is God's work always met with opposition?

[Christ_empowered]

I think so. I was doing a class for Liberty (online) and that was written in one of the text books, in reference to one of the OT prophets.

So, I got to thinking....in my own life, definitely, yes. Without a doubt. In other peoples' lives...yes. Without a doubt. I'm a still recovering sociology major (nothing against sociology, but its been hijacked by PC police). Anyway, I always explained away a lot of stuff in terms of social factors, until I realized....
a) I'm not a sociology major and b) The Devil is in the details.

What do y'all think? Care to provide examples, please?

 

[Gary]

Define "God's work".

 

[Christ_empowered]

ok...gettnig saved, healings (physical, mental, relationships), growth in Christ...

 

[Malachi]

What do y'all think? Care to provide examples, please?

It's always safer and wiser to see from Scripture whether this is true or not. In particular one should look at the life of Christ duriing His few years on earth. God's work through Messiah was opposed by Satan from the time of His birth until His death. Then God's work on earth was opposed throughout the Acts of the Apostles.

So yes, absolutely. In God's infinite wisdom, God has allowed the Adversary to oppose Him and His servants since the creation of Adam and Eve. That opposition continues as we speak. There is tremendous opposition to (1) true Christians, (2) the true Gospel, and (3) Bible truth today. You will note some of it on this, as well as any Christian forum.

As long as we always remember that God is sovereign in every situation and circumstance, we should not fear opposition, but recognize it as the Satanic and demonic reaction to God's truth, as well as the opposition of the "natural man" to spiritual things.

 

[Eugene]

2 Tim 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

 

[The Poly Grip Kid]

Gods work is even met with opposition within the church by people who think you are not equipped to do the task that God has called you to do that is why we must persevere!
perseverance can only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit working within us.
not by our power nor by our might but by His Spirit
Paraphrasing Zechariah 4:6

 

[stovebolts]

2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Is it possible that opposition can actually serves God's purpose?

 

[Willie T]

2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Is it possible that opposition can actually serves God's purpose?

History shows us very clearly that the church grows most during times of persecution. It was birthed in the midst of it.

 

[Eugene]

2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Is it possible that opposition can actually serves God's purpose?

It appeared to work for Job. There's a mighty work going on in you brother.
Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

 

[Christ_empowered]

I was just wondering because...I was saved by Pentecostals. Love them. Very tolerant; they read the whole Bible, without a complicated hermaneutic (probably misspelled). But they always talk of "spiritual warfare," and sometimes I think maybe they give the Devil too much credit. Then again...maybe I just don't get the reality of spiritual warfare and the way The Evil One and his demonic minions work in our world.

 

[smaller]

I think so. I was doing a class for Liberty (online) and that was written in one of the text books, in reference to one of the OT prophets.

So, I got to thinking....in my own life, definitely, yes. Without a doubt. In other peoples' lives...yes. Without a doubt. I'm a still recovering sociology major (nothing against sociology, but its been hijacked by PC police). Anyway, I always explained away a lot of stuff in terms of social factors, until I realized....
a) I'm not a sociology major and b) The Devil is in the details.

What do y'all think? Care to provide examples, please?

Yes without any doubt. It is a Divine Directive that Satan for example is moved to resist IN PEOPLE, wherever Gods Word is sown:

Mark 4:15
And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

It's the focal point of the entire N.T. narrative. It's also the method whereby we understand why the world itself is in such a tizzy.

 

[Christ_empowered]

So this is why Jesus put my older, wiser Pentecostal friend+ this forum in my life...

 

[smaller]

2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Is it possible that opposition can actually serves God's purpose?

YES! All things serve the Maker of all things. Adversity is preparation. Our present environment is, in effect, a training ground.

Galatians 4
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

 

[smaller]

So this is why Jesus put my older, wiser Pentecostal friend+ this forum in my life...

Everything that happens in our lives transpires after the patterns of God in Christ fashioning His sons, as painful as that often is.

 

[stovebolts]

YES! All things serve the Maker of all things. Adversity is preparation. Our present environment is, in effect, a traiI'm ning ground.

Galatians 4
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

I'm learning to appreciate your insight

 

[jasonc]

2 Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Is it possible that opposition can actually serves God's purpose?

stop it, Ha satan is for that purpose.