powerful bond of affection. Paul laid his hands on Timothy and spoke life over him (see 1 Tim. 4:14). Everything Paul had within himself the Holy Spirit also poured into Timothy. He was his father in the faith (see Phil. 2:22). The story of Paul's love and how it transformed Timothy becomes a classic study in the significance of spiritual fathering.” [1]
Paul was also a spiritual father to the churches he established. [2] Paul says to the church in 1 Thes. 2:6-12, “But we were gentle among you, just a a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and unblamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”
David Cannistraci notes, “One of the most striking characteristics of an apostle's ministry is spiritual fatherhood. Apostles father by facilitating growth and development of God's family just as natural fathers care for their families” He goes on to note, “Spiritual fatherlessness is a weakness in the Body of Christ today; a great vacuum has been created by the scarcity of godly fathering. Like society, the Church is plagued with problems. We need the same kind of discipline and accountability a natural father brings to a natural family. We need wisdom and maturity, a firm hand to guide us, balance to preserve us and experience to comfort us.” [3]
In 1 Cor. 4:15, Paul tells the church, “Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” Dr. Mark Hanby writes that when Paul is saying this to the Corinthians, he is hitting at the root of their problem, they remain immature, still drinking spiritual milk, because they have had too many instructors rather than mature father leadership. [4]
Both Dr. Mark Hanby and David Cannistraci note that spiritual father-son relationships have had deep significance through out history in the bible.
Abraham was a spiritual father to those who would believe in Christ. Gen 17:5 says, "No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations."
The mantle for a prophet was passed from Elijah to Elisha (spiritual father to son). In 2 Kings 2:9-12, When Elijah and Elisha crossed over the Jordan on dry ground, Elijah asked Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you? 'Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,' Elisha replied. 'You have asked a difficult thing,' Elijah said, 'yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours -otherwise, it will not.' As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven and in whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, 'My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!' And he saw Elijah no more.”
Elisha “took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and struck the waters and said, "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" And when he also had struck the waters, they were divided here and there; and Elisha crossed over.” (2 Kings 2:13-14)
Commentary notes about these verses that although Elisha performed twice as many miracles and Elijah, this was not the point of Elisha's request. “His real request was that he would be Elijah's spiritual successor (Deut. 21:17).” He was asking to inherit from Elijah the portion of a firstborn son. “In material things, the principal heir received a double portion of his father’s goods. Elisha wanted the principle of primary inheritance to apply to spiritual things.” Elisha was acknowledging his position as son and spiritual successor while humbly acknowledging “ that if Elijah’s ministry were to continue through him, it would take specially God-given spiritual power.” [5]
Moses was a spiritual father to Joshua. In Numbers 13:16, he changed his name from Hoshea to Joshua some time before anointing Joshua to lead the people into the promised land. Commentary notes about this, “As God often changed the names of people who had a special relationship with Him, so Moses changed the name of the one who would eventually become his spiritual heir. This was an act of ritual adoption.” [6]
And the anointing for priestly ministry flowed from father to sons within ones own line. In Exodus 30:30 it says, “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.” Dr. Mark Hanby writes, “Though all the Israelites were children of Abraham and worshipers of Jehovah, only Aaron and his generations after him could minister in the office of priest.” [7]
And of course, Jesus was sent by His Father into the world to save those who would believe in Him. In John 5:6, Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and show him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.”
Dr. Mark Hanby writes, “When God chose to fully manifest Himself, He followed the order of father and son. 'God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son...' (Heb. 1:1-2). Jesus did nothing outside the perfect fulfillment of the order of father to son.” [8]
The order of ministry in the Old and New Testament have, in several cases, been that of father to son. And Hanby notes, “the connection between father and son in ministry, has always been one of the Spirit.” [9] It is through their relationship that ministry flows from one to the other.
For Timothy, Titus and Onesimus, their recorded involvement in ministry stemmed from their relationship with Paul. One commentary notes, “Without trying, we model our values. Parents in particular demonstrate to their children what they consider important and valuable. 'Like father, like son' is not just a well-worn cliché; it is a truth repeated in our homes. And experience proves that children often follow the life-styles of their parents, repeating their successes and mistakes.” [10]
Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10-14 , “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings -what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you now those from whom you learned it...”
