Sermons on Enduring Opposition:

Sufferings Endured Is Not In Vain Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 9, 2025

Let's explore a few biblical examples that illustrate the purpose and value of suffering.

The Bible teaches that sufferings endured for the sake of faith and righteousness are not in vain. These experiences can shape our character, deepen our faith, and lead to eternal rewards. Let's explore a few biblical examples that illustrate the purpose and value of suffering. Job: Suffering ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18

Swimming Upstream Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Feb 27, 2008

Do you ever feel like everything is opposing you? That is what the remnant was experiencing. The first step to facing our opposition the right way is to "know our enemy."

In our walk as Christians and in our work as a church… 1. We must stand against the persistence of our opposition (4:4-7) 2. We must stand against the pervasiveness of our opposition (4:8-10) 3. We must stand against the persuasiveness of our opposition (4:11-16) 4. We must stand against the ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 4:4-24

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed Are The Persecuted

Contributed by Kiley Garrison on Feb 19, 2007

The Bible promises that everyone who follows Jesus will face persecution. If we aren’t facing any opposition for our faith, maybe we should ask ourselves why.

Small Group Discussion Questions When you hear the word "persecution," what do you think of? What images come to mind? What are some ways Christians are persecuted today? Do you think persecution is worse for Christians in other countries than in the United States? Why or why not? Can you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Run The Race Pt.1 Series

Contributed by Eric Peloquin on Dec 1, 2006

This is the first in a series focusing on the need for God’s people to learn the importance of bearing up under opposition and trials so that God’s Kingdom might be established in us and in the world.

How to Run the Race (Pt. I) Sermon – July 24th 2005 Perseverance is a word and in particular a concept that is largely foreign to people in Western society. But it is something that we, as God’s people must grasp. We have to trust that as we do the work of God, He will do His part – He will give ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How To Run The Race Pt. Ii Series

Contributed by Eric Peloquin on Dec 1, 2006

This is the second in a series focusing on the need for God’s people to learn the importance of bearing up under opposition and trials so that God’s Kingdom might be established in us and in the world.

How to Run the Race (Pt. II) Sermon – July 31st 2005 Last week we began in a new series on Perseverance entitled “How Top Run The Race”. As I mentioned last week, perseverance is a foreign concept in general to many in the Western world. It is so important that we live by the spirit, that we ...read more

Scripture: James 5:10-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How To Run The Race Pt. Iii Series

Contributed by Eric Peloquin on Dec 1, 2006

This is the third in a series focusing on the need for God’s people to learn the importance of bearing up under opposition and trials so that God’s Kingdom might be established in us and in the world.

How To Run The Race (Pt. III) Sermon – August 7th 2005 I have already mentioned the fact that we are going to face trials, times of testing etc. However for most people we want to be delivered from the circumstances that we are in. the difficulty can be in trying to discern what God might want ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:4-6

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How To Run The Race Pt. Iv Series

Contributed by Eric Peloquin on Dec 1, 2006

This is the fourth in a series focusing on the need for God’s people to learn the importance of bearing up under opposition and trials so that God’s Kingdom might be established in us and in the world.

How To Run The Race (Pt. IV) Sermon – August 14th 2005 We have been talking about perseverance for the last three weeks. The book of Romans speaks of perseverance building character… Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:15-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How To Run The Race Pt. V Series

Contributed by Eric Peloquin on Dec 1, 2006

This is the fifth in a series focusing on the need for God’s people to learn the importance of bearing up under opposition and trials so that God’s Kingdom might be established in us and in the world.

How To Run The Race (Pt. V) Sermon – August 21st 2005 As children of God we are called to live our lives on a higher plane than the world around us. The world goes by the tangible things that one can touch – we are told to walk by faith and not by sight. The world will tell you that you need to ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Opposition Leads To Church Growth Series

Contributed by Bob Briggs on Jan 16, 2001

Revisit what caused growth in the early church and apply it to what will bring growth to your church today.

One thing which has characterized the church over history is opposition, and that opposition, rather than driving the church away, has provided for church growth. When your convictions come under fire, when they are tested, you will come to embrace them or reject them. When Christianity is ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:5-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Facing Opposition, Finding Strength

Contributed by Tim Hbc on May 7, 2009

In Acts 4 we see a church alive and on fire. But it is also a church under attack. How did the first believers cope with opposition?

Introduction Once upon a time, an atheist lived in a small town. The atheist wasn’t a bad man, he just didn’t believe. He wasn’t interested in church… and there was only one in the area. It was cold and dead. More of a social club for the deceased. One day the church building caught on fire. The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:18-31

Denomination: Baptist

Choosing Sides- Recognizing Opposition Series

Contributed by David Wilson on Mar 29, 2004

This simple outline focuses on Paul’s experiences with the Thessalonians and Bereans and conflict and recognizing sides in a conflict.

At times, the right and wrong of an issue which divides is not clear. Often, we can use this checklist to determine who is acting in an ungodly manner. Character of Ungodly Opposition 1) Ungodly opposition is characterized by being emotionally driven. The Thessalonian Jews were "Jealous" ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Overcoming Opposition - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Don Jones on Jan 27, 2007

The message deals with facing and overcoming opposition in our life and in the church.

Overcoming Opposition - Part 1 Nehemiah 4:1-9 Introduction About 350 years ago a shipload of travelers landed on the northeast coast of America. The first year they established a town site. The next year they elected a town government. The third year the town government planned to build a road ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Overcoming Opposition - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Don Jones on Feb 2, 2007

The message again deals with the obstacles Nehemiah faced and the methods he employed to overcome the opposition.

Overcoming Opposition - Part 2 Nehemiah 4:10-23 Introduction Nehemiah was facing opposition and obstacles. He had heard the news of the destroyed wall of Jerusalem. He had immediately prayed seeking God’s will and strength. When Artexerxes asked what he could do, Nehemiah was faced with ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:10-23

Denomination: Baptist

What Is The Opposite Of A Christian People Series

Contributed by Fr Mund Cargill Thompson on Jan 29, 2013

What flight simulators and Chipee the Parakeet have to teach us about Gaudate Sunday.

What would you say was the opposite of a Christian people? would it be an atheist people? a pagan people? Perhaps even a hypocritical people? an unforgiving people? what would be your answer? When the novelist George Bernanos was asked this question “what is the opposite of a Christian ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7

Denomination: Anglican

Confident Trust During Opposition

Contributed by Guy Glass on Sep 30, 2011

THE PERSON WHO TRUSTS IN GOD IS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES

CONFIDENT TRUST DURING OPPOSITION INTRODUCTION: THE PERSON WHO TRUSTS IN GOD IS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES Psalm 62:1-12 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. 3 How long will you assault a man? ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 62:1-12

Denomination: Baptist