Dismantling the demonic patriarchy in the church.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
There is a demonic agenda that has slipped into the church under the guise of holy order. Spiritual abuse is at an all-time high in the church, and God is not pleased about it. Emotional abuse is preached from the pulpits. Man-made rules have become the standard in the church. Deception has replaced the word of God, causing the sons of God to question their walk with their Father. Idolatry remains idolatry, no matter what form or sector it is accepted in.
In one of my recent blogs, I touched on the administration of the fivefold offices and the importance of our personal and collective functions. Sadly, many leaders have failed to uphold the statutes and point their members to God, instead becoming idols to those they are meant to lead toward the Father. Idolatry is a global problem in the church. It may go unnoticed until a person realizes they have no relationship with God. The worship of leaders needs to be addressed.
Jesus exemplified truth by speaking and living in truth. Although he was God in the flesh, he pointed humanity to God the Father. It is this pattern that Jesus sets for us to follow, and that is the standard we should encourage. A person's relationship and honor to leaders should never replace God, His word, and authority. Matthew 12: 48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Every person has a predestined assignment from God in the earth. It is not given by man; man can’t take credit for raising anyone up to any administration in the church. Leaders are there to train, edify, and mature the gifts. Submission to God and His government is essential to bear fruit in alignment with what is in heaven. Although that was disrupted by the fall of man, the assignment to replicate the kingdom of heaven on earth continues. Jesus restored the order through His life, leadership, sacrificial death, and resurrection.
The enemy is still roaming through the earth. The reality is that he uses people to do his bidding and to keep God’s people under oppression. People can be saved and oppressed. People can be saved and ignorant. They can be saved, anointed, appointed, and still living in disobedience to God. Just look at King Saul. The enemy’s reign over the earth, and his assignment is to disrupt the church's mandate. The reality is that Satan is the lord over religion. He created systems manipulate, steal, kill, and destroy believers.
There is a thin line between honor and idolatry. Satan delights in causing the church to not recognize their covenantal rights and abundant promises. He has succeeded in causing many to not finish their race victoriously. Satan’s appointed time is quickly approaching. In the meantime, he attempts to keep the church in bondage through fruitless quarrels, strife, and contention rather than intimacy with God and divine order in the church.
Romans 16:17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles. In Ephesians 2:10, he deliberately outlined the men and women who were instrumental in his growth, transformation, and ministry. He did not worship them; he gave honor where it was due. There are many debates about mantles and leadership responsibilities. There is not so much talk about abuse of authority, which has become an increasing problem. Many leaders have abandoned God’s guidelines, causing the sheep to stray.
Many leaders have used scriptures completely out of context to either control or cover bad habits. God is the highest authority. When leaders and members understand and live by God’s order, the administration of the church flows smoothly. We must be bold, both leaders and members alike, to teach and bring order to the church. The health of a ministry depends on the holiness of the leaders. Some even use scriptures to withhold women from leadership holding positions in the church. Neither Paul nor any of the other Apostles taught on this distinction, so I will not waste time on the debate of gender.
We must understand that the church belongs to God. The ministry operations were entrusted to a man. Paul was known as a true spiritual father to everyone who came under his mentorship. That is clearly seen by his mentees, whom he sent out to do great work for the kingdom of God. I just felt the heart of the Father in every letter he sent to the churches. The early church respected Paul because he not only taught how to live, but he also experienced it. The church is in a battle between truth and the world's culture, a battle that has become the core of spiritual warfare among church leaders.
Satan’s bait is in our faces, and many have been eating from his hand. Instead of seeing the true enemy behind the contamination, many are content to fight each other. Some blame God. While many refuse to set foot in the church. The spirit of pride leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, and members are running back to the familiar in the world. It is time to wake up. We are in the midst of the biggest attack, and many are using the word of God to partner with the enemy against each other.
1 Timothy 4:4 1 Timothy 4:4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
God does not see through the lens of man. Man’s view is skewed by pride, lust, and false doctrine. God is concerned for souls. The church has suffered for a long time at the hands of leaders who give it a bad reputation. God is sanctifying the church's view and appetite. The spirit of the Lord works with all those who are surrendered to Him. His heart aches for the lost, abandoned, and rejected. When leaders operate in deception, it is fertile soil for calamity and dishonor in the church. Deception is a birthing ground for hurt, rejection, and resentment towards God.
God invites us to operate in his rest, which is where we should operate from. There is no contention and striving in the Kingdom of God. In God’s kingdom, there is peace, love, righteous judgment, and unity. While many debate Paul's teaching on hierarchy, his teaching are in line with Jesus' teachings of equality and taking dominion over creation, not people. We have a God who loves us uniquely and gave us all a purpose and a mandate to carry out. Our identity is not based on gender or which assembly we serve under, but on who we are to God.
We are commanded to walk out our call in fear and trembling before God. Let no one fool you into believing they can take your office from you. We are to honor our leaders, never worship them. God has given us principles and rules to protect us. God is the one who calls, anoints, equips, and gives spiritual gifts. Your leader did not call you. Your gift does not belong to your leaders, nor is your office where you were ordained to function. Your gifts and office can’t take it back if you walk away from a ministry that no longer aligns with God’s standard. Do not allow anyone to cause you to miss your blessings on earth by serving under adulterous ministries.
Galatians 3: 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
God is a just and loving Father, King, and judge. The word of God tells us the character of God, so we won’t be fooled by counterfeit leaders. He always reveals himself to his people. God met with Joseph in his dreams. He trained David in the fields. Moses’ mandate was revealed long after he committed murder. Esther’s assignment came before her people were scheduled to be assassinated. Sarah became a mother to nations after her childbearing years.
God’s vision did not end when Adam and Eve sinned. God’s plan of redemption began to unfold after they sinned. We serve a God who never fails. The enemy never won; he was kicked out of heaven. Satan was defeated at the cross. Jesus put satan to shame at Calvary and stripped him of his authority in the grave. The deed to the kingdom of God was handed to us upon resurrection. We only need to learn how to access it.
Heirs are trained to occupy and subdue territories. Not to dominate people. The kingdom of God suffered violence from the day of John the Baptist to our present day. Those who know their God will take it by force. Let us, who are called by God to lead, teach the church of its spiritual heritage in Christ. We have allowed people who are sent by the enemy to derail, control, and manipulate us from our inheritance. No more. This year, we are taking territory in the name of the Lord.
Have a blessed weekend, everyone.