It was Paul that taught his spiritual sons what they needed to know about ministry. And it was Paul who confirmed them in ministry. And it was Paul who sent and established them. Timothy was sent to pastor at Ephesus, and Titus to Crete. Both were sent to organize, establish leadership, build, encourage, discipline and teach the body of Christ. Onesimus was 'sent' back to Philemon, but no longer as a slave, but as a fellow servant of Christ, that had become useful to both Paul and Philemon (vs. 11).
Hanby writes, “A spiritual father is someone whose life and ministry raised you up from the mire of immaturity into proper growth and order.” A spiritual father is the one who establishes a son, declaring, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Mt. 3.17).” Hanby writes, “The voice of the father in ministry is needed to confirm the son's ministry.” [11]
Paul believed in his spiritual sons such that he called out their gifts, established them in position and encouraged them in their callings. It was Paul's confidence and encouragement in his sons that gave them what they needed to come fully into all God had for them.
Hanby writes, “Literally, my father is someone who speaks the word that puts me into a position in maturation to fulfill my fullest spiritual potential in God.” He notes that it is the voice of the father that plunges the son into purpose. [12]
The heart of a spiritual father is continually toward his spiritual sons. A father is known by his investment in them. Spiritual fathers are not seeking what they can gain for themselves. They have a deep desire, by the Spirit, to pour out their lives into their sons so that their sons can become all God has called them into. David says in Psalm 71:18, "Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come."
They build up their sons and make room for them. In doing so, they create a spiritual legacy.
One commentary notes, “As Paul reached the end of his life, he could look back and know he had been faithful to God's call. Now it was time to pass the torch to the next generation, preparing leaders to take his place so that the world would continue to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Timothy was Paul's living legacy, a product of Paul's faithful teaching, discipleship, and example. Because of Paul's work with many believers, including Timothy [Titus, and Onesimus], the world is full of believers today who are also carrying on the work. What legacy will you leave behind? Whom are you training to carry on your work? It is our responsibility to do all we can to keep the gospel message alive for the next generation.” [13]
The heart of the spiritual son is known in his honor of his spiritual father. [14] In the case of Timothy, Titus and Onesimus (not to mention Joshua, Elisha and others), spiritual sons deeply honored their spiritual fathers. They listened, followed, and eagerly accepted the teaching and guidance they were provided. They served under their spiritual father demonstrating their commitment and willingness to follow. They shared their father's vision and willingly entered into suffering to see it completed. Paul appeals to Timothy, “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
Timothy, Titus and Onesimus fully identified themselves with Paul even when many others had turned their backs on him. In 2 Timothy 1:8, Paul tells Timothy, “So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God...... What you have heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you -guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”
Spiritual sons are not looking for when they can take over, but their hearts are continually toward their fathers as their father's hearts are toward them. Because they honor their fathers, they willingly follow. And through their relationship, they share the same vision. Hanby writes, “There must be a sharing of common vision, a endurance of relationship and faithfulness to God and to each other in both father and son for the inheritance to be transmitted.” [15]
Paul says of Timothy to the church in Philippians 2:19-22, “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.”
However, sons are not 'clones' of their father. Timothy, Titus and Onesimus were all different. Paul encouraged them to use their own unique gifts to serve God. Paul says in 2 Timothy 6, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” He dealt with each one of his sons according to their individual needs, gifts, and callings.
A spiritual son is such by their relationship and loyalty to their spiritual father. Even as Timothy and Titus were called by Paul to come along side him as co-laborers and fellow soldiers in Christ, they still behaved as sons, following Paul's direction and guidance. At the same time, Hanby notes, that a spiritual father will make room for their spiritual sons to come along side of them, calling them into more and more. They are not intimidated by their sons succeeding them, rather, as they would their flesh and blood, they desire it because of the father-son heart relationship. [16]
Paul says in 1 Thes. 3:2 “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God's service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.”
Hanby writes, “Although he is a son, Timothy is called a workfellow and brother, and is sometimes placed on the same level with Paul. This is the fruit of the father-and-son relationship. Paul has taken a young man who ministered in a limited field of influence and stretched his potential to limits that would never otherwise been reached in his life. A father will establish a relationship to a son in ministry that, for that person, will be the beginning in a new path of revelation and maturity. The son matures into more than he ever dreamed possible. The father has done more than simply reproduce his ministry, he has multiplied it.” [17]
The spiritual father must be the one to initiate the relationship with the spiritual son. Hanby notes, “It is the voice of the father that declares sonship. The voice of the father must be spoken, heard, and received in order to establish a father-and-son relationship.” He writes that it is a father's heart that must turn towards sons first before a sons heart can turn towards a father. [18]
Someone under another's authority will not necessarily become a son unless they know that person genuinely cares about them and desires their best. If the person over them does not genuinely care about them, looks to use them for their own gain, and/or diminishes or competes with those under him due to insecurity, they do not become a true spiritual father. The person under them may follow 'in form' to keep their position but their heart will not be towards the one over them as a spiritual father.
