Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8400 The tasks of the believer  »  8401 challenges

God makes demands on his people and, often through spiritual leaders, confronts believers with their sin. He also calls to account false gods and those who exalt themselves against him. The wicked vainly challenge God by questioning his authority, seeking to resist his power and opposing his people.

God's challenge to his people

The challenge to obedience

Deuteronomy 30:15-18 See also Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 29:9; Amos 5:14-15

The challenge to serve him alone

1 Kings 18:21 See also Joshua 24:14-15; Jeremiah 3:12-14

The challenge to discipleship

Matthew 16:24-26 pp Mark 8:34-36 pp Luke 9:23-25 See also Matthew 19:21 pp Mark 10:21 pp Luke 18:22; Luke 9:57-62 pp Matthew 8:19-22; John 21:17-19

Challenging one another's sin

The call to rebuke and admonish

Luke 17:3; Colossians 3:16 See also Leviticus 19:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 2:15; Titus 3:10

Sin challenged by spiritual leaders

Nehemiah 9:30 See also Nehemiah 9:26

Examples of leaders who challenged the sins of others

2 Samuel 12:1-7 The prophet Nathan challenges David; 2 Chronicles 26:18 Azariah the priest challenges Uzziah; Ezekiel 16:2 Ezekiel was called to confront Jerusalem; Hosea 2:2 Hosea challenges the unfaithfulness of Israel; Acts 5:3-4 Peter confronts Ananias; Galatians 2:11-14 Paul challenges Peter.

God's sovereignty is unchallengeable

It cannot be questioned

Isaiah 45:9-11 See also Job 9:12; Jeremiah 18:6

His purposes cannot be thwarted

Isaiah 14:27 See also Job 42:2; Isaiah 46:10; Daniel 4:35; Daniel 5:21

No-one can stand against him

Jeremiah 49:19 See also Jeremiah 50:44; 2 Chronicles 20:6; Job 41:10

God's challenge to the wicked

He challenges false gods

1 Kings 18:22-24 See also Isaiah 41:1,21-23

He challenges human pride

Isaiah 23:9 See also Isaiah 13:19; Ezekiel 28:2; Daniel 5:20

Challenges to God and his people

To God

Isaiah 14:13-14; Acts 4:26-27 See also Psalm 2:2; Genesis 3:4-5 The serpent challenges God's word; Isaiah 5:19 Isaiah's opponents challenge God to do what he has announced.

The challenge of the antichrist:

Daniel 11:36; 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:5-6 Matthew 4:1 pp Mark 1:12-13 pp Luke 4:1-2 Jesus Christ is tempted by the devil; Matthew 16:22 Jesus Christ is challenged by Peter; John 8:13 the Pharisees challenge Jesus Christ

To God's people

1 Samuel 17:8-11; Psalm 42:10 See also Psalm 42:3; Psalm 79:10; Daniel 7:25; Daniel 8:11; Joel 2:17; Ephesians 6:10-12 God's people are equipped to stand against the devil's attacks; Revelation 13:7

Further examples of challenges

Judges 14:4; 2 Kings 14:8 pp 2 Chronicles 25:17

See also

1105  God, power of
1130  God, sovereignty
5777  admonition
5814  confrontation
5829  defiance
5924  quarrelsomeness
5931  resistance
8114  discipleship
8403  commands
8832  testing