SPIRITUAL WEAKNESS

In your own understanding, what does it mean to be weak spiritually?

Omotola - To lack spiritual stamina. Aka Daku Daji 🌚

Samson - The things of the Spirit don't excite one as they should

Mayowa - When you find it difficult to like flow with things of the spirit. Like finding it difficult to pray for example

Becca - To be in a state of apathy, where nothing spiritual excites you.

Weakness

Weakness is a condition of being fatigued, tired, and inadequate physically, mentally, spiritual or emotionally to the extent that you cannot function effectively

What then is Spiritual Weakness?

This is a state of being tired and  fatigued spiritually so much that it hinders us from functioning effectively

Do you think it is normal for believers to get weak in the spirit?

Omotola - Not exactly. Infact, No. It happens but it's not normal

Mayowa - I think so

Becca - No its normal but it has a high tendency to occur once in a while if not detected and properly dealt with.

While it happens/occur, it is not God's plan that we actually get weak in the spirit. Why? Because there is no weakness whatsoever in the one whose strength we are meant to ride on: The spirit.

But, we do get weak

There are a whole lot of things that happen that are not part of God's original plan but they happen regardless. And somehow, our high priest understands 😁. 

Earlier this week, God revealed to me that a number of us on the group are suffering from this. I was praying concerning some admin related things, so I asked if it was for me or the leaders. And the spirit of God said No, that this was for the group and not just for a few people.

A large percentage of us are here, spiritually weak.

I started praying. I saw names and heart conditions. Bad part is, some of us are even doing a good Job of masking it on the outside.

I wondered if I should reach out to the names I saw privately but the instruction was to teach and encourage by the help of the spirit. The spirit says a lot of the people in this position are aware. The Lord also revealed to them. 

The Lord G od has given Me [His Servant] the tongue of disciples [as One who is taught], That I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple [as One who is taught].

Isaiah 50:4 AMP

As we share tonight, I pray that the word we receive sustains everyone of us that are weary.

Back to spiritual weakness.

Spiritual Weakness manifests in different forms. It means/looks/feels  different for different people

- If your daily fear for tomorrow overrides your showed affection for God, chances are spiritual weakness has set in.

- If you feel empty often and easily distracted whenever you pray/worship

-Uninterested in spiritual things

-Teachings/sermons/tweets are beginning to feel more like an attack

-You've lost your excitement

-You are getting easily discouraged

-You are no longer disciplined in your fellowship with God

- things are becoming meaningless

-Slack in study/praying habit

- You are not really busy o but you feel too busy.

- Loss of urgency in spiritual warfare

-Cold sense of commitment

- Falling Faith

- Your excitement for the word only tickles you. You are back to status quo in few minutes

- You feel hopeless

-Continuous self indulgence (Just this once keeps turning to more than once)

The list is really long

You see these symptoms, I'm pretty sure a lot of us can relate to one or more of them.

They point to only one thing, Spiritual weakness

Now, while spiritual weakness is a problem, it is not really the problem..

You see, spiritual weakness is an unsuspecting road to carnality

Another question for us: What do you think causes Spiritual Weakness?

Omotola - Repeated Procrastination. Not setting priorities. Life issues"/distractions.

Chelsea - When a person fills too spiritual and starts assuming or thinking a "little skip or break" won't harm. Forgetfulness. Laziness. Lack of fellowship. Overconfidence. Reliance on past victories and experiences

Retta Rubies - Allowing guilt to make us forget the freedom we have received in Christ. Trying to use standard set by others to judge ourselves and feeling terrible when we fall short of those standards which shouldn't even be there in the first place as your relationship with God shouldn't be based on any standard except what is given to is in the bible

Remi - Distractions, allowing sin overcome us can also cause spiritual weakness

How do we tackle spiritual weakness?

All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41 AMPC

Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

Ephesians 6: 11- 13 AMPC

Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]. But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him]. For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa. 40:13.]

1 Corinthians 2:12‭-‬16 AMPC

1. Admittance

If we keep denying the state we are in, we cannot get out of it. We will stay stuck. It's important that we first admit to ourselves that from the look of things "I am spiritually weak". So first, recognize the patterns and admit to yourself the problem

2. Second step is to Talk to God about it

You see, you can admit to yourself that you have a problem and there still won't be solutions.

