Main Scriptures: Philippians 1:15-17
More Scriptures: Lk.18:1, Eph.5:25, Rom.12:12
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife and some also of good will. The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds. But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel (Phil.1:15-17).
Yesterday, we considered the importance of the Bible as a compass for direction to every shepherd that wants to be good and godly man, husband and father to his sheep. We also looked at how you and I can optimize the benefit of the Bible. Today, I want to teach on an important subject and it is quite instructive to every husband. As the head of your family, you are a kind of Christ, according to Eph.5:25. Your life and conduct must reflect the very nature of Jesus Christ both in words and in deeds. Your life must be the message of Christ preached, because that is the only way your wife and children can follow you as their leader.
If you look at our main text today, you would discover that the Scripture tries to explain the ultimate of your presence in the lives of your sheep. For instance, as a type of Christ, you should and must not promote envy and strife in your family fold. So, envy and strife are not in your character. In 1Cor. 13, the Bible disqualifies envy and strife from the characteristics of love. It is not the nature of Jesus Christ, who is the perfect example of the good and godly husbandman. Also, you are not to stir up contention in your sheepfold. As the leader and the shepherd over your wife and children, you must fight the spirit of contention between you and your sheep and amongst your sheep. The continued arguments and disagreements between you and your wife must stop. The bitterness amongst your sheep must also stop. You must not also add to the pain of your wife and children by your inappropriate action. If you look at verse 16 of Philippians chapter 1, it says, supposing to add affliction to my bonds. You are not a burden to your wife and children but a blessing.
So, how then can I live with my wife and children without envying them or living in strife? Firstly, you must feed your mind with the word of God, the same way you feed your physical body with natural food. The more you feed your heart with the word of God, the less your propensity to hold bitterness or strife against your sheep. God’s word is medicinal. It has the power to cure any bad and ungodly attitude. So, as a leader and husband, the word of God is your best bet to be the best husband and father to your flock. Secondly, you must contend for the security of your soul from every satanic corruption. In 2 Cor.7:1, the Bible defines two levels of corruption-the spirit and the body. Satan wants you to look foolish before your wife and children. He wants to mess up your glorious place as a godly husbandman. So, wade off his antics and pressures by engaging the forces of prayers and fasting.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me with the spirit of grace and supplication to pray aright.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, fill me with power from on high and make me more than a conqueror.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to overcome the force of envy, strife and contention in my relationship with my flock.
FAITH CONFESSION
I shall contend with the mystery of iniquity with the mystery of righteousness because I am going to be the good and godly husband to my wife and children in Jesus Name. Amen.
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