Overcoming Opposition
Overcoming Opposition4
"Not by Might, Not by an Army, Not by Power, but by My Spirit, Saith the Lord of Hosts"
By T. Austin-Sparks0NEH 8:10ISA 40:29ZEC 4:6ZEC 4:10MAT 17:20ROM 8:311CO 1:272CO 12:9PHP 3:10HEB 2:10T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the message from Zechariah 4:6, illustrating that God's work is accomplished not through human strength or military might, but by His Spirit. He reflects on the historical and spiritual setbacks faced by God's people, noting that while many may give up, a faithful remnant recognizes the need to honor God's name and act. Sparks encourages believers to understand that even in their smallness and opposition, they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to achieve God's purposes. He highlights the importance of unity and purity in the vessels God uses, which are formed through suffering and discipline. Ultimately, the sermon calls for reliance on God's Spirit to accomplish His work, assuring that His resources are inexhaustible.
Nehemiah 4
By Chuck Smith0NEH 4:3NEH 4:7NEH 4:9NEH 6:2PSA 42:5ISA 41:10EPH 6:111PE 5:8Chuck Smith discusses the various forms of opposition that arise when undertaking God's work, as illustrated in Nehemiah 4. He emphasizes that ridicule, anger, discouragement, lures, false accusations, and fear are all tactics used by Satan to hinder progress. Smith encourages believers to respond to these challenges with prayer, remembrance of God, and steadfastness in their faith. He highlights Nehemiah's example of fortifying oneself against these attacks through reliance on God and maintaining focus on the task at hand. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a reminder that opposition is a natural part of spiritual endeavors, but with God's help, we can overcome it.
So the Wall Was Finished
By David Wilkerson0NEH 6:2NEH 6:13NEH 6:15David Wilkerson emphasizes that when engaged in a divine mission, one must remain steadfast against the attacks of Satan, who seeks to hinder God's work through distractions and discouragement. He illustrates this through Nehemiah's unwavering commitment to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem despite facing opposition from prominent leaders who attempted to undermine his efforts. Nehemiah's refusal to be distracted by their plots serves as a powerful reminder that God's calling must take precedence over the noise of criticism and fear. Ultimately, the completion of the wall stands as a testament to God's faithfulness and support in the face of adversity.
Being About the Lord's Business
By A.W. Tozer0NEH 2:5NEH 4:6NEH 6:3NEH 6:16MAT 6:331CO 15:58EPH 2:10PHP 3:14COL 3:23HEB 12:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of being dedicated to the Lord's work, using Nehemiah as an example of unwavering commitment despite ridicule and opposition. Nehemiah, driven by a vision from God, returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city, facing mockery from adversaries like Sanballat and Tobiah. He remained resolute, declaring that God would prosper their efforts and refusing to be distracted by attempts to divert him from his mission. Tozer encourages believers to adopt Nehemiah's determination, prioritizing God's calling above all else and rejecting any distractions from the enemy. The message calls for a renewed focus on our divine tasks, echoing Nehemiah's declaration of commitment.