Opposed #1 "We Are Spiritually Opposed"

Words that describe me when I am opposed are, withdrawn, stubborn, miss-directed, and short.

However, through the Holy Spirit I can be made patient, see the big picture, considerate. Though we experience and respond to opposition in different ways, it is vitally important that we understand that our opposition is spiritual. What follows is the outline to a message preached on January 1^st 2017.  

1. Daniel refrained from eating the King’s food because it would have defiled him spiritually. Daniel 1

A. Daniel’s opposition was the attempted removal of his national and spiritual identity. V. 1-7

- We was removed from his native culture.

- His name was changed from representing his spiritual identity to one representing the worship of a false God.

- His natural temptations would have been to enjoy the benefits of being in a privileged position at the expense of His spirituality.

B. Daniel’s opposition was self-defilement. V. 8-21

- Daniel risked his physical life for the sake of his spiritual.

- God honored him for his stance. 

2. Daniel adjusted his diet as a means of mourning the spiritual condition of His people. Daniel 10.  

A. The spiritual condition of others was at the forefront of Daniels heart. V. 1-3.

Note: “Was mourning - Because he foresaw the many calamities that would befall the Jews for their sins, especially for destroying the Messiah, and rejecting his gospel.” (John Wesley)

B. The humility of Daniel is seen in his response to Lord. V. 4-11

C. The Lord revealed to Daniel the spiritual realities of His current condition. V.12-21

Personal Challenge: Fight on the spiritual level. Ephesians 6:10-18

Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

Corporate Challenge: We fight from a position of victory. Colossians 1:11-14

Colossians 1

11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.