SPIRITUAL PARENTING
A: What is spiritual parenting?
Spiritual parenting is submitting to learn the doctrine and life of Christ through a close physical relationship with a christian who is matured in walking in the footsteps of Christ
B: Why spiritual parenting?
-To learn the life of Christ from one who has been evidently transformed by Him
Gal.4.19 – My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
-God commanded we must learn under others
Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
-Someone MUST be guiding us in person
1 Corinthians 4:15 New King James Version (NKJV)
For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
C: Who is a spiritual parent?
-Just as a physical parent is not expected to be immature or young, a spiritual parent MUST be matured, experienced and knowledgeable in the Lord and MUST still be growing not assuming to have known it all (Philippians 3:12)
-A spiritual parent MUST have been fathered by someone too, not isolated or an island of wisdom, and this MUST be verified.
-A spiritual parent source MUST be the bible, not full of stories or assumptions/heresies
-MUST solely depend on the Holy Spirit for living, not an expert of activities
2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.
-A spiritual parent MUST first and foremost be interested in your walk with the Lord beyond every other area, although he/she must be involved in every area of your life
-A spiritual parent MUST NOT be a proud person. God resist and cannot walk with a proud person
-A spiritual parent MUST have the dealings and fruits of the Lord as evidences
-A spiritual parent MUST NOT be interested in what you can offer! Red Flag!
-A spiritual parent MUST not abuse, beat or insult you. They MUST Not replace God in our hearts
- Benefits and Roles
Speed growth, protection, avoid unnecessary mistakes, discipline (bringing you to the maturity of Christ)
-They labor over you
Gal.4.19 – My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
-Guidance and closer to the truth of God
2 Timothy 2:2
You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
-Training you to be like Christ through your relationship with him/her
1Cor.11.1 – Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
-Genuine impartation
Romans 1:11 For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.
2 Timothy 1:6 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.
Who can be a spiritual parent?
-A mature believer in the body of Christ (not necessarily your church member)
-They can even be your biological parent
(Moses mum, Isaac dad, Esther uncle, Jesus brothers)
2 Timothy 1:5
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.
Obligations: Obey, Trust, close relationship, open up, no pretense, DO NOT idolize them
The disadvantage of not having one:
Young prophet, Ballam,Apollos who had to be corrected by Aquila and Priscilla
