Call no man Father

[InSpiritInTruth]

In Matthew 23:8-10 Jesus said;"But be not you called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all you are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be you called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ."

In this the Lord was trying to show us the importance of seeking understanding through Him, and not man. In many of these forums you will hear all kinds of different doctrines being taught, but they all do not agree. That is because there are so many different man-made doctrines, and denominations preaching their own point of view.

But we must understand, that understanding in scripture does not come from man, but only by God. Just as the doctrine that comes from God is not divided, neither is Christ divided, nor is the Holy Spirit divided in His way of thinking. And that is what the Lord wanted us to understand when he told us to call no man teacher.

In James 1:5 we are told;"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him." But in the next verse we are told; " but let him ask in faith." We must first believe that God can give us the understanding and knowledge we seek. And this knowledge is given to us by way of the Holy Spirit; which is the Spirit of Truth.

In Luke 11:10 Jesus said;"For every one that asks recieves, and he that seeks finds, and to him that knocks it shall be open." We are told in verse 13:"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him."

This Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth Jesus spoke of in John 16:13;"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of Truth, is come, he will guide you into all Truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come."

Many new converts do not understand how this wonderful gift of understanding is offered to all those who truly believe in the power of God. And sadly many run to men teachers, and books, and literature written by men who have not the Holy Spirit of Truth. And by this defiled man made doctrine, they are then also corrupted. And that is how the enemy works.

In Jeremiah 17:5 it is written;"Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the Lord." Jesus said in Matthew 15:9;"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." It was the man made doctrine that corrupted the Truth. This is that leaven that can leaven the whole lump. Just as Jesus warned the early disciples in Matthew 16:6 when he said;"Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."

It was this man-made doctrine that corrupted the Truth then, as it is also at work in many denominations of the man-made church now. So as it says in Ephesians 4:14 be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to decieve;" But rather seek by Faith that understanding, knowledge, and wisdom in the Word of God, that can only be obtained through the Spirit of Truth, which is given freely from the Father above. Amen.

 

[ciel_perdu]

I'm fully in agreement with these verse from Jesus in Matthew 23. I do find it strange that so many people, even Christians, continue to call people father. Not only religious figures, but their parent. Christ says we no man should be called father, but God.

Similarly with the other titles, Maste, Rabbi, which can also mean mister, teacher, doctor etc.

Titles ellivate people. Jesus said that we are ''all brethren''. If we are all brethren, why then do we give titles to others? Jesus said that the greatest is servant of all. But a servant takes on the no reputation, a servant has not need of a title. He said that who exalts themself will be humbled.

It's not that I don't think we need doctors, or teachers, but one can be a teacher, but does not need to be called Teacher or Master, or Rabbi. One can similarly be a doctor, can do the job of the doctor, but does not need to be called 'doctor'.

The concept of no titles and an equal playing field jives beautifully with the principles and way of life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

But, how many people want to take Jesus seriously, even on such clear teachings as these?

 

[GreekOrthodox]

Blame St. Paul the Apostle who called himself "father" (in a spiritual sense) a number of times in his writings.

1 Cor 4:15
Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

2 Tim 1:2
To Timothy, my dear son:

and once again

Philippians 2:22
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.

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

Blame St. Paul the Apostle who called himself "father" (in a spiritual sense) a number of times in his writings.

1 Cor 4:15
Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

2 Tim 1:2
To Timothy, my dear son:

and once again

Philippians 2:22
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.

Great verses!

child in crowd: "Hi Holy Father! I am over here!"......................"Here ya go dear daughter"


......

.

 

[Fireinfolding]

Good thread bro

Blame St. Paul the Apostle who called himself "father" (in a spiritual sense) a number of times in his writings.

1 Cor 4:15
Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

2 Tim 1:2
To Timothy, my dear son:

and once again

Philippians 2:22
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.