Just as a spiritual father will be tested by opportunities to use 'sons' for their own gain, and by being threatened by sons who excel beyond spiritual fathers in certain areas, sons will also be tested. Hanby notes that as Jesus was tested in the wilderness by the opportunity to chose their own advancement over their relationship with their father, so will a spiritual son. A spiritual son will have an opportunity to put their own gain and advancement before their relationship with their father. [19]
They will also be tested by spiritual brothers who come along side them. Hanby notes that sons will be tested by how they deal with a brother with a who has a greater gifting or ability than himself. Are they their brother's keeper or do they see their brother as competition? According to Hanby, sons will also be tested by their own giftings. Do they use their giftings for their own gain [or I would add, to usurp authority as Absalom did with David]? [20]
Spiritual fathers and sons turning towards each other is the work of Spirit. Their relationship is not the work of man but of God. Hanby writes, “Sons and fathers will know each other by the cry of their spirits one to another, created by the turning of their hearts together.” [21]
Malachi 4:5-6 says, “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse."
This was fulfilled once in the ministry of John the Baptist, preparing the people for the coming of the Lord. Luke 1:16-17 says, “The angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias and prophesied of his son, John the Baptist, and his unique ministry, “And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord”
There are two schools of thought on whether Malachi 4:5-6 is fully fulfilled by coming of John the Baptist or whether it will be fulfilled in the Great Tribulation, preparing the way of the second coming of Jesus. [22]
David Cannistraci writes, “God works through fathers. In the final moments of this age, when God will work as never before, we can expect that He will use spiritual fathers. In the final words of the Old Testament, a unique prophet saw a glorious vision of the end-time move of God's Spirit:
1-3, 23. Cannistraci, David. Apostles and the Emerging Apostolic Movement: A Biblical Look at Apostleship and How God is Using it to Bless His Church Today. Renew Books. Ventura, CA. 1998.
4, 8-9, 11-12. 14-21, 28. Hanby, Dr. Mark with Linday, Craig. You Have Not Many Fathers: Recovering the Generational Blessing. Destiny Image Publishers, Shippensburg, PA. 2001.
5-6. Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1997). The Nelson study Bible : New King James Version. Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.
7, 10, 13. Life Application Study Bible (NASB). Zondervan Publishing House. Grand Rapids, MI. 2000.
22. KJV Bible commentary. 1997, c1994 (1863). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
24, 26. Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the text of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurrence of each word in regular order. (electronic ed.) (H1). Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship.
25, 27. Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W. (1996). Vine's complete expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words (1:26). Nashville: T. Nelson.
29. Myron Horst Family. Biblical Research Reports. How to Turn the Hearts of Fathers to Their Children: The key for lasting revival. Available at: http://www.biblicalresearchreports.com/turnheartsfathers.php. Last Accessed: 8/3/10.
“To Titus, my true son in our common faith:” (Titus 1:4)
“It is as none other than Paul -an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus -that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains... I am sending him -who is my very heart- back to you.” (Philemon 1:10,12)
Timothy, Titus and Onesimus had in common that they were all Paul's spiritual son's. Paul was a spiritual father to each one of them and poured his heart into them. One author, David Cannistraci writes about Paul and Timothy, “Together they wrote to churches, preached, taught converts, faced dangers and experienced a powerful bond of affection. Paul laid his hands on Timothy and spoke life over him (see 1 Tim. 4:14). Everything Paul had within himself the Holy Spirit also poured into Timothy. He was his father in the faith (see Phil. 2:22). The story of Paul's love and how it transformed Timothy becomes a classic study in the significance of spiritual fathering.” [1]
Paul was also a spiritual father to the churches he established. [2] Paul says to the church in 1 Thes. 2:6-12, “But we were gentle among you, just a a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and unblamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”
David Cannistraci notes, “One of the most striking characteristics of an apostle's ministry is spiritual fatherhood. Apostles father by facilitating growth and development of God's family just as natural fathers care for their families” He goes on to note, “Spiritual fatherlessness is a weakness in the Body of Christ today; a great vacuum has been created by the scarcity of godly fathering. Like society, the Church is plagued with problems. We need the same kind of discipline and accountability a natural father brings to a natural family. We need wisdom and maturity, a firm hand to guide us, balance to preserve us and experience to comfort us.” [3]
In 1 Cor. 4:15, Paul tells the church, “Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” Dr. Mark Hanby writes that when Paul is saying this to the Corinthians, he is hitting at the root of their problem, they remain immature, still drinking spiritual milk, because they have had too many instructors rather than mature father leadership. [4]
Both Dr. Mark Hanby and David Cannistraci note that spiritual father-son relationships have had deep significance through out history in the bible.
