Sermons on Opposition:

The Joseph Principle

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Nov 22, 2023

But that principle does not apply to the story of Joseph in Genesis. In fact, the example of how Joseph succeeded and was used by God is the opposite of the Peter Principle. It is enough different that it deserves its own name. It can be called the Joseph Principle.

Alba 6-30-13 THE JOSEPH PRINCIPLE Genesis 50:19-21 Have you heard of the Peter Principle? It was formulated by Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull in their 1969 book called The Peter Principle. The Peter Principle is a proposition that states that the members of an organization where promotion ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:15-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Give Me Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

God wants us to take care of our money and be generous with it. Generosity is the opposite of greed and worshiping money. It doesn't matter how much money we have, we can all be generous.

Let's do a little experiment. I have here a $20 bill. Who wants it? (Pause for response) Okay, now what if I crumple it up? Still want it? (Pause for response) What if I step on it, make it dirty? Still want it? (Pause for response) Of course, you do! Because no matter what I do to it, it's still ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Topics: Charitable Acts, Selfishness, Altruism, Wealth Accumulation

Go! And Have The Mind Of Christ Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Nov 5, 2025

In a world obsessed with status, self-promotion, and influence, Jesus calls us to the opposite mindset - releasing our grip on personal rights, comfort, and ambition, so that the glory of God may be revealed through our obedience.

Go! And Have the Mind of Christ Philippians 2:5b–7 (NLT): “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11, John 1:1, John 1:14, Mark 10:45, Isaiah 53:5, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Ask Anyway Series

Contributed by Kory Labbe on Feb 7, 2026

When faith is tested by discouragement or opposition, bold belief refuses to be silent. In this message, we learn from Bartimaeus how to ask God anyway—trusting His faithfulness even before we see the answer.

SERIES OPENING – Believe Boldly Today we’re starting something new together. This message is the beginning of a new volume in our Bible Engagement Project. Volume 5, Believe Boldly. And that phrase matters—because bold belief isn’t loud belief. It isn’t showy. It isn’t dramatic for the sake of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Greatness In God's Kingdom

Contributed by Shishir Bhandari on Aug 17, 2004

The Lord’s value system in His Kingdom for greatness is the total opposite of what we have known in this Satan - controlled world so we must become servants of all to become great in God’s Kingdom.

Introduction: The Lord’s philosophy is in reverse with the world’s philosophy. To be great in the world is to put importance on oneself. In the eyes of the world, you are great based on the position or title that preceeds or follows your name. You may be a lawyer, an engineer, a doctor, and that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:24-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Which Side Of The Cross Are You On? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 20, 2005

Titus ministered in an area where the culture influenced the Christian community with immorality, independence, and idleness. These same character traits exist in our culture as well - placing Christians on opposite sides when they don’t need to be.

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone in the church was like you? I’ve heard it said before that “church is great – except for all the people.” The fact is, the church is the people – imperfect members of the human race who came to Christ from various backgrounds and dysfunctions. Sometimes I wish ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:1-16

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Firing On All Cylinders Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Oct 19, 2008

Finally after years of struggle, Paul sees victory after victory, even amidst tough opposition in Ephesus. It is an affirmation of his apostleship. What happens as God begins to work more through you than on you?

Chapter 19 could be called the High Point in Paul’s ministry. In this chapter he goes to the place he may have wanted to go way back at the beginning: Ephesus. God confirms his authority as an apostle by healing, his reputation as an apostle through mention by demons, vindication of his ministry ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:1-41

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Spiritual Nobility Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Dec 6, 2007

Stephen was in many ways a forerunner to Paul. He boldly confronted the synagogues of foreign Jews in Jerusalem, possibly even entering them to debate their members. Stephen faced fierce opposition, even to the point of physical persecution. It is even

Spiritual Nobility Acts 6:8-15 Intro This passage marks a transition in the book of Acts. Up to this point, Peter has been the dominating figure, fulfilling his calling by taking the gospel to the people. Another figure of importance looms on the horizon: the apostle Paul, who is introduced at ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

Discovering Your Full Potential

Contributed by Randy Bataanon on May 22, 2010

If Samson is man of extra-ordinary strengths and power, Gedeon is an exact opposite. He is the man hiding on the back stage and afraid of the lime light. His life is a proof that God can use ordinary people like us.

DISCOVERING YOUR FULL POTENTIAL JUDGE 6:1-16 It amazing to see how God can transform a fearful man into a mighty warrior. If Samson is man of extra-ordinary strengths and power, Gedeon is an exact opposite. He is the man hiding on the back stage, afraid of the lime light and prefer the low profile ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The First Disciples

Contributed by Carl Greene on Feb 16, 2009

There is often a misconception of the first disciples. Many are lead to believe they didn’t have anything to loose by following Jesus. Quite the opposite is true. These were successful businessmen,likely well educated and of fairly prominent social posi

If you ever have, or every thought of opening your own business, you know there must be a plan. And you probably discovered what most entrepreneurs know … starting a business requires some help… and almost always, its from their friends. (SLIDE) How many remember when the Beatles sang “With a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:14-20

Denomination: Methodist

Getting Real With Your Enemies Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Sep 10, 2007

Opposition actually helps us grow. Hostility is destructive not only of others, but also of one’s self; and it spreads without reason. Jesus named its absurdity and then left it in the hands of God. Montgomery Hills Baptist Church

Stress strengthens. That is a physical fact. It is also a spiritual truth. Stress strengthens. When we face opposition, we grow. When we deal with differences, we become stronger. Strange as it may sound, give thanks when you are opposed! For stress strengthens; enmity empowers; and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:43-50

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed Are The Repentant Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Apr 18, 2011

What an amazing paradox! If it is not a paradox it is at least the opposite of what our culture tells us today. The paradox is that Jesus says that the man who mourns will be really happy. The world regards such a statement as utterly ridiculous. Who want

“Blessed Are The Repentant” Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.” As we began examining the Beatitudes we noted that there is a definite ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4

Denomination: Baptist

The First Epistle Of Paul The Apostle To The Corinthians Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 4, 2018

Paul, known as the apostle to the Gentiles was successful in converting many of them, and even some Jews. He had been the instrument of God for converting many Gentiles and some Jews in spite of the passionate opposition of the Jewish leaders, during. . .

THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS Commentary by J.T. Lowe INTRODUCTION The city of Corinth was famous for its wealth and bustling business community, which was mainly due to its location between the Ionian and Aegean Seas on the isthmus connecting the Peloponese with ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Finding A Place Of Safety

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 18, 2018

Jesus didn’t promise us a life without pain and suffering. In fact, it was just the opposite. He told his followers that they shouldn’t expect to get along in this world any better than He did.

4-27-04 Title: Finding a Place of Safety Text: “And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:9-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Result

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 19, 2017

Satan’s strategy did not succeed in dividing the church, but the very opposite occurred; peace settled over the assembly as the deacons took charge of some areas of service formerly falling to the apostles. The gospel was preached throughout Jerusalem....

December 22, 2013 By: Tom Lowe Series: The Early Church Lesson II.D.3.c: The Result (6.7) Acts 6.7 (KJV) 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:7

Denomination: Baptist