‎Where wisdom becomes a weapon: Bola Odutola’s latest teaching‎‎

By Joan Chioma Obinagwam
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‎The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Solidrock Parish, Lagos Province 40, marked its November Thanksgiving Service with a powerful sermon delivered by Provincial Pastor Bola Odutola.
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‎Confiance News learnt that the message which is themed around spiritual warfare, wisdom, and overcoming life’s challenges, drew from multiple Bible passages to encourage congregants to fight “the good fight” with divine insight rather than mere strength.
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‎Pastor Odutola opened with Genesis 49:19, declaring, “I will not be desolate,” and warned against “Satanically imposed silence” in the face of adversity. He highlighted November as the only month beginning with the word “No,” urging believers to reject defeat and embrace victory in Christ.
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‎Wisdom Over Brute Force
‎Citing Proverbs 24:5—“A wise man is strong, but a man of knowledge increases strength”—the pastor emphasized that “the index of strength is wisdom.” He advised Christians to be selective in battles, noting, “The wise Christian doesn’t fight all battles; there are some you leave alone.”
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‎Drawing a vivid analogy, he cautioned, “Don’t rejoice when they call you ‘lion killer.’ Of what use is it to fight a lion and lose both eyes?” Instead, he praised the general who wins without firing a shot, underscoring strategic victory over reckless confrontation.
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‎Pastor Odutola referenced 1 Chronicles 12:8 (MSG), describing seasoned warriors “fit for battle” and “eager fighters,” and urged readiness for life’s multi-dimensional struggles. “There is no battle-free zone in this world,” he declared, calling believers to spiritual preparedness.
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‎Family Battles: Case study in envy, wisdom
‎A significant portion of the sermon focused on family conflicts, using the biblical story of Rachel and Leah (Genesis 30:1–19) as a cautionary tale. Pastor Odutola explained how Rachel’s envy of her sister Leah triggered a complicated family battle. In her desperation for children, Rachel gave her maid Bilhah to Jacob, resulting in sons named Dan (“Judgement”) and Naphtali.
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‎“Rachel was beautiful but without wisdom—she was beautiful but foolish,” the pastor observed. He contrasted her approach with Hannah’s (1 Samuel 1), who faced similar barrenness but cried out to God rather than man. “Hannah fought with wisdom and lived long; Rachel fought foolishly, and the battles of life consumed her.”
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‎He warned against envy within families, noting that even the rich are often accused of arrogance. “The battle in the family is a strange one,” he said, praying, “Lord, give me wisdom to fight a good fight. Don’t let the battles of life swallow me.”
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‎Spiritual Readiness
‎Pastor Bola Odutola admonished Christians to rely on God in facing life’s battles. He said, “Let no one tell you that you have what it takes to fight or defeat the devil without Christ.” He emphasized total dependence on God in spiritual warfare. 
‎Quoting 2 Timothy 2:3 (TPT), he encouraged believers to endure “as a good soldier of Christ Jesus,” and reiterated Proverbs 24:5–6, highlighting the power of wise counsel in battle.
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‎Benediction
‎Confiance News reports that a significant the service closed with fervent prayers for victory in family, personal, and spiritual battles. Pastor Odutola prayed, “I pray for you that in the battle of the family, you will prevail,” and led the congregation in declaring freedom from desolation and satanic oppression.
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‎Congregants left the service empowered, armed with the message that true strength lies not in fighting every battle, but in fighting the right ones—with wisdom, faith, and reliance on Christ.
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