Central Truth

Every believer should be a spiritual mentor.

Reflections

In 1 Corinthians 4:15, Paul writes about being the Corinthians' Spiritual Father, “. . . for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.” As their Spiritual Father, Paul was in Christ, knew God’s Word, and was used by God to lead the Corinthians to Christ. The same is true with you. God will use you to lead people to Christ. What a celebration when someone comes to know Christ! However, after the celebrating is over, there is still much to be done.  You may be called to mentor a new Christian.

In 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 we get a glimpse of five things Paul felt he needed to do in his role as a spiritual father/mentor: 

Admonish - This means to express warning or correction gently and earnestly. Paul, as a spiritual father, warned the Corinthians that he would bring correction to those living arrogant, self-centered lives. (This was the Merriam-Webster word of the year in 2009.)

Love - Paul loved the Corinthians very much; he showed understanding, gentleness and patience.

Set An Example - Paul wanted the Corinthians to be imitators of Jesus, and to be imitators of himself.  Paul saw himself as passing onto the Corinthians an example of how to live in Christ.

Teach - Paul sent Timothy to teach the Corinthians the ways of Christ. Timothy was sent to teach the principles so they would know how to live. Paul had done such a good job teaching Timothy that sending Timothy was just like Paul being there.

Discipline - In verse 21, Paul says, “What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod or with love and a spirit of gentleness?" Paul didn't hesitate to correct when admonition proved insufficient.

We must admonish, love, imitate Jesus, teach about Jesus and discipline when necessary. If God uses us to lead someone to Christ and we follow Paul’s example of active spiritual mentoring, then we could have a legacy. Let the celebration begin! 

Discussion Questions

1. Are there areas in your life where you need to be admonished or corrected?
2. To whom are you a spiritual mentor, a father or mother in Christ?
3. Who is your spiritual mentor?  Have you thanked God for that person's presence in your life?
4. I can see Paul's approach to spiritual mentoring being the basis for a top-selling parenting book titled Paul's Principles.  As a parent, which of Paul's mentoring actions do you need to emphasize within your family?