Sermon Cloud

The Father Heart of Paul (part one)

The Importance of “Father” to Paul

1. Paul had a special relationship to God as Father (Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:6)
2. Paul viewed himself as a spiritual father, and his role as father was very important to him (1 Cor. 4:15, 2 Cor. 6:13, Gal 4:19, 2 Tim. 1:2, Titus 1:4)
3. Paul saw himself as being in a lineage of father’s that led back to God the Father (Eph. 3:14-15)

Five Ways Paul Loves His Children

1. Attention (time) – A father’s heart is an attentive heart (Rom. 1:9-10, 1 Cor. 1:4, 2 Tim. 1:3)
2. Affection – A father’s heart is filled with affection for his children (2 Tim. 1:2-4, I Cor. 4:17, 2 Cor. 6:11-13) - Hugs, kisses, and words of affection (“I love you, I miss you, I can’t wait to see you again”    - Affection must always be unconditional
3. Affirmation – A father’s heart overflows with affirmation (I Cor. 16:13, 1 Tim. 4:12, 1 Tim. 6:11-14, I Thess. 2:11, 2 Tim. 2:1, 2 Tim. 4:1-2)  - “You can do it, I believe in you!”
4. Approval – A father’s heart gives approval for a job well done (2 Cor. 7:4, 1 Thess. 2:20, 2 Thess. 1:4)  -  “Good job, I’m so proud of you, way to go!”
5. Admonishment – A father’s heart gives admonition when needed  - It is never shaming (1 Cor. 4:14) - It always strives to build up, not tear down (2 Cor. 13:10)