On being SILENT

 1 Timothy 2:12

King James Version

12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, 

nor to usurp authority over the man, 

but to be in silence.

This is a supporting article to the previous article, "On WOMEN pastors".

What did apostle Paul mean, when he said, "I suffer not a woman to teach"?

First, we take things in context.

What does it mean to be silent?

It's not to speak.

What does it mean to teach?

JESUS tells us:

Matthew 28:19-20

King James Version

19 Go ye therefore, 

and teach all nations, 

baptizing them in the name of the Father, 

and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things 

whatsoever I have commanded you: 

and, lo, I am with you always, 

even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Apostle Paul tells us:

2 Timothy 4:2-5

King James Version

2 Preach the word; 

be instant in season, out of season; 

reprove, rebuke, exhort 

with all long suffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come 

when they will not endure sound doctrine; 

but after their own lusts 

shall they heap to themselves teachers, 

having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, 

and shall be turned unto fables.

5 But watch thou in all things, 

endure afflictions, 

do the work of an evangelist, 

make full proof of thy ministry.

To "teach", in this context, means to TALK.

To teach all nations, baptize, teach what JESUS has commanded His apostles, preach the word, reprove, rebuke, exhort, do the work of an evangelist.

That would entail a lot of talking, ministering, and evangelizing.

Now, you see what apostle Paul meant when he commanded women to be "silent", not "usurp" man's authority, and not to "teach".

Are women, therefore, to take offense?

When the LORD JESUS made it clear what it means to teach, as He taught His apostles to?

Other Bible versions will give greater clarity, towards this context:

1 Timothy 2:12

Amplified Bible

12 I do not allow a woman to [a]teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet [in the congregation].

1 Timothy 2:12

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

12 I allow no woman to teach or to have authority over men; she is to remain in quietness and keep silence [in religious assemblies].

1 Timothy 2:12

Living Bible

12 I never let women teach men or lord it over them. Let them be silent in your church meetings.

In SUMMARY "I suffer not a woman to teach", and "to be in silence", mean:

to remain quiet [in the congregation]

she is to remain in quietness and keep silence [in religious assemblies]

Let them be silent in your church meetings.

Apostle Paul was clear:

1 Corinthians 14:34-36

King James Version

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: 

for it is not permitted unto them to speak; 

but they are commanded to be under obedience 

as also saith the law.

35 And if they will learn any thing, 

let them ask their husbands at home: 

for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

36 What? 

came the word of God out from you? 

or came it unto you only?

Why, then, does the church allow women pastors?

It defies what the Bible taught us.

If they do, they are not legit churches.

Related material:

On WOMEN pastors

VERBAL communication

WOMEN articles

On WOMEN pastors

  1 Timothy 2:12

King James Version

12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, 

nor to usurp authority over the man, 

but to be in silence.

The Bible was clear.

A video the HOLY SPIRIT led me to this morning was clear.

Women are not to preach.

I knew it was time to write this article.

The video shows how pastor husbands and wives preach.

You will also see a section wherein women pastors are ordained.

To what end?

That the church will have a greater volume of followers.

It's quantity, over quality.

Now, I must write about this abomination.

What were apostle Paul's reasons when he declared women should not ""teach"?

Brace yourself.

For surely, feminists and unbelievers, even many so-called Christians, will balk at this.

Here are apostle Paul's reasons:

1 Timothy 2:12-15

King James Version

12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, 

nor to usurp authority over the man, 

but to be in silence.

13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

14 And Adam was not deceived, 

but the woman being deceived 

was in the transgression.

15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, 

if they continue in faith and charity and holiness 

with sobriety.

1 Corinthians 14:34-36

King James Version

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: 

for it is not permitted unto them to speak; 

but they are commanded to be under obedience 

as also saith the law.

35 And if they will learn any thing, 

let them ask their husbands at home: 

for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

36 What? 

came the word of God out from you? 

or came it unto you only?

Can you imagine how Satan would be using this?

Many will brand apostle Paul a male chauvinist.

Not that it ever bothered the faithful apostle.

He only cares to share the gospel of CHRIST.

He's a stalwart, manning the gates.

I greatly appreciate his courage.

The devil has many devices.

He infiltrates the world system.

Rather, he IS the world system.

And many have bought into it.

Scripture is here for a reason:

2 Timothy 3:16-17

King James Version

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 

and is profitable for doctrine, 

for reproof, for correction, 

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, 

thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

King James Version

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; 

and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body 

be preserved blameless 

unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This particular post seems to have angered the enemy.