Abraham was a spiritual father to those who would believe in Christ. Gen 17:5 says, "No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations."
The mantle for a prophet was passed from Elijah to Elisha (spiritual father to son). In 2 Kings 2:9-12, When Elijah and Elisha crossed over the Jordan on dry ground, Elijah asked Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you? 'Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,' Elisha replied. 'You have asked a difficult thing,' Elijah said, 'yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours -otherwise, it will not.' As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven and in whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, 'My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!' And he saw Elijah no more.”
Elisha “took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and struck the waters and said, "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" And when he also had struck the waters, they were divided here and there; and Elisha crossed over.” (2 Kings 2:13-14)
Commentary notes about these verses that although Elisha performed twice as many miracles and Elijah, this was not the point of Elisha's request. “His real request was that he would be Elijah's spiritual successor (Deut. 21:17).” He was asking to inherit from Elijah the portion of a firstborn son. “In material things, the principal heir received a double portion of his father’s goods. Elisha wanted the principle of primary inheritance to apply to spiritual things.” Elisha was acknowledging his position as son and spiritual successor while humbly acknowledging “ that if Elijah’s ministry were to continue through him, it would take specially God-given spiritual power.” [5]
Moses was a spiritual father to Joshua. In Numbers 13:16, he changed his name from Hoshea to Joshua some time before anointing Joshua to lead the people into the promised land. Commentary notes about this, “As God often changed the names of people who had a special relationship with Him, so Moses changed the name of the one who would eventually become his spiritual heir. This was an act of ritual adoption.” [6]
And the anointing for priestly ministry flowed from father to sons within ones own line. In Exodus 30:30 it says, “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.” Dr. Mark Hanby writes, “Though all the Israelites were children of Abraham and worshipers of Jehovah, only Aaron and his generations after him could minister in the office of priest.” [7]
And of course, Jesus was sent by His Father into the world to save those who would believe in Him. In John 5:6, Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and show him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.”
Dr. Mark Hanby writes, “When God chose to fully manifest Himself, He followed the order of father and son. 'God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son...' (Heb. 1:1-2). Jesus did nothing outside the perfect fulfillment of the order of father to son.” [8]
The order of ministry in the Old and New Testament have, in several cases, been that of father to son. And Hanby notes, “the connection between father and son in ministry, has always been one of the Spirit.” [9] It is through their relationship that ministry flows from one to the other.
For Timothy, Titus and Onesimus, their recorded involvement in ministry stemmed from their relationship with Paul. One commentary notes, “Without trying, we model our values. Parents in particular demonstrate to their children what they consider important and valuable. 'Like father, like son' is not just a well-worn cliché; it is a truth repeated in our homes. And experience proves that children often follow the life-styles of their parents, repeating their successes and mistakes.” [10]
Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10-14 , “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings -what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you now those from whom you learned it...”
It was Paul that taught his spiritual sons what they needed to know about ministry. And it was Paul who confirmed them in ministry. And it was Paul who sent and established them. Timothy was sent to pastor at Ephesus, and Titus to Crete. Both were sent to organize, establish leadership, build, encourage, discipline and teach the body of Christ. Onesimus was 'sent' back to Philemon, but no longer as a slave, but as a fellow servant of Christ, that had become useful to both Paul and Philemon (vs. 11).
Hanby writes, “A spiritual father is someone whose life and ministry raised you up from the mire of immaturity into proper growth and order.” A spiritual father is the one who establishes a son, declaring, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased (Mt. 3.17).” Hanby writes, “The voice of the father in ministry is needed to confirm the son's ministry.” [11]
Paul believed in his spiritual sons such that he called out their gifts, established them in position and encouraged them in their callings. It was Paul's confidence and encouragement in his sons that gave them what they needed to come fully into all God had for them.
