“And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:18-19).

Ministers of God are called to lead the people of God. They are to lead them in the right direction. Ministers are authorised to establish discipline and to maintain sound doctrine in the church. Any doctrine different from the true word of God (the Bible) must not be taught. Godly principles must be adhered to.

Senior ministers must teach the junior ones the truth and endeavour to ensure that they do not deviate from the truth, as they spread the gospel all over the world. There should be no addition or subtraction to the word of God.

The church affairs should be ordered through the spirit of God and not through the flesh. Offenders or sinners irrespective of their positions in society, or their social status, must be rebuked, so it can serve as a lesson to others. The fear of God must be instilled into the followers.

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine,” 2 Timothy 4:2. Obstinate offenders are removed. “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: of who is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme,” 1Timothy 1:19-20. 

Saints do not engage in the act of stubbornness. Unbelievers reject Jesus Christ as the saviour because of their stubbornness, so Christians must not exhibit this ungodly trait. This attitude makes Christians rebel against God or goes astray.

Although Jesus Christ leads us, we can make wrong life decisions if we have stony hearts. We are the church and must live according to the word of God by putting our trust in God because he knows what is best for us.

Our hearts must not be hardened to conviction. Are you complaining your prayers are not answered or things are not going well? Search your heart. If we want to be on the Lord’s side, we must not harden our hearts, but obey God’s instructions.

Our hearts must be eager to learn from God at all times. We must not assume we know all. Let us be humble. No one can fight God. Anyone who does that loses. When you work against the church and the saints, you are fighting God. When you work against genuine men of God, you are fighting God.

Repent before it is too late. Have a remorseful heart and do not justify your act of wickedness. Put away pride; God may use anyone to caution or rebuke you, listen, and have a change of heart. Above all, ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Submit to those God has appointed to lead you. Do not rebel against them.

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you,”

Hebrews 13:17. Korah led the rebellion against Moses and Aaron his brother when the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to Israel. As punishment, the earth miraculously swallowed Korah. Ministers of God must not be weary of edifying those God has put in their care. They should continually pray for their spiritual upliftment and against destruction. All we do in Christ must be done in decency and orderliness. Finally, let us all exercise the spirit of charity. 

• Fellowship with us at The Saint’s Gospel Church of Christ, Hand Of Fire Bus stop, Shadow Tabernacle Close, Ikotun/Igando, Road, Lagos. Facebook: Tsgcc-handoffire