I kept getting "tripped" as I wrote it.

I was encountering difficulties, technically, and supernaturally.

My hand felt weighed down.

As if someone, or something, was bearing down upon it.

But I must get it to you.

Please pay attention to what the Bible says.

We must live by it.

Many will surely be offended.

They may even turn away.

But JESUS knew that.

That's why He declared these:

Luke 16:15

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; 

but God knoweth your hearts:

for that which is highly esteemed among men 

is abomination in the sight of God.

John 7:7

King James Version

7 The world cannot hate you; 

but me it hateth, 

because I testify of it, 

that the works thereof are evil.

John 15:18-19

King James Version

18 If the world hate you, 

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world, 

the world would love his own: 

but because ye are not of the world, 

but I have chosen you out of the world, 

therefore the world hateth you.

Women are not to usurp the power of men.

That was clear, early on.

Why do we keep rebelling?

Are we captive, silly women?

A true born again won't question GOD's laws.

He will welcome instruction.

Men, and women alike.

Jew, and Gentile alike.

All who believe in JESUS.

Even a child could understand Paul's command.

No wonder JESUS asked we be converted as "little children":

Matthew 18:3-4

King James Version

3 And said, 

Verily I say unto you, 

Except ye be converted, 

and become as little children, 

ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself 

as this little child, 

the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:13-14

King James Version

13 Then were there brought unto him little children, 

that he should put his hands on them, and pray: 

and the disciples rebuked them.

14 But Jesus said, 

Suffer little children, 

and forbid them not, to come unto me: 

for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

To further clarify apostle Paul's admonition to women, we've prepared another post, on why women are to be "silent".

This will be a very illuminating post, supported by Scripture.

And in perfect context.

Click here now.

P.S. Just so you know how angry the enemy was at my writing this article, first, he made me publish it. Only to find, after careful review, that I had a seemingly "tiny" error. It was actually only one word, but it literally spelled ALL the difference in the world, for me. I'm all for accuracy. Crafty, crafty Satan. It was enough for me to scrap the original title, and start all over again, making sure no errors escaped this time. I could not bear to be wrong for the LORD.

The enemy knew SPIRIT guides me to be pure, perfect, and precise on GOD's WORD. Making sure each verse was on target. And that every word, and phrase, was EXACTLY as the Bible referred to. It is no bother for me to look deeply into Scripture, making sure I understand.

We are in a spiritual battle. 

The enemy will keep tripping GOD's faithful. 

Creating havoc, any which way he can.

Expect it. 

Put on the FULL ARMOR of GOD.

Related material:

The HOLY SPIRIT's REPROOF

VERBAL communication

WOMEN articles

What JESUS knew

 John 7:7

King James Version

7 The world cannot hate you; 

but me it hateth, 

because I testify of it, 

that the works thereof are evil.

That's what the LORD knew.

That the works of this world are evil.

JESUS had to save us from sin, death, and the devil.

Luke 5:32

King James Version

32 I came not to call the righteous, 

but sinners to repentance.

Luke 19:10

King James Version

10 For the Son of man is come to seek 

and to save that which was lost.

Hebrews 2:14

King James Version

14 Forasmuch then as the children 

are partakers of flesh and blood, 

he also himself likewise took part of the same; 

that through death he might destroy him 

that had the power of death, 

that is, the devil;

JESUS knew many more things.

That He and His FATHER would be hated.

John 15:23

King James Version

23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

That His followers would be hated.

John 15:18

King James Version

18 If the world hate you, 

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

Matthew 10:22

King James Version

22 And ye shall be hated of all men 

for my name's sake: 

but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

That His followers would be persecuted.

John 15:20-21

King James Version

20 Remember the word that I said unto you, 

The servant is not greater than his lord. 

If they have persecuted me, 

they will also persecute you; 

if they have kept my saying, 

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you 

for my name's sake, 

because they know not him that sent me.

For us to survive these challenges, we must be aware of the following:

By ourselves, we're no match for the deceiver.

Ephesians 6:12

King James Version

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, 

but against principalities, 

against powers, 

against the rulers of the darkness of this world, 

against spiritual wickedness in high places.

1 Peter 5:8-9

King James Version

8 Be sober, 

be vigilant; 

because your adversary the devil, 

as a roaring lion, walketh about, 

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, 

knowing that the same afflictions 

are accomplished in your brethren 

that are in the world.

