Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept:Opportunities in the biblical context refer to favorable moments or circumstances that allow individuals to act according to God's will, fulfill His purposes, or advance His kingdom. The Bible often presents opportunities as moments of divine providence where believers are called to respond in faith and obedience. Biblical Examples: 1. Esther's Courageous Opportunity: Esther, a Jewish queen in Persia, was presented with a critical opportunity to save her people from annihilation. Mordecai, her cousin, recognized this moment as divinely appointed, saying, "And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). Esther seized this opportunity with courage and wisdom, ultimately securing the deliverance of the Jews. 2. David and Goliath: David's encounter with Goliath is a classic example of seizing an opportunity to demonstrate faith in God. While others saw a formidable giant, David saw an opportunity to defend the honor of God’s name. He declared, "The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). David's faith and action led to a significant victory for Israel. 3. Paul's Missionary Journeys: The Apostle Paul exemplified the seizing of opportunities to spread the Gospel. In Acts 16:9-10, Paul receives a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help. Recognizing this as a divine opportunity, Paul and his companions immediately set out for Macedonia, thus opening a new frontier for the Gospel in Europe. Principles for Recognizing and Seizing Opportunities: 1. Discernment and Prayer: Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in recognizing opportunities. James 1:5 states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Prayer and discernment are crucial in understanding God's timing and purpose. 2. Faith and Action: Opportunities often require a step of faith. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith must be accompanied by action, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Abraham and Moses. 3. Stewardship of Time: The Bible emphasizes the wise use of time, recognizing that opportunities are often fleeting. Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Believers are called to be vigilant and proactive in making the most of the time given to them. 4. Service and Sacrifice: Opportunities often involve serving others and sometimes require personal sacrifice. Jesus taught, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26). The willingness to serve and sacrifice is a hallmark of seizing God-given opportunities. Warnings and Challenges: 1. Missed Opportunities: The Bible also warns of the consequences of missed opportunities. Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, saying, "If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes" (Luke 19:42). Ignoring or rejecting divine opportunities can lead to regret and loss. 2. Distractions and Temptations: Believers must be wary of distractions and temptations that can cause them to miss or misuse opportunities. The parable of the sower (Matthew 13:18-23) illustrates how the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of wealth can choke the word, making it unfruitful. Conclusion: The Bible presents opportunities as moments of divine intervention where believers are called to act in faith, wisdom, and obedience. Recognizing and seizing these opportunities requires discernment, prayer, and a willingness to serve God's purposes above all else. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Plural of Opportunity.Greek 3498. nekros -- dead ... to impulses, or perform functions ("unable, ineffective, dead, powerless," , 1, 74.28); unresponsive to life-giving influences (opportunities); inoperative to ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3498.htm - 7k Library The Use of Present Opportunities. Letter iv. --Opportunities for Practising Charity. The Learned Pagans had Means and Opportunities of Informing ... Opportunity: Being Thoughts for the New Year. On New Year's Eve. Blighted Blossoms Go Back? Never! The Lost Opportunity The Unseen Watcher Robert Hall -- Marks of Love to God But we must Follow Our Preacher, who Can Only Turn Away with ... Thesaurus Opportunities (4 Occurrences)... (n.) Plural of Opportunity. Multi-Version Concordance Opportunities (4 Occurrences). Ephesians 5:16 Buy up your opportunities, for these are evil times. (WEY). ... /o/opportunities.htm - 7k Opportunity (35 Occurrences) Unwearied (5 Occurrences) Unceasing (11 Occurrences) Opportunely (1 Occurrence) Occasions (8 Occurrences) Job (60 Occurrences) Wisely (60 Occurrences) Inquire (95 Occurrences) Fitting (29 Occurrences) Resources What opportunities are there for Christian service outside of the church? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I become a pastor? | GotQuestions.org How can I contribute to world evangelism? | GotQuestions.org Opportunities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Opportunities (4 Occurrences)Ephesians 5:16 Ephesians 6:18 Colossians 4:5 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Subtopics Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) |
    |