Are We Raising Sons or Slaves

January 27th, 2023

By: David Hoskins

Galatians 4:4-7 (NASB)

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

If our Idea of doing ministry is about how many people we can convince to serve our vision then we have missed the centrality of the gospel of the Kingdom.

If harnessing people for our purpose is our primary mode of operation then we are building from a slave owner mindset.

The gospel of the Kingdom gains traction when we as leaders focus upon equipping, empowering and commissioning people into their full potential in Christ and His Kingdom.

Mark 10:45 (NASB)

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

As leaders in the body of Christ our focus should be about calling out to and serving the greatness in others.

The response of a true disciple is to show appreciation by responding in like manner. True sons desire to extend the arms of those who raised them spiritually. This is the response of any son or daughter, who appreciates the sacrifice, and the love shown them. That which is driven by love and appreciation is sincer.

That which is yoked to a false burden and manipulation has to be motivated by fear or coercion to be maintained. This is ambition driven ministry and a poor substitute for the genuine. Do not fall for this type of religiosity as its only success is gained off of the sweat and blood of those who get caught up in its snare. Slave masters do not produce sons nor do they empower people.

Fathers understand the importance of training up a child in the way “they” should go.

Slave masters train you up in the way they need you to go in order to serve their need.

Greatest in the Kingdom

Mark 9:33-37 (KJV)

33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. 36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, 37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

A child can do nothing for you, this is the point Jesus is making. If you will not serve a child who can do nothing for you in return then chances are that you are being motivated by something other than a pure heart.

Matthew 23:1-12 (KJV)

1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Leaders can easily struggle with the temptation of moving like the Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus day. But God was by no means pleased with their approach of elitism and double standard.

When we serve the greatness in others our reward is their victory and fruitfulness. As is the joy of any true Father.

When we are nurtured by genuine and authentic Kingdom leaders then our appreciation compells us to secure their success and portion.

Malachi 4:5-6 (NASB)

5 “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD. 6 He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.”

Fathers, it is up to you to set the standard and turn your heart accurrately. If you do this then the hearts of the children will respond in like manner.

We must repent and learn a better way if we care to do it according to the words of Jesus. He showed us the example by pouring himself out as a ransom for many.