Sermon Central
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The Contention Is Over
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 25, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Your season of contention is giving way to a season of fruitfulness. Like Isaac, you may have faced opposition, envy, and rejection, but keep digging. Don’t settle at Esek (strife) or Sitnah (hostility). God is leading you to Rehoboth—a place of peace, purpose, and prosperity.
THE CONTENTION IS OVER
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 26:18-22
"And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land."
Supporting Texts: Exodus 14:13–14; Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 54:17; Romans 8:31; 1 Peter 5:10
INTRODUCTION:
Life is full of battles—contentions that arise over progress, position, and possession. In Genesis 26, Isaac faced opposition as he re-dug the wells of his father Abraham. Every effort he made was met with strife from the herdsmen of Gerar. Yet, he did not stop digging. He persevered until he arrived at a place called Rehoboth, where there was no more contention, only room for fruitfulness.
This story reflects the struggles many of us face—opposition at work, misunderstandings in relationships, or spiritual resistance to advancement. But there comes a time when God says, “Enough!” There comes a divine shift when every battle ends, and peace reigns. That moment is your Rehoboth—your place of rest, enlargement, and fruitfulness.
Today’s message reminds us that although contention may delay us, it cannot deny us. When God is on your side, the contention will not last forever. You will get to your Rehoboth. The season of conflict will give way to a season of flourishing, because the contention is over!
1. CONTENTION OFTEN PRECEDES ENLARGEMENT
Before Rehoboth, Isaac faced resistance—it was part of the process.
a) Contention Tests Our Patience
Every battle builds character and perseverance (James 1:3–4).
b) Resistance Prepares Us for Greater Glory
Light affliction works eternal weight (2 Corinthians 4:17).
c) Delay Is Not Denial
The enemy can oppose, but not dispossess (Job 42:2).
d) Opposition Is a Sign of a Valuable Destiny
The more the contention, the greater the calling (1 Corinthians 16:9).
Biblical Example: Joseph faced hatred and prison before rising to power (Genesis 37–41).
2. KEEP DIGGING DESPITE RESISTANCE
Isaac didn’t stop at the first or second well—he kept going.
a) Persistence is Key to Breakthrough
Don’t give up when the battle gets intense (Galatians 6:9).
b) Each Step is Progress
Even the closed wells were part of the journey (Proverbs 4:18).
c) Faith Keeps You Moving Forward
We walk by faith, not by frustration (2 Corinthians 5:7).
d) Your Rehoboth is Closer Than You Think
The next well may be the one! (Isaiah 43:19)
Biblical Example: Elijah prayed seven times before the rain came (1 Kings 18:43–44).
3. GOD WILL END EVERY STRIFE SUPERNATURALLY
At Rehoboth, God intervened—the striving ceased.
a) God is a Fighter of Battles
The Lord will fight for you (Exodus 14:14).
b) God Ordains Seasons of Peace.
He makes wars to cease (Psalm 46:9–10).
c) God Frustrates the Agenda of Your Enemies
No weapon formed shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
d) When God Says It’s Over, It’s Over
He declares the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10).
Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat’s enemies fought themselves while he worshipped (2 Chronicles 20:22–24).
4. REHOBOTH IS A PLACE OF DIVINE ENLARGEMENT
Rehoboth means "room"—God makes space for you.
a) God Gives You Room to Flourish
Enlargement comes from the Lord (Psalm 18:36).
b) No More Competing, Just Thriving.
When God promotes, no man can stop it (Psalm 75:6–7).
c) Fruitfulness Follows Divine Peace.
Peace enables productivity (Leviticus 26:6,9).
d) Your Struggles Birth Your Space
Pain often leads to purpose (Romans 8:28).
Biblical Example: The Israelites entered the Promised Land after years of wandering (Joshua 21:43–45).
5. GIVE GOD THE GLORY WHEN THE CONTENTION CEASES
Isaac acknowledged God's hand when he got to Rehoboth.
a) Gratitude Sustains Your New Season
A thankful heart honours God (Psalm 100:4).
b) Testimony Inspires Others
Your Rehoboth can encourage someone else to keep digging (Revelation 12:11).
c) God Deserves All the Credit
It is not by your strength (Zechariah 4:6).
d) Rehoboth is a Platform for Worship
Let your space become a sanctuary (Genesis 26:25).
Biblical Example: Hannah gave Samuel back to God after her Rehoboth (1 Samuel 1:27–28).
CONCLUSION:
Your season of contention is giving way to a season of fruitfulness. Like Isaac, you may have faced opposition, envy, and rejection, but keep digging. Don’t settle at Esek (strife) or Sitnah (hostility). God is leading you to Rehoboth—a place of peace, purpose, and prosperity.
When you finally reach that season where no one is striving with you, remember it was God who made room for you. And if God has made room for you, no man can remove you. Rejoice, because the contention is over!
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, bring an end to every contention around my destiny.
2. Give me the grace to persevere until I reach my Rehoboth.
3. Oh Lord, Silence every voice of strife and opposition in my life.
4. Enlarge my territory and make me fruitful in the land.
5. Let my story glorify You and draw others to Christ.
