1 Corinthians 16:9 – “for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”  NASB

Last time we consider, briefly, the reality that the devil fights the work of God, the believer, the church, and the Kingdom using opposition from the outside.  Today I want us to consider the other side of that coin and the reality that the devil uses Opposition from Within to hinder us as well.

There is Opposition From Within.

In Acts 13:8 we encounter a magician named Elymas who was opposing Paul and the disciples.  That was opposition from the outside connected to someone on the inside.  But, if we look further, we see in Acts 18:5-6, the opposition by the religious crowd and the recognized prophets of religion.

Then in 2 Timothy 3:8 Paul reminded the church that opposition from within was not uncommon and unexpected.  He cited the opposition to Moses by Jannes and Jambres.  Paul used that to reveal how there were those in the present church opposing the work of God and were following the depravity of mind and had rejected the truth. 

He encountered opposition from groups and sects within the church.  Some of it was the result of spiritual indifference and a desire to live with ease and in a state of compromise.  It resulted from spiritual laziness where people lost their desire and commitment to ‘seek first’ the face of God and do the will of God.  Self had become the center of their universe again and that brought about opposition to the move of God. 

There was the fear of failure, social reproof and rejection, and loss of power and position.  Some can find nothing right with the church but can find everything wrong.  Some desire to allow things done but never find the time or desire to invest themselves in the work.  They complain that things are lacking but make no commitment to resolve the problem.  In that, they oppose the leaders and bring about confusion and discord.  Some stir up strife because they are not the chief puppy in the liter. 

But God has opened a door for us in the Church and in America today.  We have been given the opportunity to launch forth into the harvest and see a move of God beyond anything we have ever witnessed.  We also have the opportunity to complain and criticize, point fingers, and stir up strife.  The choice we make will determine the success or failure of the work of the Spirit of God in our lives and in our local congregations.  We can press forward into victory.  What will we choose? I choose to go through God’s Open Door.  

May your day be prosperous and joyous.