FORCES OF OPPOSITION

INTRODUCTION

Forces of opposition identifies a problem that is systematically stripping away the concept of a nation under God; with acceptance and tolerance being displayed towards the evilness of man that captivates the heartbeat of a nation that once flourished under God's umbrella of protection.

Forces of Opposition
Evil Forces Unleashed

Apostle Paul wrote: Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand (Ephesians 6:11-13).

The evil day refers to demonic onslaughts and satanic assaults. The whole armor of God consists of: Truth, Righteousness, Gospel of peace, Shield of faith, Helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.

We are seeing daily occurrences that are almost beyond understanding; as if all the forces of evil have been unleashed through the demented mind of man. When God is eased from the scene; it opens the door for forces of opposition to become prevalent.

Sodom and Gomorrah

There is an influx of evil in the world that is as the Sodom and Gomorrah era. Apostle Peter noted: God turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemning them with an overthrow (destruction), making them an example to those that afterward should live ungodly (2 Peter 2:6).

It was noted that if humanity continues to drift morally and socially during the next century as it did during the present one, we will sink into the abyss of total corruption and despair. What was once considered a criminal offense is now an acceptable lifestyle. Divorce once considered a disgrace is now the norm. Long time marriages are an endangered species. Profanity and scanty dress in public is tolerated.

This targeted the moral cultural drift of that day; that has surpassed the descriptive narrative of the time it was written? The spread of ungodliness has been enhanced through mainstream and social media, internet; along with films and television that use to bear a message of morality but now bear a message of immorality!

Forces of Evil
At Our Doorstep

Immorality is being promoted with any opposition deemed as an enemy to be dealt with! The Psalmist David noted: They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; they that would destroy me, being my enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away (Psalm 69:4). David, a man of God, knew what it was like to face forces of opposition!

Oftentimes, when one attempts to do good evil is amassed to resist. When a righteous man seeks to do good, in an unrighteous setting, it will bring the forces of opposition to one's doorstep, as was the case of Lot in Sodom.

Scripture reveals: And they (the men of Sodom) said, this one fellow (Lot) came in to sojourn (stay a little while), and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with you, than with them (those they were seeking after). And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door (Genesis 19:9).

Prolonged Wickedness

The Apostle Paul wrote: All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Evil men, and seducers shall wax (grow) worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:12-13). We are seeing the evidence of prolonged wickedness in many nations.

The godly structure of such nations is now being tarnished by ungodliness. Godly individuals who stood for the righteousness of God are slowing dying out; with replacements not of the same caliber. Had the righteousness of God continued to flourish; ungodliness would not have come to the degree it has!

Noah H. Mack in sermon "The Little Foxes" noted: Those who have been responsible not been watchful enough and let the little foxes creep into the vineyard and now they are so numerous and big that they cannot be driven out by ordinary methods of teaching and warning, for they well-nigh have possession of the vineyard!

Worldly Culture of
Today

There are many whose conscience have become seared; with conviction no longer flowing as before! Apostle Paul wrote: Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits (evil forces of opposition), and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared as a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

This substantiates that some will have departed from traditional Christianity by allowing the worldly culture of today to come to fruition! Worldliness offers inducement for one to break away from the righteousness of God; to the ungodliness of the world, if one is not grounded in God's Word!

Those who Shout
the Loudest

It is not the one who shouts the loudest that bears the truth; neither does the Word of God encourage such a demeanor. Jesus, in sending out His disciples, said: I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be you wise as serpents, and harmless (innocent) as doves (Matthew 10:16). In the ancient Near East the serpent was commonly regarded as the wisest of beasts.

A cautious wisdom was necessary in order to deal with the forces of opposition that the disciples would face. Apostle James wrote: Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man works not (does not produce) the righteousness of God.

Lay apart all filthiness and superfluity (abundance) of naughtiness (wickedness), and receive with meekness the engrafted (implanted) word which is able to save your souls. Be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:19-22). It was noted that trials require silence and patience because talk inflames anger and anger inflames talk. Anger also distracts from listening to God as in the case of Moses, in the Old Testament, who in anger disobeyed God as to how to bring forth water unto the people (Numbers 20:8-12).

Divisions and Offenses

Concerning the forces of opposition Apostle Paul instructed the church to mark (note) them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good (smooth) words and fair (flattering) speeches deceive the hearts of the simple (innocent) (Romans 16:17-18).

As the days of evil ride on the surface of a land dominated by sin; and become acceptable one should not join forces with such, particularly if in opposition to God's Word. There are many ungodly activities taking place that are condemned in His Word! There are many instances that reflect His judgment, the withholding of His blessings, upon forces of opposition who practice or allow such ungodliness.

A Return to God

2 Chronicles 7:14 identifies a need to return to God; it is a must for any nation or individual who have drifted away from the God, allowing the forces of opposition to be an influence: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

It was noted that while this promise was originally given to King Solomon regarding the people of Israel, it is applicable to all who will call on the Lord in repentance and faith! This verse stands as a high expression of God's loving readiness to hear the prayers of a repentant people.

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FORCES OF OPPOSITION

INTRODUCTION