Door of Opportunity
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The concept of a "Door of Opportunity" in the Bible is often understood as a metaphorical expression denoting a divinely appointed occasion or set of circumstances that allows for the advancement of God's purposes, the spread of the Gospel, or the fulfillment of a believer's calling. This idea is rooted in several scriptural passages that highlight God's sovereign orchestration of events and the believer's responsibility to recognize and act upon these opportunities.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Corinthians 16:9 · The Apostle Paul writes, "because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me." Here, Paul acknowledges that God has provided him with a significant opportunity to minister, despite the presence of adversaries. This passage illustrates the principle that divine opportunities often come with challenges and require discernment and courage to pursue.

2. Colossians 4:3 · Paul requests prayer, "that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains." This verse underscores the importance of prayer in seeking and recognizing opportunities to share the Gospel. It also highlights the believer's dependence on God to create such openings.

3. Revelation 3:8 · In the message to the church in Philadelphia, Jesus says, "I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. For you have a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name." This passage emphasizes the assurance that when God opens a door, it remains open despite human opposition, and it is a reward for faithfulness and perseverance.

Theological Implications:

The "Door of Opportunity" is a testament to God's providence and His active role in the world. It reflects the belief that God orchestrates circumstances to fulfill His divine plan and that He invites believers to participate in His work. This concept encourages Christians to be vigilant and responsive to the Holy Spirit's leading, recognizing that opportunities to serve, witness, and grow in faith are often presented in everyday life.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to cultivate a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit to discern these doors of opportunity. This involves prayer, study of the Scriptures, and a willingness to step out in faith when such opportunities arise. It also requires an understanding that these doors may not always align with personal desires or expectations but are ultimately for the advancement of God's kingdom.

Challenges and Opposition:

Scripture indicates that doors of opportunity often come with opposition, as seen in Paul's experiences. Believers are called to persevere through challenges, trusting that God is in control and that He equips them to overcome obstacles. This perseverance is a testament to faith and reliance on God's strength rather than one's own.

In summary, the "Door of Opportunity" is a powerful biblical metaphor that encourages believers to be attentive to God's leading, to act with courage and faith, and to trust in His sovereign plan for their lives and the world.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Corinthians 16:9
For a great door and effectual is opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 3:8
I know your works: behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
2374. thura -- a door
... a door. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: thura Phonetic Spelling:
(thoo'-rah) Short Definition: a door, opportunity Definition: (a) a door, (b ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2374.htm - 6k
Library

The Open Door
... That land is best governed where the door of opportunity stands wide open
to the humblest of its citizens, so that no man can shut it. ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/xlii the open door.htm

God's Door into a Home.
... If there be but one in a home in touch with God, that one becomes God's door into
the whole family. Contact means opportunity, and that in turn means ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/gods door into a home.htm

A Successful Man of Affairs.
... The great injustice which he suffered and the seeming misfortune proved in turn
a new door of opportunity, but this would not have been the case had not Joseph ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study vii a successful man.htm

Somebody's Knocking at the Door.
... The Present Opportunity Somebody's Knocking at the Door. There's a soft, tender
passion in the heart of God. Its flame burns steadily. It never flags nor dims. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/somebodys knocking at the door.htm

The Coming Great Leaders.
... mighty, aggressive neighbor on their eastern shore had brought to their very door
the new civilization of the Christian West. Here was an unusual opportunity. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/the coming great leaders.htm

Man's Bad Break.
... With the opportunity came the temptation: God's opportunity; Satan's temptation. ...
God's door up, the tempter's door down, and only a door-jamb between. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/mans bad break.htm

Returning Our Call.
... at our doors, front door, and back door, and wherever there is a door. ... world, but
for the Christian Church"shall we respond to the opportunity they are ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/returning our call.htm

The Interpretation of the Early Narratives of the Old Testament
... experience, where he is tested and trained. It also opens wide the door
of opportunity. Fidelity to every interest and an unselfish ...
/.../xiv the interpretation of the.htm

A Little Boy Converts his Mother.
... room he found some people there, and he sat waiting for an opportunity, when his
mother said it was time for him to go to bed. He went to the door undecided. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/a little boy converts his.htm

Dissolving views.
... and so while He patiently continues His work among them He studiously seeks opportunity
to retire ... tempted to give less time to the inner chamber, with door shut ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/dissolving views.htm

Resources
How to get to heaven - what are the ideas from the different religions? | GotQuestions.org

How is Jesus the “True Shepherd” in John 10:1-5? | GotQuestions.org

What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the good Shepherd?” | GotQuestions.org

Door: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Door

Door of Opportunity

Door: Closed

Door: Door of Hope

Door: Doors of the Temple Made of Two Leaves, Cherubim and Flowers Carved Upon, Covered With Gold

Door: Hinges For

Door: Made of Gold

Door: Posts of, Sprinkled With the Blood of the Paschal Lamb

Door: The Law to be Written On

Related Terms

Door-posts (11 Occurrences)

Door-keepers (34 Occurrences)

Tent-door (6 Occurrences)

Door-post (5 Occurrences)

Door-opening (2 Occurrences)

Door-keeper (2 Occurrences)

Door-pillars (2 Occurrences)

Tabernacle-door (2 Occurrences)

Water-door (1 Occurrence)

Town-door (1 Occurrence)

Doorposts (15 Occurrences)

Knock (7 Occurrences)

Music-makers (18 Occurrences)

Screen (26 Occurrences)

Shutting (43 Occurrences)

Entrance (190 Occurrences)

Doorkeeper (8 Occurrences)

Doorpost (5 Occurrences)

Bar (27 Occurrences)

Knocking (9 Occurrences)

Rhoda (1 Occurrence)

Rolled (38 Occurrences)

Doorframe (3 Occurrences)

Doorstep (11 Occurrences)

Answers (42 Occurrences)

Stoop (10 Occurrences)

Searching (111 Occurrences)

Bullock (95 Occurrences)

Twenty-five (36 Occurrences)

Shut (237 Occurrences)

Doorway (221 Occurrences)

Eighth (38 Occurrences)

Maid (57 Occurrences)

Keeping (282 Occurrences)

Bull (114 Occurrences)

Posts (68 Occurrences)

Doves (25 Occurrences)

Makers (20 Occurrences)

Pigeons (14 Occurrences)

Porter (6 Occurrences)

Begun (50 Occurrences)

Bolt (5 Occurrences)

Colours (20 Occurrences)

Cloudy (6 Occurrences)

Side-chambers (10 Occurrences)

Sepulcher (48 Occurrences)

Shutteth (17 Occurrences)

Stepped (16 Occurrences)

Sepulchre (57 Occurrences)

Sidewalls (4 Occurrences)

Side-walls (2 Occurrences)

Meeting (323 Occurrences)

Amulet

Enters (44 Occurrences)

Doorkeepers (37 Occurrences)

Stationed (49 Occurrences)

Sir (90 Occurrences)

Pigeon (3 Occurrences)

Damsel (43 Occurrences)

Dash (30 Occurrences)

Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences)

Keeper (72 Occurrences)

Sweet (147 Occurrences)

Assembled (186 Occurrences)

Rooms (69 Occurrences)

Entereth (40 Occurrences)

Sides (170 Occurrences)

Congregation (347 Occurrences)

Doors (149 Occurrences)

Curtain (60 Occurrences)

Blows (105 Occurrences)

Sockets (44 Occurrences)

Tent (333 Occurrences)

Pillar (72 Occurrences)

Duty (90 Occurrences)

Anointing (39 Occurrences)

Spices (64 Occurrences)

Request (248 Occurrences)

Door
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