Only THROUGH JESUS, can we overcome the world.

John 16:33

King James Version

33 These things I have spoken unto you, 

that in me ye might have peace. 

In the world ye shall have tribulation: 

but be of good cheer; 

I have overcome the world.

JESUS commanded we be born again.

John 3:5-7

King James Version

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

That we may walk in the SPIRIT.

Galatians 5:16-26

King James Version

16 This I say then, 

Walk in the Spirit, 

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, 

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, 

which are these; 

Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, 

emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, 

revellings, and such like: 

of the which I tell you before, 

as I have also told you in time past, 

that they which do such things 

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is 

love, joy, peace, longsuffering, 

gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: 

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh 

with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, 

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, 

provoking one another, 

envying one another.

JESUS knew so much more.

And has done so much more.

The world wouldn't be able to grasp all these.

Apostle John testifies of it.

John 21:25

King James Version

25 And there are also many other things 

which Jesus did, 

the which, 

if they should be written every one, 

I suppose that even the world itself could not contain 

the books that should be written. 

Amen.

Related material:

BORN AGAIN articles

CATHOLIC church

 Matthew 16:18-19

King James Version

18 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.

19 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.

I was baptized Catholic, and been raised a Catholic.

I've received nearly half of the seven sacraments.

That was all very well, until April 2019.

That's when I aimed to change.

To be a better person.

To stay away from sin.

GOD heard my prayers, and on 6 September 2019, He made me born again.

On the same day, He made me read whatever Bible was on hand.

I didn't realize how hungry I was for TRUTH.

It's been over 35 months now, and I haven't deviated from studying, writing, and sharing the WORD of GOD.

I knew for sometime now that there was something amiss, from my old church.

The pomp, and all that.

The hierarchy of the clergy.

The repetitive prayers.

Until GOD made me born again, I had no idea the missing piece.

When He led me to the Bible, I knew.

At Mass, the priests would deliver the sermon, and share verses.

Being born again, I got to know the verses, through the HOLY SPIRIT.

Why didn't the Catholic priests ask us to read the Bible?

Why did the nuns not ask us to read the Bible?

Why did it all come from their mouth?

And yet, as born again, GOD gave me FREE hand in knowing His Truth.

His SPIRIT led me to the verses, and made things clear.

He led me to the King James Version (KJV), which modern-day people shun.

By the GRACE of GOD, my friend and Bible teacher, Joseph, introduced me to Mike Gendron's sermons.

From which, SPIRIT led me to more sermons:

Mike Gendron's "Christ Alone"

An Urgent Message For Roman Catholics

"Saved By Grace, Not By Good Works"

What Makes JESUS the True MEDIATOR of GOD?

As Mike Gendron's uncle (a Catholic priest) asked:

"How can one billion Catholics be wrong?"

As born again, I stay true to the gospel of JESUS CHRIST.

In JESUS is simplicity.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4

King James Version

3 But I fear, 

lest by any means, 

as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, 

so your minds should be corrupted 

from the simplicity that is in Christ.

4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, 

whom we have not preached, 

or if ye receive another spirit, 

which ye have not received, 

or another gospel, 

which ye have not accepted, 

ye might well bear with him.

In JESUS is grace and truth.

John 1:17

King James Version

17 For the law was given by Moses, 

but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

There's only JESUS.

His words remain.

Luke 21:33

King James Version

33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: 

but my words shall not pass away.

I wonder what the apostles, would say now.

I wonder what Mary, the mother of JESUS, would say now.

But one thing I do know, the BIBLE said this:

Romans 1:25

King James Version

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, 

and worshipped and served the creature 

more than the Creator, 

who is blessed for ever. 

Amen.

What is "creature"?

Is man a creature?

That's for another post.

Related material:

Holy orders in the Catholic Church

BORN AGAIN articles

DEACON duties

 Ephesians 4:10-12

King James Version

10 He that descended is the same also 

that ascended up far above all heavens, 

that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; 

and some, prophets; 

and some, evangelists; 

and some, pastors 

and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, 

for the work of the ministry, 

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Who are deacons?

What are they supposed to do?

Scripture gives the answer:

1 Timothy 3:8-13

King James Version

8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, 

not doubletongued, 

not given to much wine, 

not greedy of filthy lucre;

9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10 And let these also first be proved; 

then let them use the office of a deacon, 

being found blameless.

11 Even so must their wives be grave, 

not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, 

ruling their children and their own houses well.

