06/01/2026
Sermon Title: Call No Man Father (Part1)
By Benjamin Ighodalo Oriaifo
Introduction
• Begin with Jesus’ words in Matthew 23:9: “Do not call anyone on earth your father; for one is your Father, He who is in heaven.”
•Jesus was rebuking religious leaders who loved titles that exalted them above others.
• While we honor biological fathers and respect spiritual mentors, God alone is our true spiritual Father.
1. Jesus’ Warning Against Titles
• Pharisees loved being called “Rabbi” or “Father” to elevate themselves.
• Jesus warns against giving men titles that rival God’s authority.
• Principle: No man should be exalted to the place of God.
2. Paul’s Use of “Father”
• 1 Corinthians 4:15 – Paul says he became a father to the Corinthians through the gospel.
• But in 1 Corinthians 3:6–7, Paul clarifies: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”
• Meaning: Paul used “father” metaphorically to correct false teachers, but he pointed back to God as the true source of life.
3. God Alone as Spiritual Father
• Ephesians 4:6 – “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
• Hebrews 12:9 – God is the “Father of spirits.”
• James 1:17 – Every good gift comes from the Father above.
• These affirm that God alone is our spiritual Father.
4. Respect Without Exaltation
• We honor biological fathers (Exodus 20:12).
• We respect pastors and mentors for their labor in the gospel (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13).
• But we must never exalt them with titles that belong only to God.
• Leaders are servants who plant and water, but God alone gives increase.
Conclusion
• Jesus forbids giving men divine titles that rival God’s authority.
• Paul’s “father” language was relational, not exalted, and always pointed back to God.
• Therefore, God alone is our spiritual Father, while human leaders are helpers in Christ.
• Call the congregation to humility: let us honor God as Father, respect leaders as servants, and keep our eyes fixed on the One who gives increase.
