In the bible, both the old and new testament, we read scriptures that continually speak about strife, contention, and division. For example, the Corinthian church (1st Corinthians) experienced quarrels that the Apostle Paul had to address. Likewise, the book of Proverbs mentions strife and contention several times as A warning for the reader.
- James 3:16 KJV For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
- Proverbs 22:10 AMP Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go away; Even strife and dishonor will cease.
- Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: But with the well advised is wisdom. ‘
Contention defined: Synonyms – Discord, Strife, Conflict, Dissension, Variance An act or instance of contending.
A contentious spirit: The spirit of contention brings forth strife, divisions, and disunity. Those who have a combative spirit are bound by hatred, resentment (bitterness), and anger. Operating in such a spirit will also open the door to discord (disharmony in the home and church), constant debates, and disputes (arguments). Pride and selfishness usually are at the root, along with A spirit of envy.
A Kingdom divided: There is no wonder why we as Christians are supposed to be united, but there is A contrary force that contends against the body of Christβspecifically designed to stop unity. Our adversary (satan) understands that agreement is essential amongst the saints of God. For how good it is for brethren to dwell together in harmony. For that is where the anointing flows, and blessings are commanded. Psalms 133
When we are A kingdom divided, we cannot stand. That is why, down in the souls/heart of man, our adversary has strategically placed his rebellious spirits in us to cause division, disunity, and strife.
Mark 3:24 If a kingdom is divided [split into factions and rebelling] against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
God is raising his saints to be an end-time army of selfless individuals. We are supposed to have an unselfish concern for one another; we have to get to the root issue to drive out the scoffing spirit, which will cause contention to cease. Let us examine some scriptures to understand how this works or may already be in operation in our lives.
Original design: God created the woman for man; he said it is not suitable for man to be alone. Women were created to be: A helpmeet, opposite, someone suitable, and complementary. She was designed to be A faithful companion. (Gen 2)When Adam saw his helpmeet, he called her the name EVE, which means “life-giver” women were created to bring forth life.
Due to the fall of man, we have strayed far away from our original design. Women are now independent and exalted above the man, and this is not the woman GOD created; instead, this is A foreign woman. A foreign (strange) woman is someone opposite of what God created us to be.
The Contentious Woman:
- Proverbs 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and an angry woman.
- Proverbs 27:15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike.
A contentious woman is quarrelsome; she constantly nags, criticizes, and cannot be restrained. When she nags, she continuously harasses those around her. This woman also is very critical, always grumbling, complaining, scolding, and fault-finding. Nothing is ever good for the contentious woman. When someone is nagging, it shows they lack trust in God, which causes anxiety, worry, and self-consciousness. The bible also calls this woman odious, which means she is unloved and obnoxious.
An odious woman is repulsive, repellent, offensive, hateful, opinionated, and disagreeable. This means this woman (or wife) is rebellious; she rejects all legitimate authority. The Odious Woman
Miriam & Aaron Numbers 12: Miriam showed signs of being A contentious woman when she spoke against Moses. A contentious/odious woman will always contend against male leadership. She asked, “has the Lord really spoken only through Moses? Has he not also spoken through us?” God heard her, and she became leprous; remember GOD will contend against those who contend against his people.
Women must repent if they identify with being contentious; A contentious woman is under the influence of A Jezebel spirit.
The Contentious Man:
- Proverbs 26:21 Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
- Numbers 17:10 But the Lord said to Moses, “Put Aaron’s rod back before the Testimony [in the ark], to be kept as a [warning] sign for the rebellious and contentious, so that you may put an end to their murmurings [of discontent] against Me, so that they do not die.”
A contentious man love to kindle strife; he has A warring spirit that causes him to contend with others. He is also argumentative, depressive, and hostile. On the other hand, contentious men operate in an Ahab spirit.
Excerpt from the book “Jezebel, Seducing Goddess of War.” Goddess of War
“Scripture tells us Ahab walked in the sins of Jeroboam; if you study Jeroboam, his name means
To Contend or The Contentious One” Ahab walked in like manner. The Ahab-influenced person has several basic characteristics. One characteristic is that they will nit-pick you and contend with you on even minor things. You can tell them the truth, and they would want to argue with you about another point. This person is always contrary and can never find their place in the body of Christ. He has to keep the fire going by kindling strife. (My emphasis added)
“It is almost like having A person say to you, “I love you, but I’m going to contend with you just because that’s my nature.” To be more accurately stated, it is their rebellion. Like the contentious woman, contentious men should repent.
A call to unity: We can overcome these spirits with humility and the wisdom of God. Pride causes strife, but the humble person will not allow the flame to keep burning.
- Proverbs 21:24 “Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names Who acts with overbearing and insolent pride. ‘
- Proverbs 17:14 ‘The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes]; Therefore abandon the quarrel before it breaks out and tempers explode. ‘
- Proverbs 29:8 Scoffers set a city afire [by stirring up trouble], But wise men turn away anger [and restore order with their good judgment]. ‘
We are called to unify on one accord in the body of Christ. Men and women are not separate no part can be left out. We need every member fitly joined together to make the complete body. Each member in the body of Christ is called to wrap themselves in unselfish love, which is the perfect bond of unity for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others Colossians 3:14.
Philippians 2:3 AMP Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.
In closing, these spirits Ahab & Jezebel, are the enemies of the cross of Jesus Christ. They are assigned to the church and homes to bring forth disharmony into the body of Christ. Their assignment is to stop true unity. Beware of Dogs!
Philippians 3:1-3
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. ‘
I pray this teaching was enlightening to you; God bless and keep you all!
~Tanicia P.
For more understanding, check out the resources below:
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- Enemies of the Assembly: Enemies
- Broken Ribs Broken Ribs
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