So honestly speak to God about how you feel and allow Him help

3. Be Awake

Give strict attention to the things of the spirit. Be cautious of the things you involve yourself in. Basically, be watchful and stay in prayer

4. - Put On the whole armor of God

This scripture makes us to understand that this world is a battlefield. As believers, the major battle ground is in our minds. (Remember our discussion the last time on Spirit, Soul and Body)

Day by Day, we face a spiritual way and we have a real enemy: The devil

Spiritual Weakness is a sign that the enemy is somehow at an advantage in this war we face daily

Like I said earlier, the end game of the spiritual weakness is not just for you to feel weak. Nah

It is carnality

The enemy is out to destroy

From verse 14 of Ephesians 6 down to 18, we see the full armour of God we are asked to put on. The verse 13 tells us why we need to put it on

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Ephesians 6:13 NIV

For the days when the enemy is gaining ground, these are days we need this armour that we may be able to STAND

What is this full armour?

1. Belt of Truth

Not just truth about our state. You see the enemy will rather we focus on what is wrong with us. There is a truth greater than your current spiritual condition/situation. And this is the truth of who you are in Christ. The enemy will rather you do not engage this truth as it will help you overcome this problem

Your reality might be far from this truth o, but it is your truth regardless. Whatever God deems true will always be true. Hold on to it like your life depends on it

Confess it often

For your deliverance, put on truth!

(Practical class, so someone help us with a truth confession that addresses this. More than one person if possible).

2. Breastplate of righteousness

Bring out your righteousness card. Now here is the thing, this is not just Christ's righteousness in us being lived out.

The enemy will usually try to tell us this is it. You know why? He knows we do not have any righteousness card "in deeds" to come up with. Chances are if you've been spiritually weak for a while, you've been living in a way that is not Christ like.

Your Breastplate for righteousness is that which Christ has clothed you with. The enemy wants to attack you with impurity. You must first stand on the truth that you are pure and righteous before God then proceed to live this out.

3. Shoes of Peace

The enemy wants your heart to stay troubled, either by life situations or even the problem at hand. Find peace in the knowledge that your high priest understands. And be aude He does, help abounds for you

4. The shield of Faith

Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. He is able to keep us from stumbling. We should never think that we are far too gone or we can help ourselves.

5. The Helmet of Salvation

He who the son of man has set free is free indeed. First, we must remember that we are saved completely regardless of the situation. And the one who has saved us even from sin and eternal death is able to deliver us from this too

6. The sword of the spirit

The word of God! This is the greatest spiritual weapon ever. For every response Christ gave to Satan, it was the word. The word of God is our weapon in winning this battle and getting out of this state. Don't stay far away from the word

There is no Spiritual weakness/strength without the person of the spirit. We must be taught by the spirit. We must stay with Him and allow Him help us, if not every thing will be wasted effort.

If you are finding it difficult to do so, get one or 2 people, pray with them. For those that know me, you know I don't joke with corporate prayers. Scripture says 1 chases a thousand and 2, 10 thousand. Imagine how much more we do together as a body.

Be accountable

A lot of us want to pretend that nothing is wrong when something is wrong. Hmmm, this is 10001 ways to stay in that position actually.

Open up. These things thrive in secrecy. Reach out to someone. Allow them help you. And please don't just reach out to anybody. Reach out to someone who is led by the spirit.

To root out spiritual weakness, it is not just by wishful thinking. No! It takes effort and discipline

We can be touched by the teaching tonight and still go back. Choice!

It takes you to be ready to receive the help that Christ gives to move forward from here.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 MSG

Here's what Jesus is saying to you tonight:

Keep company with me, allow me remove the heavy load and show you how to live light. He says to allow Him teach the unforced rhythm of Grace. To leave that place where you keep struggling and trying but never enough

Just allow Christ. Take the help He gives readily

Don't rely on your strength, it will fail. Instead look to the Lord and His strength

For those of us who are strong in faith at this time, restore others and pray for them. Be available to help everyone that is down. Support and uphold them

For those of us that have seen that we are spiritually weak, know that you are not alone.

Even the very spiritually mature ones get here sometimes.

God is utterly devoted to you. He's here again with help

I leave you with this scripture

And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.

Jude 1:24‭-‬25 MSG

Let us pray

Thank you Jesus for your word

Thank you because it is you who keeps us

Thank you for you are our ever present help

Thank you for reaching out to us Lord

Thank you for loving us and being fully devoted to us.

As we have received your word, it is strength to us who are weary

Our ginger is activated back

We accept the help you give freely

We do not fall back asleep spiritually as we leave here

Your word comes alive in us

Amen

Women and Church Leadership

Let the women who are new converts be willing to learn with all submission to their leaders and not speak out of turn. I don’t advocate that the newly converted women be the teachers in the church, assuming authority over the men, but to live in peace. Adam did not mislead Eve, but Eve misled him and violated the command of God. Yet a woman shall live in restored dignity by means of her children, receiving the blessing that comes from raising them as consecrated children nurtured in faith and love, walking in wisdom.
1 Timothy 2:11‭-‬12‭, ‬14‭-‬15 TPT

Now, we see here Paul telling women not to speak in church.

