Opposed To God
A look at the tools Satan uses to keep us from doing God’s work.

Introduction
Opposition is taking a stand against something.
Satan has always stood in opposition
In our study, this opposition is against God and His word.
The opposition is against Christ.
It is also against the children of God, and the followers of Christ.
2 Timothy 2:24-26
“And the Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”

We Must Stand Against Opposition
Why?
To turn them towards repentance.
They are entrapped in the snare of Satan.
For we well know that their opposition will bring certain punishment of Hell.
Our concern should be for these souls to get them to turn to Christ and God, and be saved.
We also need to stand firm against all the schemes of the Devil (Ephesians 6:11)
This is our armor, and it makes us feel powerful.
Let us notice some tools Satan uses, and see an example on how to withstand these tools.
Turn to Nehemiah 4-5-6

Nehemiah 4
Opposition thru Ridicule 4:1-3
Nehemiah’s response 4:4-6
Opposition thru threat of attack 4:7-8
Nehemiah’s response 4:9
Opposition thru Discouragement 4:10-12
Nehemiah’s response 4:13-23

Nehemiah 5
Opposition thru Extortion 5:1-5
Nehemiah’s response 5:6-13
Nehemiah sets an example 5:14-19

Nehemiah 6
Opposition thru Compromise 6:1-2
Nehemiah’s response 6:3-4
Opposition thru Slander 6:5-7
Nehemiah’s response 6:8-9
Opposition thru Treachery 6:10
Nehemiah’s response 6:11-14

The lesson for us today
Satan uses these same tools against us all the time.
The question remains will we give in or follow Nehemiah’s example.

Review of these tools
Ridicule
Threat of harm
Discouragement
Extortion
Compromise
Slander
Treachery

Conclusion
Satan uses all these tools against us.
We must learn from the past so that our future can be protected.
Don’t let Satan trap you into doing his will.
Do what God wants you to do.
1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”

By Carey Scott

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