Introduction

In his letter to the Corinthians from Ephesus, Paul expresses his desire to reunite with the Corinthian converts and spend significant time with them. However, he acknowledges that he must wait until God completes His work in Ephesus, where a great and effective opportunity has been opened for him. Today, I want to share a message titled "A Great Opportunity Awaits."

The Opened Door

God knows how to open doors of opportunity for us. He opened a door of hope in Hosea 2:15, a door of faith in Acts 14:27, a door of utterance in Colossians 4:3, and Jesus Himself declared in Revelation 3:8 that He has set before us an open door that no one can shut. God is the one who opens doors, and He knows how to do it!

I. The Description of the Door

A. The Prospect of the Door: This door represents a great and significant opportunity. The work of God is not without purpose; it is a substantial responsibility and a significant labor. What we do in our Sunday School rooms is more important than what happens in corporate strategy sessions. We are engaged in the Lord's work, and He provides us with open doors to serve Him.

B. The Production of the Door: This door is effectual, meaning it produces results and presents opportunities for great impact. There is a tremendous opportunity for preaching the Gospel. There are people who need to hear it and people who want to hear it. Paul understood that there was work to be done, but God had provided him with the place and the power to accomplish it.

C. The Position of the Door: The door is open. It is not a barrier but a passageway to share the Gospel. Paul was not willing to abandon the place where he was serving God as long as the door remained open.

II. The Disturbance at the Door

We all face adversaries when we step through the open door.

A. Your Foe Will Oppose You: As mentioned in 1 Peter 5:8, evil and wicked men may oppose us, but they cannot impede God's work. Even when the enemy comes against us like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise a standard against him.

B. Your Family Will Oppress You: Sometimes, even our own family members can distract us from worship and discourage us. We must press through these challenges.

C. Your Friends Will Obstruct You: Psalm 41:9 reminds us that even our closest friends may betray us. We may face opposition from unexpected sources, but we must remain steadfast.

III. The Disciple Before the Door

Paul recognized his role and responsibility before the open door.

A. He Was Chosen: Paul understood that he had been chosen for this specific opportunity. Others could not do what he had been called to do.

B. He Was Challenged: Paul was aware of the adversaries he faced, but he did not allow fear to deter him from his mission.

C. He Was Committed: Paul declared his commitment to stay and labor until God closed the door. He was willing to work diligently in the place where God had called him.

Conclusion

The place where you have been called to serve may seem insignificant and unknown, but if God is in it, it is great. Do not underestimate the impact of your work. Seize the opportunity while the door is open, and remain committed until God closes it.

Remember, God knows how to open doors of opportunity for His work. Though there may be opposition, no one can impede His plans. Even the gates of hell cannot prevail against His work. Trust in God's guidance, embrace the opportunities He presents, and labor faithfully in the place He has called you to serve.

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