Daily Bible Plan

7th August 2025

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Unleashed to Save a Never-Dying Soul

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

Fathers, Not Celebrities – Unleashed to Save a Never-Dying Soul

📜 Scripture

Please open your bibles and read and meditate on continuation of our letters from Paul according to

1 Corinthians 4:6–21

🔥 Theme

Unleashed to Save a Never-Dying Soul

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🔑 Key Verse

“For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”

— 1 Corinthians 4:15 (NKJV)

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🧠 Reflection

In this deeply personal and corrective passage, the apostle Paul writes not as a distant teacher, but as a spiritual father. He sees the Corinthians drifting into pride, division, and spiritual immaturity—and he addresses them with the kind of love, truth, and urgency that only comes from someone who has labored for their souls.

Paul understood that his calling was not to dominate or impress, but to birth souls through the gospel and nurture them into Christlikeness. In an age where spiritual voices are many but spiritual fathers are few, his example reminds us of our mission: to be unleashed by God not for self-glory, but to save and disciple never-dying souls.

This passage calls us to abandon status-seeking and comparison, and to embrace the cost of authentic discipleship. Souls don’t grow by sermons alone—they grow through sacrifice, consistency, correction, and fatherly love.

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🚀 Unleashed to Save: Three Charges from Paul

1. Live Humbly as Servants (v.6–7)

Paul urges the church to reject pride and stop boasting in human leaders. He reminds them that everything they have was received from God.

Pride corrupts the soul’s growth; humility creates space for transformation.

If you’ve received grace, live as a grateful servant, not a puffed-up master.

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2. Embrace Apostolic Suffering (v.9–13)

Paul paints a raw picture of his apostolic life: dishonored, hungry, persecuted, and mistreated. Yet, he endures all of it with patience and joy—for the sake of the gospel.

True soul-saving work demands sacrifice.

You cannot disciple from a distance or save souls without scars. Be willing to embrace inconvenience, rejection, and even suffering to reach those God sends your way.

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3. Understand the Role of a Spiritual Father in Your Life (v.14–21)

Paul says, “You have ten thousand instructors in Christ, but not many fathers.”

He knew the difference between someone who teaches and someone who transforms. Teachers share knowledge, but fathers shape identity, character, and destiny.

Paul understands something deeply spiritual: you may have access to many sermons, books, podcasts, and church services—but a spiritual father is rare. This isn’t about exalting men. In fact, the concept of spiritual fatherhood has often been misunderstood or misused, causing some believers to reject it altogether. But biblical fatherhood is not about status—it’s about spiritual responsibility.

By the grace of God, I have been placed as a spiritual father over Fortified City Church Basel. This role wasn’t self-appointed. It was acquired only through the gospel. Many young people in the church now call me their father, and I receive that with humility and reverence.

As a spiritual father, my responsibility is to oversee the spiritual direction of the sons and daughters God has entrusted to me. I am called to pray for you, correct when needed, guide with love, disciple with consistency, and model Christ in everything I do. This is not a light responsibility—and I ask that you pray for me, that I may be a good example you can follow.

If you don’t yet have a spiritual father or mother in your life, pray for one. And if God has matured you in the faith, ask Him who He’s calling you to raise.

Spiritual legacy is not built through crowds or charisma—it’s built through covenant, correction, covering, and Christlike love.

You are unleashed not only to win souls—but to raise them.

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🙏 Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of spiritual family. Help me to walk in humility, love, and truth. Unleash me not to seek titles or recognition, but to be a vessel that births and nurtures never-dying souls. Lead me to those who can disciple me, and show me whom I can help grow in You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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🎯 Challenge for the Week

• Can you identify one person you can reach out to for the gospel this week?

• Can you think of joining an outreach team in your church to help save souls?

Let your calling move beyond the pulpit or pew—be a soul-winner in action, not just in words.