2 Corinthians 1:24 (KJV) “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand”

2 Corinthians 1:24 “We’re not in charge of how you live out the faith, looking over your shoulders, suspiciously critical. We’re partners, working alongside you, joyfully expectant. I know that you stand by YOUR OWN FAITH, not by ours”

The above passage clearly tells us what we do not have right to do as ministers or elders in the faith to fellow believers who may have submitted to you as sons or mentee even. We do not have the right to dictate their faith in the Lord. They owe their faith to the Lord and not to your dictates.

Yes, we can guide and guard them in their callings and how to walk in the Lord, but never to substitute your authority over their faith in the Lord with your personal experiences. Callings and experiences differ depending on what God wants to use that individual for. Therefore, our experiences or feelings no matter how highly placed we may be in the Body of Christ cannot take the place of the canon of scriptures and the spirit of Christ in the people.

In the words of Adam Clark;

“British Protestants have learned, and Europe is learning that the SACRED WRITINGS and they alone, contain what is necessary to faith and practice; and that no man, number of men, society, church, council, presbytery, consistory, or conclave, has dominion over any man’s faith. The word of God alone is his rule, and to its Author he is to give account of the use he has made of it”

When Paul said Galatians 2:20,

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me”

That ought to be the basis to which every minister must strive to have their people come into; having the Faith of the Son of God resident in them on a personal level.

With this, all forms of manipulative prophecies with Doctrines not found in scriptures but concocted to create fear and make men submit to your ministry is taken away because you are supposed not to have dominion over their faith. The end point of the life of very true believers is their personal walk with God.

This is not to create rebellion in the house rather such of those who have grown to having this faith of Christ, voluntarily submit to and obey constituted authority and with much honour to the under-shepherd. At this level of their faith you have shown respect to the grace that is in their lives that God has called them into. And because of the true faith they have received, they will have the utmost respect for you and so fulfill the ‘Law of mutual respect’ in the faith.

You are not called to treat anyone as underdogs through manipulation in ministry through your giftings. That is lack of respect for such that are born of the spirit of God.

To be continued…