BIBLICAL FATHERHOOD--THE GREAT NEED OF THE WORLD 4. f) HE HAS A VISION FOR A GODLY DYNASTY THE BIBLICAL FATHER SEES HIS CHILDREN AS ARROWS

9b) DESTROYING ARROWS (IT'S TIME TO PUT THE TOYS AWAY).

Jesus says in John 10:10, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Men, the greatest thief of all is the devil himself. He knows clearly what his objective is to steal, kill and destroy and he has no misgivings about his objective. Unfortunately, most of the Christian church is not clear at all concerning its objective to thwart the devil's attacks. Some Christians are not even aware the devil even exists, let alone have any strategy to defeat him.

The overcoming destroying arrows mentioned in Revelation 12:11 are not deceived through ignorance concerning the devil's wicked devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). These arrows "overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death" (Revelation 12:11).

Jesus Christ had a clear objective when it came to dealing with his chief adversary, the devil. 1 John 3:8 says, "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." Jesus Christ was, and still is, the most destructive of all arrows when it comes to warring with Satan.

Men, may God open up our eyes to the areas where the devil is attacking us in this our day of battle. May we, in the name that is above all names, Jesus Christ, destroy all His wicked works. We can learn a lesson from Jeremiah 48:10, "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully (negligently, slothfully), and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood." Men, that sword is the Word of God and your testimony. Does your sword have any stains of the enemy's blood upon it?

God is calling for all Christian couples to raise up children as arrows and swords that are dripping with the blood of God's spiritual enemies. Jesus never played hide and seek with Satan. We are in serious warfare. We haven't time to play games with the devil? It is high time for us men to put the toys away and be the destructive arrows and swords God wants us to be.

Be encouraged. Colin