EXPOSITORY OURLINE:

1A.  First, THE MEANING OF THE RELATIONSHIP

1B.  There is a definite human relationship between a Christian and the man of God instrumental in bringing him to Christ

2B.  As well, Paul meant by this term “begotten” that there was a definite spiritual relationship between a Christian and the preacher who is instrumental in bringing him to Christ

2A.  Second, THE METHOD BY WHICH THIS RELATIONSHIP WAS ESTABLISHED

That is, what did Paul do to “beget” those who had come to Christ under his ministry? And what have I done to “beget” those who have come to Christ under my ministry?

1B.  First, I have prayed

2B.  Next, I have prepared

3B.  Then, of course, I have preached

4B.  Finally, I proof my work

3A.  Finally, THE MOTIVE FOR WHICH THIS RELATIONSHIP IS RECALLED

Why did Paul make mention to Philemon that he had begotten Onesimus? And why did Paul remind the Corinthians that he had begotten them through the Gospel? To move them. It’s a spiritual leader’s job to move people to action, and that’s what Paul was doing when he recalled this relationship. He moved people.

1B.  He recalled his relationship to Onesimus to move Philemon

2B.  But He recalled his relationship with the Corinthians to move the Corinthians

TOPICAL OUTLINE:

Those “begotten” by Paul were very simply the men and women and boys and girls whose sins were forgiven when they were overwhelmed by their sinfulness and guilt, by the emptiness and meaninglessness of their lives, and at Paul’s urging they found forgiveness and cleansing, life and liberty, by believing in Jesus Christ.

I want you to do two things this morning, just as Paul wanted those he preached to so long ago to do two things:

1A.  First, I WANT YOU TO CONSIDER

1B.  Consider, first, your own life

2B.  Then, consider The Lord Jesus Christ

2A.  I WANT YOU TO COME TO CHRIST

1B.  But why should you come to Christ?

2B.  But how can you come to Christ?