Should they want to know anything, they should ask their husbands

A woman should learn while listening quietly and being completely willing to obey. I don’t allow a woman to teach a man or tell him what to do. She must listen quietly, because Adam was made first. Eve was made later.
1 Timothy 2:11‭-‬13 ERV

This particular part of scripture causes a lot of problem. First, context and cultural background

We must first understand the times these instructions were given. Was the instruction given with respect to the culture of those days? How does it apply to us, in our own time

G2271Greek: ἡσυχία
Transliteration: hēsychía
Pronunciation: hay-soo-khee'-ah 
 ----------
 Description: feminine of ἡσύχιος(G2272); (as noun) stillness, i.e. desistance from bustle or language:
Translation: quietness, silence.

KJV usage: silent (3x), quietness (1x).

So here is the meaning and usage of the word Silence in this verse

Note that a similar word is used in verse 2 also

You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live QUIET AND PEACEFUL  lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him.
1 Timothy 2:2 ERV

Definitely, Paul could not have been saying women should be totally silent. Women prayed in church back then. In fact, Paul's first convert in Europe was a woman.

Paul had been in women dominated gatherings. He had seen women actually prosper the gospel

And did not frown upon these things. So definitely, he didn't mean silence as in "keep your mouth shut. I don't want to hear pim"

Like I said the last time, to understand this we have to got back to the beginning

This particular letter was addressed directly to Timothy in response to problems being faced in the church at that time.

Back to context again..

Paul's major theme in his letter to Timothy is False teaching

But somehow he moves to conduct in church.

Note that he was addressing situations in this body domestically led by Timothy (don't forget this part). So to address conduct, most likely that there was misconduct

Teaching women weren't common in those days. So we can assume that the leadership of the church was men

So the take is the women then were not as learned as the men in those days and in that particular church (in the faith). And it is very possible that they were part of those advancing false teachings in the church

Learning requires submission to a teacher.

The teachers were majorly men. Tell the women in your church to submit to the authority of those who teach in stillness/quietness. To not try to exercise authority over the men leading. Respect and honor the leadership of the men God had called to lead the church.

The passion translation breaks in down also, but I prefer not to quote directly from it, as people might not understand how they got to their conclusion.

So what now does Paul mean by this

I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.
1 Timothy 2:12 NIV

Again, remember there were cases where women taught in the bible and it wasn't condemned:

Priscilla and her husband teaching Apollos (Acts 18:26). Paul reminding Timothy of where he learned the word (his mother and grandmother). This should be in 2 Timothy

Our focus in this verse is authority over a man. As it expands the meaning of the woman don't teach Paul shared.

Now, who has authority in the church in the template given by Paul? Elders in the church actually

And we know that Elders in the church according to 1 timothy are men. Not just men, married men with families and also possessing some strong characteristics

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
1 Timothy 3:1‭-‬6 NIV

So what Paul is saying in essence is: I, Paul, do not permit women to assume the office of an elder in church. As this position of authority is open to heads of household who are proven and meet other requirements

In our world today, women actually speak in church. They teach and some are even pastors but I've seen and noticed some things. Women are usually allowed to lead only under the leadership of a male pastor.

In my stay in Macedonia, I've been led by 2 female Pastors (being assistant to both). Before the first female head pastor, the former pastor was a man and when the new pastor (woman) was ordained, people actually left the church. Some stayed but to them she wasn't pastor enough. I see it in Nigeria too. A woman is head Pastor over a church and people are wondering if God is there. This is as if God's presence is tied to male leadership only

We want to involve women o, but we also want to determine the extent to which we can involve women. If I were to start a church today, a lot of people will stand against it (probably people on here too 😁)

Everyone is okay with Remi teaching o but not okay with Remi being conferred head of a church

"It's just bible study group, so we don't mind". "It's just deacon position. They are not really in charge"

I've seen this everywhere. And it is not just for our generation. This talk has been here long before now.

Now, the question for our time is. Should women lead churches? Senior pastors and elders, should it be for men alone?

First, Paul asking women to ask their husbands is because in those days, the men were more knowledgeable. The women had little or no education. Most could probably not read and write. How then do they teach if they can't?

Now, to our time.

