8787 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 Ps 2:1-3; Heb 12:3 See also Isa 63:10; Ac 7:51; Rev 17:14

God’s people Ac 8:1-3 See also Nu 16:1-3; 2Sa 16:5-8; Est 3:6; Jer 18:18; Ac 26:9-11; 2Ti 4:14-15; Rev 13:7

God’s work 1Th 2:2 See also Ezr 4:4-5; Ne 4:7-8; Ac 4:18; Ac 13:8; 1Co 16:9

Sources of opposition

The world Jn 15:18-19 See also Jn 17:14; 1Jn 3:13

The flesh Gal 5:17 See also Mt 26:41 pp Mk 14:38; Ro 7:23

The devil 1Pe 5:8 See also Zec 3:1; Mt 13:38-39; Rev 2:10; Rev 12:4,7,9,13,17

Strategies used in opposition

Shows of strength Jdg 6:5; 1Sa 17:10-11; 2Ki 6:14

Discouraging propaganda 2Ki 18:19-22 See also Rev 13:4-6

Surprise Ge 39:11-12; Ps 10:8-9; Ps 64:4

Seduction Mt 4:9; 1Jn 2:15-16; Rev 2:14,20

Deceitfulness Jude 4 See also Nu 31:16; 1Sa 18:17; Ne 6:1-2; Ro 16:18; 2Co 11:13-15; 2Jn 7,8; Rev 19:20

Sustained pressure Ge 39:10; 1Sa 1:6-7; 2Ki 6:25; Ne 6:4

Motives for opposition

Jealousy 1Sa 18:9 See also Ps 106:16-18; Mt 27:18 pp Mk 15:10; Ac 5:17-18; Ac 13:45; Ac 17:5

Troubled conscience Jn 7:7 See also Isa 30:10; Ac 26:14; 1Jn 3:12; Rev 11:10

Vested interests Ac 16:19; Ac 19:24-27

No just cause Ps 69:4; Jn 15:25

Dealing with opposition

Being prepared 2Pe 3:17; 2Co 10:4 See also Mk 13:9; Jn 16:1-4; 1Pe 4:12

Keeping a right perspective 2Ki 6:15-17; Ne 4:14; Ro 8:31

Prayer Ne 6:9 See also Ne 4:4; Lk 18:7; Ac 4:23-24

Patience 2Ti 2:25

Prudence Jdg 8:1-3; Pr 15:1; Ac 22:25; Ac 23:6; Ac 25:11; 2Co 6:3

Perseverance 1Co 15:58; Php 1:27-28; 1Pe 5:9; Rev 1:9; Rev 13:10; Rev 14:12

See also