MEN'S DAY SUNDAY SERVICE 13TH SEPTEMBER 2015

AWAKE TO FULFIL YOUR MANDATE
{Isaiah 61:1-6; 1 Tim. 4:14-16; Eph. 4: 11-16}

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me), to do thy will, O God. Then said he Lo, I come to do thy will O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. Hebrews 10:7, 9) 

As a Christian man, the owner of our life and destiny has given us certain instructions, and assignment that we cannot afford to fail. This assignment and instructions are also called MANDATE.
There are various mandates which as a Christian man must fulfil to please his heavenly Father.

I   HIS MANDATE TO HIS GOD
   To love God with his whole heart. Det. 6:5; 10:12; Matt. 22:37-38
Thirst for God and how to please Him Psalm 42:1-2; 63:1
Worship Him in sincerity. 1John 4:19
Obey, follow and serve his God. John 10:27; 12:26; 5:10; Det. 10:12-13

II  HIS MANDATE TO HIS FAMILY
As a Husband to His Wife
       * To love his wife tenderly. Eph. 5:25, 28, 33;  
          Col. 3:19
       * To honour, praise and please his wife Prov.
          31:28, he must carefully relate with his wife   
          with understanding. 1Pet. 3:7
       * He is to respect his wife’s opinion and wise
          counsel. Judges 13:19-23; 1 Sam. 25:9-33;  
          2 Sam. 20:9-12; 2 Kings 4:8-18
 As a Father and  Head of the Home
        * Teach his children in love. Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:2
        * Teach his family God’s Word. Deut. 6:7; 
           31:12-13; Pslm. 78:5; Prov. 22:6; John 21:15b
        * Provide for his family needs. 2 Cor. 12:14;
           1 Tim. 5:8; Acts 20:35.        

        * Be in charge and control over his household. 1 Tim 3:4, 12b
        * Chastise his family when necessary. Prov. 13:24; 19:18

III  HIS MANDATE TO HIS NEIGHBOURS 

As an ambassador with the work of reconciliations. 2 Cor. 5:18-21
Obligations to love others. 2 Cor. 5:15.
Intercede for the Church and others around him. 1 Sam.12:23.
To help the needy and destitute. Prov. 3:7
To support the work of God in his local Church.  Prov. 19:17; Luke 10:30-37

IV  THINGS THAT CAN DESTROY THIS GOD’S GIVEN MANDATE
Anger: One minute of uncontrolled anger can destroy a life-time relationship
Arrogance: Galatians 6:1. Arrogance is an exaggeration of one’s worth revealed by a condescending attitude, bitterness and critical spirit.
Bitterness: This is a feeling resulting from something that is difficult to accept. Prov. 18:19; Acts 8:22, 23
Competitive and over ambitious spirit: Comparing ourselves negatively with others leads to discontentment, discouragement and self righteousness. Rom. 9:20, 21; 2 Cor. 10:12
Jealousy: This is the uneasiness felt due to suspicion, resentment or fear of rivalry, especially in regards to love or affection. Eccl. 4:4; Genesis 37:4; Numbers 16:3; 1 Sam. 18:7-9

Beloved, every Christian man has a MANDATE from God above. The joy and satisfaction life,  here and here-after is dependent upon one’s ability to accomplish his divine mandate. May God give us the  strength and wisdom for accomplishment.
 
                               DEACON MARCUS EKPE
                                      { Men’s President}