We have educated women everywhere. I can read and write as much as the man next to me. I have the same measure of the Holy Spirit as every man to help with scripture interpretation and divine wisdom. Why then can't women still lead a church?

We go back to this word authority. This is the root cause of all the problem. There is really no danger in women dictating generally to men, domineering or usurping authority over men. There is no danger at all in this!

Not understanding this as caused a lot for our world (not just in the church).

I once heard of someone who said he won't work somewhere because boss is a woman. A woman cannot be head over him bla bla

The only person a woman does not have authority over is her husband and that is because Christ made Him head of their home.

[39]Mary got up and went quickly to a town in the hill country of Judea.
[40]She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth.
[41]When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby inside her jumped, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.
[42]In a loud voice she said to Mary, “God has blessed you more than any other woman. And God has blessed the baby you will have.
ERV Bible. Luke 1:39-42


[44]While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who were listening to his speech.
[45]The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the Holy Spirit had been poured out as a gift also to people who were not Jews.
[46]They heard them speaking different languages and praising God. Then Peter said
ERV Bible. Acts 10:44-46

We see Elizabeth here ( Woman), filled with the spirit  and she began to prophesy. Note that she spoke after the spirit came upon her

[8]But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me—in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.”
ERV Bible. Acts 1:8

This was a direct promise from Jesus. That after the spirit comes upon us, we will become witnesses

What will we do as witnesses?

We will tell people about God EVERYWHERE. In every part of the world. No limit whatsoever!

When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying. Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
Acts of the Apostles 1:13‭-‬14 NLT

Inside the church and outside the church, all that have received the spirit will witness in accordance with the gifts this same spirit gives.

So if the spirit gives leadership gifts to a woman? She leads!

Teaching gifts? Teach she must

There is another myth that the leadership of women is restricted to only women. "Women can teach o, but let them gather their fellow women and discuss 999 ways to keep their men". Or they teach young girls only. These things are all around us subtly

When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.
Acts of the Apostles 18:26 NLT

When Apollos (a man) started teaching and he wasn't teaching so accurately cos he knew only of John's baptism.

Guess who took him in to teach him? Priscilla and her husband

So yes, women can teach men. Women can teach their husbands. Women can also lead men

Anyone the spirit enables can lead the body of Christ, for the spiritual doesn't recognizer genders/sexes.

If women can teach in Sunday school, bible study, women meeting etc. Why can't they head or lead as teachers/pastors?

Here are all the reasons I've seen and noticed

1. Culture and Time

2. Insecurity and fragile masculine ego

3. Fear that the leader (woman) will usurp authority over her husband as a reason of this position, thereby disobeying Christ's will for their home

I think the 3 is the most valid.

I personally believe there are ways to address problem 3. Everyone has the tendency to abuse authority/position.

Yet we still give access to certain people. Train your women to understand exactly their role as leaders and their role as wives. Equip them properly for ministry. Then continue to pray for them

And for us women, the husband being head of home is not up for question. I might be his boss at work or pastor in church. I might earn more than him

None of these makes him less head. His headship is as conferred by God, so we respect this.

For point 1, culture will keep evolving with time. We will all fall in line laslas

For point 2, I believe men generally should find their security in the word of God not in their ability to Lord themselves over women. Note that this comment is not restricted to church.

Most men usually do not respect women, they believe they are more than every woman they meet.

If Uber driver is not telling you he has your type at home, it is a random man getting angry over a simple question.

A question they won't have issues with if a man asked o. A lot of us women can actually relate to this

Driver resigning when he saw his boss is a woman. According to him he cannot work under a woman

Saw another post where the driver resigned cos madam did not ask nicely when she gave description. According to him she ordered him around 😂

In fact, this particular driver before then would greet madam's younger brother as friends "Yes sir" but cannot use such terms for his madam because woman.

I have heard and seen a lot. Believe me, these things are ridiculous and definitely not the wish of God. God doesn't see any gender as less.

You are not more than anybody. Even the leaders in church, you are not more anything

You have been called to SERVE.

When it comes to the church—when it comes to spiritual things—when it comes to the body of Christ—there are no distinctions between men and women. As far as God is concerned, there are none. That's where many have missed it. They've made it a man-and-woman proposition—when it is not. It is a husband-and-wife proposition. The man is not the head of the woman in the church. The husband is the head of the wife in the home.
E. Robinson

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.  There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26‭-‬28 NLT

Every dividing line is erased. No segregation

Everyone is child enough. Can be used to whatever extent and in any capacity as deemed fit by God. As believers, we should accept and understand this.