How can we apply Matthew 23:9 in our church community interactions? Setting the Verse in Place “ ‘And do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.’ ” (Matthew 23:9) Why Jesus Spoke So Strongly • The context is religious leaders who loved lofty titles (v. 5-8). • A title can subtly shift affection and loyalty from God to a human leader. • Jesus’ corrective keeps worship vertical: honor belongs to the One Father alone (Malachi 2:10; Ephesians 4:6). Distinguishing Earthly and Spiritual Fathers • Scripture still commands, “Honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12). • Paul calls himself a “father” in the gospel to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:15), yet never as an honorific title to elevate himself. • The issue is not vocabulary but authority: no one should occupy the father-place that belongs to God. Practical Language Choices in Church Life • Use functional titles that point to service, not status—“pastor,” “elder,” “teacher,” or simply first names. • Avoid titles that imply ultimate authority—“Father,” “Reverend Father,” or anything that blurs God’s unique role. • When speaking of leaders, emphasize their calling as servants (Matthew 20:26). Cultivating a God-Centered Culture • Redirect praise: when people commend a sermon or ministry, explicitly give thanks to the Father (James 1:17). • In public gatherings, highlight our shared sonship—“brothers and sisters”—to reinforce equality before God (Galatians 3:26-28). • Leaders model humility: share decision-making, invite accountability, and avoid solitary power (1 Peter 5:1-3). Honoring Fathers Without Displacing the Father • Celebrate biological fathers on Father’s Day, baby dedications, and discipleship moments—always reminding that earthly fatherhood reflects the greater Fatherhood of God (Hebrews 12:9). • Encourage mentoring, but frame it as pointing others to Christ, not to ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:1). Guardrails Against Hidden Pride • Regularly examine motivations: do we crave recognition more than we crave God’s approval? • Keep teaching on Christ’s supremacy central (Colossians 1:18). • Gently correct any member who elevates a person or program above the Lord. Living the Verse Together • Speak of the church family as children of one Father. • Serve rather than seek status. • Celebrate every good work as a gift from the Father’s hand. When we interact this way, Matthew 23:9 moves from a warning on a page to a vibrant safeguard in our church community, keeping all hearts anchored in the joyful reality: “You have one Father, who is in heaven.” |
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