13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well 

purchase to themselves a good degree, 

and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

What are their functions?

"The word deacon is derived from the Greek word diákonos (διάκονος),[1] which is a standard ancient Greek word meaning "servant", "waiting-man", "minister", or "messenger"

   -- Wikipedia

"In the Catholic, Scandinavian Lutheran, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches, the diaconate is one of the major orders—the others being bishop, presbyter (priest), and, historically, subdeacon.[7] Deacons assist priests in their pastoral and administrative duties, but often report directly to the bishops of their diocese. They have a distinctive role in the liturgy of the Eastern and Western Churches."

   -- Wikipedia

How are bishops and deacons differentiated?

"Baptists traditionally recognize two ordained positions in the church: Elders (Pastors) and Deacons, as per 1 Timothy 3. Some Baptist churches in the Reformed tradition recognize elder and pastor as separate offices."

   -- Wikipedia

In the next post, we'll look at Catholic priests.

For I was once baptized Catholic.

Related material:

BISHOP behavior

BISHOP behavior

 1 Timothy 3:2

King James Version

2 A bishop then must be blameless, 

the husband of one wife, 

vigilant, 

sober, 

of good behaviour, 

given to hospitality, 

apt to teach;

Early this morning, I was researching on "godliness" in man.

Second verse that came up was the one above.

PERFECT for this blog.

For JESUS is the pattern for PERFECT priesthood.

I thank SPIRIT for leading me here, which birthed other ideas.

But that's for another blog.

Here's how other Bible versions define "bishop".

Note the traits necessary.

1 Timothy 3:2

Amplified Bible

2 Now an overseer must be blameless and beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1 Timothy 3:2

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

2 Now a bishop (superintendent, overseer) must give no grounds for accusation but must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, circumspect and temperate and self-controlled; [he must be] sensible and well behaved and dignified and lead an orderly (disciplined) life; [he must be] hospitable [showing love for and being a friend to the believers, especially strangers or foreigners, and be] a capable and qualified teacher,

1 Timothy 3:2

Common English Bible

2 So the church’s supervisor must be without fault. They should be faithful to their spouse, sober, modest, and honest. They should show hospitality and be skilled at teaching.

1 Timothy 3:2

Complete Jewish Bible

2 A congregation leader must be above reproach, he must be faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, orderly, hospitable and able to teach.

1 Timothy 3:2

Contemporary English Version

2  That's why officials must have a good reputation and be faithful in marriage.[a] They must be self-controlled, sensible, well-behaved, friendly to strangers, and able to teach.

1 Timothy 3:2

Easy-to-Read Version

2 An elder[a] must be such a good man that no one can rightly criticize him. He must be faithful to his wife.[b] He must have self-control and be wise. He must be respected by others. He must be ready to help people by welcoming them into his home. He must be a good teacher.

1 Timothy 3:2

Good News Translation

2 A church leader must be without fault; he must have only one wife,[a] be sober, self-controlled, and orderly; he must welcome strangers in his home; he must be able to teach;

1 Timothy 3:2

International Children’s Bible

2 An overseer must be so good that people cannot rightly criticize him. He must have only one wife. He must have self-control and be wise. He must be respected by other people and must be ready to help people by accepting them into his home. He must be a good teacher.

1 Timothy 3:2

J.B. Phillips New Testament

The sort of men to bear office: bishops

3 1-7 It is quite true to say that a man who sets his heart on holding office has laudable ambition. Well, for the office of a bishop a man must be of blameless reputation, he must be married to one wife only, and be a man of self-control and discretion. He must be a man of disciplined life; he must be hospitable and have the gift of teaching.

1 Timothy 3:2

Living Bible

2 For a pastor must be a good man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must have only one wife, and he must be hard working and thoughtful, orderly, and full of good deeds. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be a good Bible teacher.

1 Timothy 3:2

The Message

Leadership in the Church

3 1-7 If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable.

1 Timothy 3:2

New Catholic Bible

2 Therefore, a bishop must be above reproach, the husband of only one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and a good teacher.