Hanby writes, “Literally, my father is someone who speaks the word that puts me into a position in maturation to fulfill my fullest spiritual potential in God.” He notes that it is the voice of the father that plunges the son into purpose. [12]
The heart of a spiritual father is continually toward his spiritual sons. A father is known by his investment in them. Spiritual fathers are not seeking what they can gain for themselves. They have a deep desire, by the Spirit, to pour out their lives into their sons so that their sons can become all God has called them into. David says in Psalm 71:18, "Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come."
They build up their sons and make room for them. In doing so, they create a spiritual legacy.
One commentary notes, “As Paul reached the end of his life, he could look back and know he had been faithful to God's call. Now it was time to pass the torch to the next generation, preparing leaders to take his place so that the world would continue to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Timothy was Paul's living legacy, a product of Paul's faithful teaching, discipleship, and example. Because of Paul's work with many believers, including Timothy [Titus, and Onesimus], the world is full of believers today who are also carrying on the work. What legacy will you leave behind? Whom are you training to carry on your work? It is our responsibility to do all we can to keep the gospel message alive for the next generation.” [13]
The heart of the spiritual son is known in his honor of his spiritual father. [14] In the case of Timothy, Titus and Onesimus (not to mention Joshua, Elisha and others), spiritual sons deeply honored their spiritual fathers. They listened, followed, and eagerly accepted the teaching and guidance they were provided. They served under their spiritual father demonstrating their commitment and willingness to follow. They shared their father's vision and willingly entered into suffering to see it completed. Paul appeals to Timothy, “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
Timothy, Titus and Onesimus fully identified themselves with Paul even when many others had turned their backs on him. In 2 Timothy 1:8, Paul tells Timothy, “So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God...... What you have heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you -guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”
Spiritual sons are not looking for when they can take over, but their hearts are continually toward their fathers as their father's hearts are toward them. Because they honor their fathers, they willingly follow. And through their relationship, they share the same vision. Hanby writes, “There must be a sharing of common vision, a endurance of relationship and faithfulness to God and to each other in both father and son for the inheritance to be transmitted.” [15]
Paul says of Timothy to the church in Philippians 2:19-22, “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.”
However, sons are not 'clones' of their father. Timothy, Titus and Onesimus were all different. Paul encouraged them to use their own unique gifts to serve God. Paul says in 2 Timothy 6, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” He dealt with each one of his sons according to their individual needs, gifts, and callings.
A spiritual son is such by their relationship and loyalty to their spiritual father. Even as Timothy and Titus were called by Paul to come along side him as co-laborers and fellow soldiers in Christ, they still behaved as sons, following Paul's direction and guidance. At the same time, Hanby notes, that a spiritual father will make room for their spiritual sons to come along side of them, calling them into more and more. They are not intimidated by their sons succeeding them, rather, as they would their flesh and blood, they desire it because of the father-son heart relationship. [16]
Paul says in 1 Thes. 3:2 “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God's service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.”
Hanby writes, “Although he is a son, Timothy is called a workfellow and brother, and is sometimes placed on the same level with Paul. This is the fruit of the father-and-son relationship. Paul has taken a young man who ministered in a limited field of influence and stretched his potential to limits that would never otherwise been reached in his life. A father will establish a relationship to a son in ministry that, for that person, will be the beginning in a new path of revelation and maturity. The son matures into more than he ever dreamed possible. The father has done more than simply reproduce his ministry, he has multiplied it.” [17]
The spiritual father must be the one to initiate the relationship with the spiritual son. Hanby notes, “It is the voice of the father that declares sonship. The voice of the father must be spoken, heard, and received in order to establish a father-and-son relationship.” He writes that it is a father's heart that must turn towards sons first before a sons heart can turn towards a father. [18]
Someone under another's authority will not necessarily become a son unless they know that person genuinely cares about them and desires their best. If the person over them does not genuinely care about them, looks to use them for their own gain, and/or diminishes or competes with those under him due to insecurity, they do not become a true spiritual father. The person under them may follow 'in form' to keep their position but their heart will not be towards the one over them as a spiritual father.