But thats just it, James says "my brethren" BE NOT MANY Masters right? So there ARE Masters. Jesus (our Lord and Master) said just be not CALLED Master, for one is your Master, even Christ. There be Masters of the assemblies. There BE they who are PERFECT also, but even Job said, if I say I AM perfect (of his own mouth) of himself that would actually prove him perverse. Even Paul would say, Let US as MANY AS BE perfect (not I am perfect) because he said (earlier) NOT AS though he were. He didnt not count himself as such. In the same breath he seems to contradict himself when he says "let US as many AS BE perfect". Which calls our attention to his speech. He even said if they thought otherwise (of being of this mind) God would make even this clear to them.

So it clearly shows THERE BE fathers but Jesus said CALL no man on earth Father, for one is your Father which is in heaven.

Shows, TREATING elders AS fathers, but how does this mean CALLING them that? Even as with Tim, how is his own SERVING WITH Paul AS a son would with his father equate with CALLING Paul father? Im sure Tim called Paul, Paul, and Peter (Paul) dearly beloved brother (as they are all brethren).

Wouldnt all things have to be considered? Is "being something" (spiritual so) equal to demanding others "call you something"? ( when Jesus said not to be so called)? Or "is treating" elders as fathers, or even ones service alongside elders (which could be compareable to a son with a father) equated with "being called" or adressed as that? Making the Lords words void on it? Cant they all find a balance (as they are spoken of) without violating the Lords words that way?

 

[Fireinfolding]

In both ye say well (of Him)

John 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

However, he says...

Mat 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

Likewise...

Mat 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Even as when he taught them to pray

Luke 11:2 When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

As Jesus did likewise when he prayed...

John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

Our Lord calls His Father, "Holy Father"

Again...

Mat 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Ye are all brethren, he (that sanctifies) is not ashamed to call them (which are sanctified) brethren, even as he says go to my brethren (which recieve the Spirit of adoption) by him which cries Abba Father

John 20:17... Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Shows just as there be teachers as God gave some to be, even as Paul was or even as there be masters (though not many should be) or elders (and of such) to be treated as fathers, Jesus just said dont call any man on earth that. Jesus says ye all are brethren. I mean, because the apostles speak of treating elders as fathers or elder women as mothers but calling them that (or insisting to be called that I cant find. Even serving as son would with his father as shown with Timothy (alongside of Paul, as the younger would alongside the elder (yes). But both have one Father which is in heaven, even if through the gospel you may father through the seed (which is Christ in you)

I am still gathering these, as I sift through other older studies which speak to the things in different ways. Which could probrobly be shown somewhat in this context also. Where it shows there is that which is called one or the other, even as there be so but in contrast (for us) there is otherwise. For example...

1Cr 8:5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

but to us it says...

1Cr 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

For example, there is the being masters (be not many)

James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Just dont be called that

Mat 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

Jesus is called that and say well in calling him so

John 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

Good post Sis I know I myself, in all good conscience could not call another man my Father, or Master.

I even call my earthly Dad,...Dad for conscience sake.

 

[Fireinfolding]

Good post Sis I know I myself, in all good conscience could not call another man my Father, or Master.

I even call my earthly Dad,...Dad for conscience sake.

You know, I felt the exact same, even moreso in the religious sphere of things. For example, when a man you just first meet (of the cloth) says call me "father John"...I was really uncomfortable with doing that. I was like what???

I mean why should I (being a stranger to that man) and he to me be comfortable with that?? It made no sense to, and didnt even feel right (in my own conscience to). Just because I see a man in special garments? A child most familar with their natural parents would call them that, as we have earthly parents, that feels more comfortable.

But just because someone has on their visible name tag "father so and so" because he might have earned the right (within his sphere of influence) to be treated as one (though I cant see slapping a sticker to your chest and asking someone to adress you that way). That seems odd to me, when I really think about it. Not to mention the fact Jesus specifically says not to, so why overturn this? I suppose here might be the gliche, others might want you to call them father, but obey the Lord (in this) and just refuse to do it. Especially if they take the liberty (with you) to ask you to adress them contrary to what the Lord tells us not to call them.

It didnt make sense. Then to take a few obscurely worded verses and void out his words? That verses incorporating the same within them so they compliment one another. Well, verses pitting them against the other (where our Lords words are made void in the equation).

I have a little distrust to that approach, I cant help it, I just do.