How should Christians respond to opposition when fulfilling God's work today? The Scene in Ezra 4:5 “They bribed the counselors to act against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.” (Ezra 4:5) Israel’s enemies used political pressure, money, and constant harassment to stall the rebuilding of the temple. The work did not stop because it was wrong; it stalled because opposition was fierce. Expect Opposition, Don’t Be Surprised • Jesus warned, “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.” (John 15:18) • Paul echoed, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) • The pattern is normal: whenever God initiates a work, resistance follows. Recognizing this keeps discouragement from taking root. Stay Anchored in God’s Commission • The builders in Ezra had a royal decree from Cyrus; Christians carry a greater commission from Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). • Confidence grows when you remember who authorized the mission. • Practical step: rehearse God’s promises aloud; let Scripture set the narrative, not critics. Rely on God’s Means, Not the World’s • Israel’s enemies used bribes; the remnant was called to faith and obedience. • “For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4a) • Trade manipulation for prayer, retaliation for kindness, panic for patience. Persevere with Patient Faith • The opposition lasted “during the entire reign of Cyrus… and down to the reign of Darius”—roughly fifteen years. Long resistance is not failure. • “And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) • Small, daily acts of obedience accumulate into long-term faithfulness. Guard Your Heart from Discouragement • Opposition aims first at morale. • Fight back by: – Feeding on the Word (Psalm 119:92) – Sharing burdens with trusted believers (Galatians 6:2) – Recalling past deliverances (Psalm 77:11-12) Maintain a Witness of Integrity • “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) • Respond to slander with truth, to hostility with gentleness, to injustice with righteousness. • Such conduct silences some critics and glorifies God before all (1 Peter 2:12-15). Draw Strength from Christ’s Example • “Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3) • Jesus faced ultimate opposition yet finished the work. Because He prevailed, His Spirit empowers believers to do the same. Putting It All Together 1. Anticipate pushback; it confirms you’re on the right battlefield. 2. Re-affirm God’s calling daily. 3. Use spiritual, not fleshly, weapons. 4. Keep showing up; endurance wins the long game. 5. Protect your heart with Scripture, fellowship, and remembrance. 6. Let your conduct shine; overcome evil with good. 7. Fix your eyes on Christ—He’s both the pattern and the power for finishing well. Opposition does not signal God’s absence; it often marks His activity. Keep building. |
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