Not Many Fathers

1 Corinthians 4:14-17

Text: 1 Corinthians 4:14–17 “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 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. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.”

Introduction

I grew up in a fatherless home and with very little good reliable examples of what it meant to be a father. This was quite literally a gigantic hurdle in my life… explain.

Fatherlessness is at epidemic proportions in our generation, —not just biologically, but spiritually—in homes and churches.

Set the tone: Paul reminds us there’s a difference between information and impartation.

1. The Difference Between Instructors and Fathers

Paul’s Context

"Instructors" “tutors” (Greek paidagogoi) were guardians—tasked with discipline but lacking the intimacy of a father.

Today: We have books, podcasts, conferences—plenty of voices and opinions—but few who walk with us like a father.

Application

A father loves, sacrifices, prays, corrects, and stays.

Father’s are meant to be the spiritual leaders of the home. Eph. 6:4, Deut. 6:6-7.

Providers for the Family 1 Tim. 5:8.

Loving and Sacrificial Eph. 5:25, Ps. 103:13.

To Discipline with Wisdom and Grace Pro. 3:12, Col. 3:21.

To Live with Integrity Pro. 20:7, Titus 2:1-2, 6-8.

Instructors may inform; fathers transform through presence and investment.

2. The Marks of a Spiritual Father

Paul as an Example

He brought the Corinthians to faith (“I became your father through the gospel”).

He nurtured their growth, corrected their errors, and contended for their maturity.

Key Traits:

Initiates relationship – doesn’t wait to be needed.

Carries a burden for another’s soul.

Corrects in love, not from ego.

Models maturity – lives worth imitating (1 Cor. 11:1).

3. The Crisis and the Call

Why This Matters

We are living in a generation of spiritual orphans.

Too many Christians are discipled by content, not by covenant relationships.

The Church’s Opportunity

On Father’s Day, we don't just honor men—we call men to spiritual legacy.

Every man in Christ is called to be a spiritual father to someone—whether in his home, church, or community.

Conclusion: Be a Father, Raise a Legacy

Fathers Who are you investing in? Are you investing in your children spiritually?

Spiritual Fathers in the room who are you investing in? Are you seeking to leave a spiritual heritage, a spiritual legacy?

Affirm those who may feel unworthy: Paul wasn't perfect—but he was present, prayerful, and persistent.

Close in prayer