Sermons on Overcoming Opposition:

From Pit To Place

Contributed by James Harrington on Feb 18, 2003

The story of Joseph helps us to choose to overlook unfair offenses, overcome enormous obstacles and model a virtue that is fast becoming lost in or hostile age.

From Pit to Palace Genesis 32:22-32 In David Aikman’s book Great Souls: Six Who Changed the Century, he profiles six leaders of the 20th century who he argues triumphed over criticism, adversity and opposition. Aikman writes, “I’ve always personally been inspired by the lives of great people. It ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fear

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 30, 2010

The devil is the sinister minister of fear. It's the opposite of faith, which is what pleases God. Fear Degrades our Lord, Destroys our Lives, and Delights our Enemy. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Fear Nehemiah 6:9-19 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Fear.html In chapter 6 it's the devil's last ditch effort to stop the good work on the wall. We have seen him use distraction and slander, and now fear - [worry, anxiety, nervousness.] Twice in our passage we see 'afraid' and also 'fear.' The ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:9-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Gestation Of Sin

Contributed by Michael Trask on Mar 6, 2006

This sermon gives "ultrasound" picture of the development of life-controlling sins and shows how God has given us all that we need to overcome them.

The Gestation of Sin James 1:12-18 So, how far along are you? I know, that’s not really the kind of question you would expect to hear a pastor utter at the beginning of his sermon. It’s really the kind of question that one pregnant lady would ask another as they wait to see the doctor. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:12-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Two Divided By War, United Through Christ

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Apr 14, 2002

This sermon is about two aviators on opposites sides of World War II and their conversion to Christianity. (Mitsuo Fuchida who led the attack on Pearl Harbor and Jacob Deshazer who participated in the Doolittle raid).

TWO DIVIDED BY WAR, UNITED THROUGH CHRIST Text Isaiah 2:1-4 Isaiah 2:1-4 gives us a wonderful picture of God’s peace. Verse 4 poetically states that the weapons of war will be transformed into items that are constructive. Swords will beaten into plowshares. Spears will be beaten into ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-4

Denomination: United Methodist

Timely Tips For Troublesome Times From A Transformed Tentmaker To Timid Tim

Contributed by Billy Kryger on Sep 23, 2002

Timothy, like many young people today, faced opposition in his endeavor to live for God. Each chapter of 2 Timothy offers advice from the Apostle Paul to his son in the faith.

Introduction: · Timothy, like many young people today, was trying to serve God. · He faced many obstacles in the ministry. · This was discouraging to him. · Paul, his spiritual father, wrote to encourage him · Each chapter of 2 Timothy offers encouragement. Body: 1. STIR UP---1:6 A. Each of us ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Facing A Hostile World

Contributed by Warren Bird on Jul 24, 2003

The world is hostile to God and His people. It was to David, son of Jesse, also. How did he face spiritual opposition and what can we learn for the battle we are called to fight today?

Introduction I read something this week that reinforced a conviction that has been growing in my mind over the past several months. What I read was a news item about a plaque that has been taken away from a tourist centre at the Grand Canyon in the USA. Have any of you been to the Grand ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 26:1-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Correct Connection In Christ

Contributed by Dave Kinney on Jul 12, 2004

If taught correctly these verses will encourage our security in Christ! The Believer in Christ ought to be the most secure person with their relationship with God. Sadly, it seems just the opposite. So it’s time that changes!

Every person has been put on this planet for two reasons, first, to know God and secondly, to show that God in their life! So basically, everything less is just a waist of time! The average Christian doesn’t know the difference between union with Christ and communion with Christ: (verse 5 is ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Courageous Christ Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Sep 15, 2008

As the light shines, the hostile opposition to it, & thus to Jesus the light bearer, grows. It was now dangerous for Jesus to appear at the Feast of Tabernacles. Despite the danger Jesus follows His appointed path but with wisdom.

JOHN 7: 1-13 [The 5th Discourse] THE COURAGEOUS CHRIST [Leviticus 23: 33ff] John chapter 7 conveys the reactions of the world to the revelation of Jesus Christ. Again and again throughout this Gospel John has emphasized the difficulty and ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Head-On Collision Series

Contributed by Johnny Wilson on Oct 26, 2009

Immediately after Abram gets "back to basics," a controversy develops. Did you know that "blessing" can lead to dissension? Did you know that walking in faith almost inevitably leads to opposition?

The Head-On Collision Text: Genesis 13:1-18 When a corporation has some bad financial reverses, you are likely to read a press release that says something about getting back to the company’s core business. When a sports team gets outplayed, the coach’s press conference will usually have a statement ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:1-18

Denomination: *other

The Christmas That Wasn't Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Dec 28, 2024

The Magi were an example of people who have little light who make the most of the opportunity. The Jews and Herod were the opposite--they were clueless as to when their King and Messiah had come.

Back in November, Jeanie and I received a newsletter from an organization called SAT-7. SAT, I assume stands for satellite, because that is the means by which they broadcast the Gospel via television programs into Muslim dominated countries in the Middle East. SAT-7 is the largest provider of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-16, John 1:11-13, Micah 5:2, Daniel 9:24-26

Denomination: Bible Church

Contrast Of Testimonies Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Apr 3, 2024

Can you picture a contrast of testimonies in your mind? A situation where there was a believer with a good testimony and one with a bad testimony. John contrasts two church leaders and mentions their testimonies that are complete opposites.

Don’t you like the old western cowboy movies when you knew who the good guy was and who was the bad guy. You can pick them out easily in those old movies because the good guy wears the white hat, and the bad guy wears the black hat. This letter makes it obvious who the good guy is and who is the ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34-35, 3 John 1:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Cost Of Following Christ | Matthew 9:35-10:42 Series

Contributed by Amar Chandnani on May 13, 2025

The cost of following Christ will involve suffering and sacrifice. It will involve love and compassion for others. It will entail persecution and opposition from others. It will demand self-denial and humility -- all of these combined -- but the reward is eternal and permanent.

I used to run for our college varsity track team and I can recall the many months of training we would undergo just to compete in a division race. Two hours running before the sun is up and two hours more before the sun goes down. It was grueling. Our coach would pound us with circuit training, ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

No Hometown Hero

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Dec 23, 2025

Some people return home to a hero's welcome, but when Jesus returned to Nazareth, His reception was just the opposite! This message does a deep dive into the possible reasons for this terrible welcome.

I have entitled our message today, “No Hometown Hero.” This term is often used for an athlete who plays for their home team, having a major impact, like helping them win a championship. This athlete then goes off to play college or professional sports; and when he or she later returns to become a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:53-58

Denomination: Baptist

God Chooses The Place Of Worship

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Jan 24, 2016

To show that GOD have chosen your local church so that we can serve GOD there, as we come out and overcome this worldliness. 1 John 4:4 (Amplified Bible) Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [

I. EXORDIUM: Do you nurture your children? Yes. GOD commanded me to bring up my children in the nurture and admonition of the LORD. Ephesians 6:4 (King James Version) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. II. AUDIENCE ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 16:6

Denomination: Pentecostal

Tearing Down The Temples Of Hell Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 13, 2005

Paul had an open door of OPPORTUNITY. There were many OBSTACLES. God helped him to OVERCOME! Link included to Formatted Text version, Handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.

Tearing Down the Temples of Hell Acts 19:8-27 Paul stayed in Ephesus for 3 full years…not his normal pattern. There was much work to be done there, and w/ a pop. of 300,000 people, it was the capital of the Roman province of Asia. 1. Paul’s opportunity I Cor. 16:8-9 But I will tarry at ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:8-27, Acts 19:23-41

Denomination: Baptist