Sermons on Resisting Opposition:

The Cost Of Distraction PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 6, 2025

Stay focused on God’s calling, resisting distractions and lesser pursuits, so your life’s work aligns with what truly matters in God’s eyes.

Some weeks feel like a parade of interruptions. Phones ping, pressures pile, promises pull, and before long our attention drifts like a leaf on a windy day. You set out to do the thing God has put in your hand—raise a child, love your spouse, serve your neighbor, finish that assignment, shepherd ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:3

Topics: Great Work, Purpose, Focus

Living Life On Purpose

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jan 1, 2024

This New Year's message teaches the importance of a God-given vision. When our hearts are filled with divine purpose, we are strengthened to resist temptation and live meaningful, productive lives.

Intro Our primary text is Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction (NIV)”i The KJV says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Both versions are instructive. The ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18, Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 12:1-4, 1 Samuel 16:13, Jeremiah 29:11, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Nehemiah 6:3-4, Luke 16:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Promises And Payback: The Christian Righteousness Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Mar 9, 2013

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount speaks about the extended requirements of the law upon Kingdom Kids, those who have been given new hearts that are opposite of the World's value system.

The Christian Righteousness: Promises and Payback Matt. 5:33-48 So far in Matthew we have seen that Jesus reveals the inadequacy of human behavior and religion to qualify to be a citizen of God’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-48

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

The Donkey King

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 13, 2011

In a day when Christians in America are increasingly in a crusading posture to capture more political, social, and economic power, the picture of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey and anticipating intense opposition, rejection, and death makes

Opening illustration: Every spring, hundreds of Hollywood stars gather for the Academy Awards. Very few “slip in the back door:” instead, they make an entrance. They walk down the long red carpet, smiling at the cameras and waving to the people in the stands (who, by the way, all had to apply and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-40

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Betrayal In Gethsemane Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Nov 7, 2018

Following the agony Jesus endured in Gethsemane, Judas led the multitude there to arrest Him. Having all power, Jesus could have resisted, and yet He submitted to the Father's will. He endured Calvary for you and me!

Betrayal in Gethsemane Mark 14: 43-52 The events of this faithful night are rapidly unfolding. Having departed the Upper Room with the eleven, Jesus had made His way to the Garden of Gethsemane. Knowing what was soon to come, Jesus spent some intimate time in prayer with the Father. We cannot ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:43-52

Denomination: Baptist

Remember The Titans!

Contributed by Steve Malone on Aug 9, 2001

I want us – to remember how a bunch of people, with different talents, personalities and backgrounds OVERCAME great opposition – and came together to do something incredible…

“Remember The Titans!!!” [SHOW THE VIDEO CLIP AT THE END OF THE MOVIE OF THE VICTORY…. THE FINAL PLAY THROUGH THE CELBERATION STOP RIGHT BEFORE THE GIRL TALKS] Read Ephesians 3:7-21 (NLT) Have you ever been on the edge of your seat…waiting in anticipation? You’re reading an exciting novel – ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

She Touched Me

Contributed by Robert Rust on Oct 18, 2000

You will remember last week that Jesus and his disciples had taken off from one shore of Lake Galilee and headed to the opposite side of the lake.

You will remember last week that Jesus and his disciples had taken off from one shore of Lake Galilee and headed to the opposite side of the lake. While they were in the middle of the lake, a storm came up and Jesus calmed the sea. In today's story, we have Jesus and his disciples on the other side ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Rugged Individualism And Faith Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 18, 2006

Human arrogance and demonic spirits ally themselves in opposition to even the most elementary spiritual truths. WE NEED GOD AND WE NEED OTHER BELIEVERS

Rugged Individualism and Faith (I Peter 5:10-14) 1. A man came up with a great list of titles for future country music songs. Country Music Song Titles: 1. If You Can’t Live Without Me, Why Aren’t You Dead? 2. I Went Back to My Fourth Wife for the Third Time and Gave Her a Second Chance to Make a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Flame That Won't Be Quenched Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Jun 6, 2005

Despite the growing opposition to the gospel, Paul and Barnabas never stopped preachign the gospel, even at therisk of their lives. They also give a good example of mission strategy.

If you were here two weeks ago you’ll remember how, when Paul and Barnabas got to Pisidian Antioch they first went to the synagogue to speak about Jesus as the promised Messiah, but then when their message was rejected by the Jews they turned to the Gentiles. And the Gentiles gladly received this ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-28

Denomination: Anglican

The Preacher's Peril

Contributed by A.t. Stewart on Jul 20, 2004

When we preach the Word of God we can expect opposition. Jesus tells us what we must to be remain faithful during these times.

THE PREACHER’S PERIL John 15:26-16:4 CPT- Jesus has warned the disciples in advance about the persecution that will come upon them because of their preaching about Him so they will not stumble (stop faithfully preaching) when it happens. CPS- We are to proclaim faithfully God’s Word despite ...read more

The Limits Of Peace Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 21, 2007

The cross of Christ not only brings peace, but also division. When faced with opposition and division, disciples of Christ stand firm while loving and respecting their opponents.

Luke 12:49-56 “The Limits of Peace” INTRODUCTION The night sky was cloudless and filled with stars. Shepherds watched their flocks, while they huddled around a campfire. Suddenly, they were surrounded by a multitude of angels. They were told not to fear because the angels brought them good ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56

Denomination: Lutheran

The Face Of Fasting At A Holy Marriage Series

Contributed by Paul Kallan on Mar 5, 2003

To fast means to integrate the gospel into human life. It is the unity of the two opposites between the difficulty to overcome the human tendency to evil and the joy of embracing the Word of God.

Once there was a father with a son who was lazy. He tried to convince his son that he should join him in the work on his farm. The son was not convinced. The father was actually worried, how his son would earn his living after his death. Therefore, before his death, the father called his son and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:18-22

Denomination: Catholic

Inclining And Applying - Part 2

Contributed by Ed Warfield on Aug 21, 2008

As the Word exposes areas within us that are in direct opposition to the Word of God, we begin to understand the price of inclining to His Word and applying those principles.

Inclining and Applying - Part 2 – Proverbs 2:2 Intro.: Last week we looked at the “inclining” portion of our text. As we set our lives before the Word of God, we will find delight in the eternal Word who lives inside of us. We will also become aware of the bitter war going on within our members. ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 2:2

Denomination: Charismatic

Murder Mystery

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jun 10, 2011

Anger, the impulse to destroy, is the direct opposite of love, the force which gives life. This is why anger is equivalent to murder in the eyes of God, who looks on the heart.

Have you ever caught yourself looking at your reflection in a shop window? I have to confess that I sometimes do. Or maybe you're not that vain, or not as self-conscious. Maybe you're one of those blissfully secure people who (once you get your clothes on) never give your appearance another ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed