Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8700 Threats to the life of faith  »  8785 opposition  »  8787 opposition, to God's person and work

The forces of evil are antagonistic towards God, his people and his work, and believers must oppose them.

Targets of opposition from evil forces

The Lord himself

Psalm 2:1-3; Hebrews 12:3 See also Isaiah 63:10; Acts 7:51; Revelation 17:14

God's people

Acts 8:1-3 See also Numbers 16:1-3; 2 Samuel 16:5-8; Esther 3:6; Jeremiah 18:18; Acts 26:9-11; 2 Timothy 4:14-15; Revelation 13:7

God's work

1 Thessalonians 2:2 See also Ezra 4:4-5; Nehemiah 4:7-8; Acts 4:18; Acts 13:8; 1 Corinthians 16:9

Sources of opposition

The world

John 15:18-19 See also John 17:14; 1 John 3:13

The flesh

Galatians 5:17 See also Matthew 26:41 pp Mark 14:38; Romans 7:23

The devil

1 Peter 5:8 See also Zechariah 3:1; Matthew 13:38-39; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 12:4,7,9,13,17

Strategies used in opposition

Shows of strength

Judges 6:5; 1 Samuel 17:10-11; 2 Kings 6:14

Discouraging propaganda

2 Kings 18:19-22 See also Revelation 13:4-6

Surprise

Genesis 39:11-12; Psalm 10:8-9; Psalm 64:4

Seduction

Matthew 4:9; 1 John 2:15-16; Revelation 2:14,20

Deceitfulness

Jude 4 See also Numbers 31:16; 1 Samuel 18:17; Nehemiah 6:1-2; Romans 16:18; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2Jn 7,8; Revelation 19:20

Sustained pressure

Genesis 39:10; 1 Samuel 1:6-7; 2 Kings 6:25; Nehemiah 6:4

Motives for opposition

Jealousy

1 Samuel 18:9 See also Psalm 106:16-18; Matthew 27:18 pp Mark 15:10; Acts 5:17-18; Acts 13:45; Acts 17:5

Troubled conscience

John 7:7 See also Isaiah 30:10; Acts 26:14; 1 John 3:12; Revelation 11:10

Vested interests

Acts 16:19; Acts 19:24-27

No just cause

Psalm 69:4; John 15:25

Dealing with opposition

Being prepared

2 Peter 3:17; 2 Corinthians 10:4 See also Mark 13:9; John 16:1-4; 1 Peter 4:12

Keeping a right perspective

2 Kings 6:15-17; Nehemiah 4:14; Romans 8:31

Prayer

Nehemiah 6:9 See also Nehemiah 4:4; Luke 18:7; Acts 4:23-24

Patience

2 Timothy 2:25

Prudence

Judges 8:1-3; Proverbs 15:1; Acts 22:25; Acts 23:6; Acts 25:11; 2 Corinthians 6:3

Perseverance

1 Corinthians 15:58; Philippians 1:27-28; 1 Peter 5:9; Revelation 1:9; Revelation 13:10; Revelation 14:12

See also

2426  gospel, responses
3284  Holy Spirit, resisting
4027  world, fallen
4116  angels opposed to God
4120  Satan
4132  demons, malevolence
6166  flesh, sinful nature
8459  perseverance
8483  spiritual warfare, causes
8493  watchfulness, believers
8727  enemies
8794  persecution