OPPOSITION TO UNGODLY
PERSUASION
INTRODUCTION
Opposition to ungodly persuasion fails when there is participation rather than rejection. Thank God for nations who are experiencing renewal of godly standards rather than continue to witness the downward trend of acceptance. There is an electronic availability that has, and still is, utilized to promote ungodliness with its devious intentions and tentacles of allurement.
The Prophet Daniel revealed that in end-times many shall be purified and made white, and tried (refined); but the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand (Daniel 12:10). Many have been deceived into partaking of devilish impulses towards ungodliness; while others stay tuned into the Word of God which condemn such activity.
Opposition to Ungodly Persuasion
Sounding the Alarm
The Prophet Jeremiah, in speaking the words of the Lord, said: I set watchmen over you, saying, hearken to the sound of the trumpet; but they (the people) said, we will not hearken (Jeremiah 6:17). There are many who refuse to believe the unhealthy attributes of ungodliness and are not in opposition to such but rather relish its continuation.
Jeremiah in speaking the words of the Lord, continued in saying: Hear, you nations; behold I will bring evil (calamity) upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have no hearkened to my words, nor to my law, but rejected it (Jeremiah 6:18-19).
Many nations, committed to ungodly ways, are suffering because of failure to stand in opposition to ungodly persuasion, falling into its grip, and endorsing its precepts rather than rejecting them. Are nations once under God’s umbrella of protection and provision, now seeing devastation, chaos, evilness, as a result of their withdrawal from God and His standard of holiness?
Standing in Opposition
Brings Adversity
The Prophet Elijah, through God’s miraculous intervention, stood in opposition to ungodly persuasion of four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal (a false god). Elijah stood strong that day, as a prophet of God, but when his life was threatened ran for his life (1 Kings 19:3), rather than trust God for the same protection provided in resisting the false prophets.
While hiding in a cave, when asked of God, what do you here Elijah, he answered saying: I, even I, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away (1 Kings 19:9-10). When there is an elevation of promotion of ungodliness, those in opposition, may feel as Elijah being all alone.
God said to Elijah: Yet I have left (reserved) me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18). Elijah was not alone in his stand, as revealed by God, neither are those who are committed towards opposition to ungodly persuasion.
Countermanding Ungodly
Persuasion
Opposition to ungodly persuasion is to countermand the rising of Socialism and Marxism, cousins of Communism; Critical Race Theory, the Great Reset Plan instituted by the World Economic Forum, which includes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion transformation, that would upset the normality of life. Such ungodly agenda includes: Legalized abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, and transgenderism as a way of life, through condemned in God’s Word.
Thank God for those in opposition to ungodly persuasion who are making headway toward stemming the tide of such activities; but a long path lies ahead in wiping the slate clean of such activity; it will take the hand of God to restore individuals, and nations, to the righteousness of God. Apostle Peter gave warning: Beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness (2 Peter 3:17).
Troublesome Times
The Psalmist David, in opposition to ungodly persuasion, knew what it was like to live in troublesome times. He wrote: Lord, how are they increased that trouble me; many are they that rise up against me (Psalm 3:1). David looking to God said: You, O Lord, are a shield for (around) me; my glory and the lifer (who lifts) up my head (Psalm 3:3).
When I cry (cry out) to you, then shall my enemies turn back, this I know, for God is with me (Psalm 56:9). O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation (deliverance), you have covered my head (provided a shelter) in the day of battle (Psalm 140:7). As God was with David, so is He with those who openly oppose ungodliness in the land.
Apostle Paul likewise knew what it was like being in opposition to ungodly persuasion, in writing: The Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me (2 Timothy 4:17-18). Scripture reveals: It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31).
World of Uncertainty
In a world of uncertainty, being in opposition to ungodly persuasion requires one’s faith to be intertwined with determination and expectation towards victory through the Lord. Scripture reveals that without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 10:6).
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith (hope) without wavering; for he is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23). Faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). The same God, who delivered Elijah out a moment of despair, David out of troublesome times, is available to those who stand in opposition to ungodly persuasion.
Culture Drift of Today
Thank God for churches, and godly individuals, who stand in opposition to ungodly persuasion; who refuse to cave-in to demands for tolerance and acceptability of the cultural drift of today. There is a drawing power towards one’s tuning to such agenda; through those who have embraced such teaching.
Apostle Paul identified acceptance of what was presumed to be the gospel, in writing: I marvel that you are so soon removed (turning away) from him that called you unto the grace of God unto another gospel; which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would (want to) pervert the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-7). Paul condemned some practice, in writing: If any man preach any other gospel to you than that you have received, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:10).
Courting Favor of Man
Apostle Paul asked: Do I now persuade men, or God? Do I seek to please men? If I yet pleased men, I should not be a servant of Christ, but I certify you (make known) that the gospel which was preached by me is not after man; for I neither received it of man, neither as I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:10-12).
Paul asserted the gospel he preached was genuine; he received it directly from the risen Lord (Jesus Christ). It was noted that the 14 years following his conversion to Christ he was not with the apostles long enough to have been instructed by them; but received the message of salvation from Christ, not man. We live an hour which one needs to be careful as to whom or what they are being entertained with.
Failure to Endure
Sound Doctrine
Apostle Paul directed Timothy, a young evangelist, to preach the word; be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine; for the time will come (and now is) when they will not endure (practice) sound doctrine; but after their own lusts (desired lifestyle) shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears (willing to embrace); shall turn away their ears (hearing) from the truth, and shall be turned into fables (that which is fictitious) (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
It was noted that preaching is the God-ordained means to prevent defection from the truth. Teachers who appeal to itching ears tell people what they want to hear, not what they need to hear; to countermand such influence. Paul directed Timothy to watch, in all things (be aware), endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry (2 Timothy 4:5).
Imprint of Ungodliness
There is a rising up of ungodliness in many nations; even those formally aligned with God’s Word. There is an imprint of ungodliness being manifested, with indulgence encouraged, rather than being warned of its danger. Those who stand in opposition to ungodly persuasion become as little David facing the giant Goliath.
David (later to become King David), as a young lad, challenged the giant, that threatened to enslave the nation, in saying: You come to me with a sword, with a spear, with a shield; but I come to you in the name of the Lord, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defiled. This day will the Lord deliver you into my hand, and I will smite you (1 Samuel 17:46). David was not only in opposition to that which threatened slavery to the whole nation of Israel but had confidence in the Lord who had delivered him on previous occasions.
Scripture reveals that we (believers) may boldly proclaim: The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall (can) do to me (Hebrews 13:6). Opposition to ungodly persuasion opens the door towards suffering reproach; but if one’s allegiance is to a heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Spirit of God, faith will see one through any difficulty associated with taking such a stand.
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