8786 opposition, to sin and evil

Believers are called upon to opppose all that is hostile to God’s purposes in the world.

God opposes evil

Mt 21:12-13 pp Mk 11:15-16 pp Lk 19:45-46 pp Jn 2:14-17 See also Ex 4:24; Lev 20:3; Lev 26:14-17; Nu 22:22; Mal 3:2-5; Jas 4:6; 1Pe 5:5; Rev 2:16

God’s people should oppose evil

Within themselves Col 3:5 See also Mt 5:29-30; Ro 8:13

Among themselves Gal 2:11 See also 1Co 5:12-13; Eph 5:3

Examples of failure to oppose evil

Within the church 1Co 5:1-2; Rev 2:20

Within the family 1Sa 3:13; 1Ki 1:6

Within the state Hab 1:4 See also Jdg 5:23; 1Sa 15:9-11; Jer 5:28

Examples of unwise opposition to evil

Mt 26:51-52 pp Mk 14:47 pp Lk 22:50-51; Jn 18:10-11; Lk 9:54-55; Ac 19:13-16

Opposing evil by doing good

Commanded by God 1Pe 2:15 See also Mt 5:44; Ro 12:20-21; 1Th 5:15

Exemplified in Scripture Nu 12:13; 1Sa 24:17; 1Sa 26:11; 2Ki 6:22; Lk 22:51; Lk 23:34

Motives for opposing evil

Concern for the honour and glory of God Nu 25:6-13 See also 1Ki 19:10; Eze 28:22; Jn 2:17

Concern for the good of others Gal 2:4-5 See also Dt 17:12-13; 1Ti 5:20

See also