Many Adversaries
As Christians, we must navigate the challenges of witness with confidence in the power of Jesus Christ, who undertakes with us in all things.
J. Stuart Holden emphasizes the challenging yet rewarding nature of Christian witness, highlighting the personal growth that occurs when faith is tested against difficult circumstances. He encourages facing obstacles with the power of Christ, as they are essential for personal development. