OUTLINE:
1Ti 3:4-5
See here that a father must first prove himself worthy in his own household because the analog to his household fatherhood is the fatherhood he has over the household of faith.
Eph 5:17
So then do not be foolish [from aphron – means to lack perspective because of short- sightedness, i.e. lacking the “big- picture” perspective needed to act prudently], but understand what the will of the Lord is.
The Weight Of Shepherdhood
With great power comes great responsibility. To whom much is given, much is required (Lk 12:48). The shepherd/sheep relationship is very unique and personal, not just corporate. No one has the right to defile, diminish, or intrude upon it.
“Little children”
This is a term of affection used by both Jesus and the apostle John. I reveals the nature of the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. While there’s a corporate responsibility to the flock, each individual sheep is accounted for, and tended to.
Fatherhood
The Bible teaches us that father’s have the highest authority in families. We are to submit to our fathers. Fathers are to evaluate/ judge rightly over their children. “A fool rejects his father’s discipline” (Pr 15:5).
Fatherhood
Don’t ever dishonor God’s divinely ordained chain of command by saying something eternally foolish like, “Why do you care what your father thinks about you?” The Bible clearly states that it matters what your fathers (Father, father, shepherd) think about you, for they (all of them) have been charged to look after your soul!
Authority Is God-Given
Be set free by submitting to those whom God has over you for your own good.
1Jn 5:4
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.
1Co 13:2b [Amplified Classic]
…if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God’s love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).
Jn 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
Read your bible!