Just as a spiritual father will be tested by opportunities to use 'sons' for their own gain, and by being threatened by sons who excel beyond spiritual fathers in certain areas, sons will also be tested. Hanby notes that as Jesus was tested in the wilderness by the opportunity to chose their own advancement over their relationship with their father, so will a spiritual son. A spiritual son will have an opportunity to put their own gain and advancement before their relationship with their father. [19]
They will also be tested by spiritual brothers who come along side them. Hanby notes that sons will be tested by how they deal with a brother with a who has a greater gifting or ability than himself. Are they their brother's keeper or do they see their brother as competition? According to Hanby, sons will also be tested by their own giftings. Do they use their giftings for their own gain [or I would add, to usurp authority as Absalom did with David]? [20]
Spiritual fathers and sons turning towards each other is the work of Spirit. Their relationship is not the work of man but of God. Hanby writes, “Sons and fathers will know each other by the cry of their spirits one to another, created by the turning of their hearts together.” [21]
Malachi 4:5-6 says, “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse."
This was fulfilled once in the ministry of John the Baptist, preparing the people for the coming of the Lord. Luke 1:16-17 says, “The angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias and prophesied of his son, John the Baptist, and his unique ministry, “And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord”
There are two schools of thought on whether Malachi 4:5-6 is fully fulfilled by coming of John the Baptist or whether it will be fulfilled in the Great Tribulation, preparing the way of the second coming of Jesus. [22]
David Cannistraci writes, “God works through fathers. In the final moments of this age, when God will work as never before, we can expect that He will use spiritual fathers. In the final words of the Old Testament, a unique prophet saw a glorious vision of the end-time move of God's Spirit:
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse (Mal. 4:5-6). [23]
'Father' is Strongs #1, ab, which translates father, but also means one who goes before, one who is in authority, the head, or one who originates. [24] Vine's complete Expository Dictionary notes that the word is sometimes paralleled to ˒em, “mother” and notes that it can also be used as a title of respect, usually applied to an older person. [25]
The term 'children' or 'sons' is Strongs #1121, ben, which translates sons, but also means children – sons and daughters, grandchildren or heir.[26] According to Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary, the noun represents one’s immediate physical male or female offspring. Used figuratively, “son of” can mean “something belonging to.” [27]
It is not so much about the sex of a person, male or female, but the relationship that God is calling forth. Handby writes, “God wants His people to pass their inheritance in ministry to the next generation so the increase and expansion of the Kingdom will grow from father to son.” [28]
One article notes, “Turning the hearts of the fathers to the children is the key to lasting revival. The fathers then train their children and grandchildren to follow the Bible and not follow the world. The revival is not lost in one generation, but the love for the Lord is passed from one generation to the next.” [29]
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 says, that we are not only to love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul and all our strength, but we are to impress these things upon our children, teaching them to do the same.
In a mature church, with a people who are fully prepared for the Lord, the body will be filled with fathers, whose hearts are towards their sons and sons, whose hearts are toward their fathers. The church will become fully built up under Christ, the head, as sons are equipped, trained and established for works of service prepared by God for them - “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph. 4:13)
Spiritual sonship is not meant solely for Paul's and Timothy's, it is meant to flow down through the whole body of Christ. Psalm 133 says,
“How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down onLord, it is my heart's desire that we would be a people prepared for Your coming. We wait and watch for that day. Prepare us, that we may become mature, “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Thank You for the example You provided as both “Everlasting Father” (Is. 9:6) and Son of God. Help us to follow you - fully living out both roles in our own lives. Turn our hearts toward each other.
Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life
forevermore.”
1-3, 23. Cannistraci, David. Apostles and the Emerging Apostolic Movement: A Biblical Look at Apostleship and How God is Using it to Bless His Church Today. Renew Books. Ventura, CA. 1998.
4, 8-9, 11-12. 14-21, 28. Hanby, Dr. Mark with Linday, Craig. You Have Not Many Fathers: Recovering the Generational Blessing. Destiny Image Publishers, Shippensburg, PA. 2001.
5-6. Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1997). The Nelson study Bible : New King James Version. Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.
7, 10, 13. Life Application Study Bible (NASB). Zondervan Publishing House. Grand Rapids, MI. 2000.
22. KJV Bible commentary. 1997, c1994 (1863). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
24, 26. Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the text of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurrence of each word in regular order. (electronic ed.) (H1). Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship.
25, 27. Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W. (1996). Vine's complete expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words (1:26). Nashville: T. Nelson.
29. Myron Horst Family. Biblical Research Reports. How to Turn the Hearts of Fathers to Their Children: The key for lasting revival. Available at: http://www.biblicalresearchreports.com/turnheartsfathers.php. Last Accessed: 8/3/10.
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