Timotiyos I 3:2

Orthodox Jewish Bible

2 It is necessary, therefore, for the congregational Mashgiach Ruchani to be without reproach, ba’al isha echat (a one woman man/master, see OJB p.258, 1Sm 2:22-25, i.e., kedushah and tahorah characterized by heterosexuality, exclusivity, and fidelity), drug-free and clear-headed, a man of seichel, practiced in derech eretz and hachnosas orchim (hospitality), skillful as a rabbinic moreh (yeshiva teacher),

In SUMMARY, "bishop" also means:

overseer

bishop (superintendent, overseer)

church’s supervisor

congregation leader

officials

elder

church leader

a man who sets his heart on holding office

pastor

leader

congregational Mashgiach Ruchani

Apostle Paul speaks more on appropriate BISHOP behavior:

1 Timothy 3:1-7

King James Version

3 This is a true saying, 

if a man desire the office of a bishop, 

he desireth a good work.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, 

the husband of one wife, 

vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, 

given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3 Not given to wine, 

no striker, 

not greedy of filthy lucre; 

but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4 One that ruleth well his own house, 

having his children in subjection with all gravity;

5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, 

how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6 Not a novice, 

lest being lifted up with pride 

he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7 Moreover he must have a good report 

of them which are without; 

lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Related material:

BASIS for BIBLE versions

For EMBATTLED ministers of CHRIST

Romans 13:14

King James Version

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,

and make not provision for the flesh, 

to fulfil the lusts thereof.

It's not by accident SPIRIT and I created this blog.

PRIEST from JUDA was by GOD's design.

We wanted to show you that JESUS is the pattern for PERFECT priesthood.

 1 Corinthians 3:11

King James Version

11 For other foundation can no man lay 

than that is laid, 

which is Jesus Christ.

That's why, there is no excuse, to sin.

If you're holding the BANNER of CHRIST, you must be beyond reproach.

You cannot hold GOD's HOLY BIBLE, from filthy hands.

You cannot speak GOD's HOLY WORD, from a filthy heart.

You cannot speak about JESUS' HOLINESS, from a filthy mind.

How can you?

SPIRIT and Satan don't mix.

John 3:6

King James Version

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Galatians 5:17

King James Version

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

As minister for CHRIST, you must be FULLY in CHRIST.

The Bible speaks against hypocrisy:

2 Peter 2:21

King James Version

21 For it had been better for them 

not to have known the way of righteousness, 

than, 

after they have known it, 

to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Hebrews 10:26

King James Version

26 For if we sin wilfully 

after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, 

there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Psalm 50:16

King James Version

16 But unto the wicked God saith, 

What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, 

or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?

1 John 1:6

King James Version

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, 

and walk in darkness, 

we lie, 

and do not the truth:

Matthew 7:22-23

King James Version

22 Many will say to me in that day, 

Lord, Lord, 

have we not prophesied in thy name? 

and in thy name have cast out devils? 

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, 

I never knew you: 

depart from me, 

ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 23:27-28

King James Version

27 Woe unto you, 

scribes and Pharisees, 

hypocrites! 

for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, 

which indeed appear beautiful outward, 

but are within full of dead men's bones, 

and of all uncleanness.

28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, 

but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Isaiah 29:15

King James Version

15 Woe unto them that seek deep 

to hide their counsel from the Lord, 

and their works are in the dark, 

and they say, 

Who seeth us? 

and who knoweth us?

Luke 12:2

King James Version

2 For there is nothing covered, 

that shall not be revealed; 

neither hid, 

that shall not be known.

You're either of CHRIST, or of Satan.

There is no in-between for followers of JESUS.

More so, for ministers of CHRIST.

Revelation 3:16

King James Version

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, 

and neither cold nor hot, 

I will spue thee out of my mouth.

What business do you have, flirting with sin?

You must not teach, or minister, in GOD's behalf, UNTIL you have CONQUERED the sins of your flesh.

That doesn't feel right.

GOD's WRATH will come upon you.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

King James Version

19 What? 

know ye not that your body 

is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, 

which ye have of God, 

and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price: 

therefore glorify God in your body, 

and in your spirit, 

which are God's.

For what face can you show GOD, knowing you speak of His WORD, and yet, you do another thing, in secret?

Hasn't He given you His SPIRIT?

Galatians 5:22-23

King James Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, 

longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: 

against such there is no law.

Hasn't He given you the SPIRIT of self-control?

2 Timothy 1:7

King James Version

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; 

but of power, 

and of love, 

and of a sound mind.

You have no excuse.

Spiritual warfare is real.

You knew that, when you signed up for the ministry.

How can you fight for others, if you can't even fight for yourself?

The Bible gave you the tools.

Put on the FULL ARMOR of GOD.

And kick that problem.

For good.

Related material:

JESUS and Satan

The devil's devices

FULL ARMOR