Opposition, to God's person and work

The forces of evil are antagonistic towards God, his people and his work, and believers must oppose them.

Targets of opposition from evil forces

The Lord himself

Psalm 2:1–3; Hebrews 12:3 See also Isaiah 63:10; Acts 7:51; Revelation 17:14

Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.”

Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

God's people

Acts 8:1–3 See also Numbers 16:1–3; 2 Samuel 16:5–8; Esther 3:6; Jeremiah 18:18; Acts 26:9–11; 2 Timothy 4:14–15; Revelation 13:7

And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

God's work

1 Thessalonians 2:2 See also Ezra 4:4–5; Nehemiah 4:7–8; Acts 4:18, Acts 13:8; 1 Corinthians 16:9

As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.

Sources of opposition

The world

John 15:18–19 See also John 17:14; 1 John 3:13

If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.

The flesh

Galatians 5:17 See also Matthew 26:41 parallel Mark 14:38; Romans 7:23

For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

The devil

1 Peter 5:8 See also Zechariah 3:1; Matthew 13:38–39; Revelation 2:10, Revelation 12:4, Revelation 12:7, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 12:13, Revelation 12:17

Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Strategies used in opposition

Shows of strength

Judges 6:5; 1 Samuel 17:10–11; 2 Kings 6:14

Discouraging propaganda

2 Kings 18:19–22 See also Revelation 13:4–6

The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. But if you say to me, ‘We trust in the LORD our God,’ is He not the One whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem: ‘You must worship before this altar in Jerusalem’?

Surprise

Genesis 39:11–12; Psalm 10:8–9, Psalm 64:4

Seduction

Matthew 4:9; 1 John 2:15–16; Revelation 2:14, Revelation 2:20

Deceitfulness

Jude 1:4 See also Numbers 31:16; 1 Samuel 18:17; Nehemiah 6:1–2; Romans 16:18; 2 Corinthians 11:13–15; 2 John 1:7, 2 John 1:8; Revelation 19:20

For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed — ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Sustained pressure

Genesis 39:10; 1 Samuel 1:6–7; 2 Kings 6:25; Nehemiah 6:4

Motives for opposition

Jealousy

1 Samuel 18:9 See also Psalm 106:16–18; Matthew 27:18 parallel Mark 15:10; Acts 5:17–18, Acts 13:45, Acts 17:5

And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.

Troubled conscience

John 7:7 See also Isaiah 30:10; Acts 26:14; 1 John 3:12; Revelation 11:10

The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify that its works are evil.

Vested interests

Acts 16:19, Acts 19:24–27

No just cause

Psalm 69:4; John 15:25

Dealing with opposition

Being prepared

2 Peter 3:17; 2 Corinthians 10:4 See also Mark 13:9; John 16:1–4; 1 Peter 4:12

Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.

The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

Keeping a right perspective

2 Kings 6:15–17; Nehemiah 4:14; Romans 8:31

Prayer

Nehemiah 6:9 See also Nehemiah 4:4; Luke 18:7; Acts 4:23–24

For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.

Patience

2 Timothy 2:25

Prudence

Judges 8:1–3; Proverbs 15:1; Acts 22:25, Acts 23:6, Acts 25:11; 2 Corinthians 6:3

Perseverance

1 Corinthians 15:58; Philippians 1:27–28; 1 Peter 5:9; Revelation 1:9, Revelation 13:10, Revelation 14:12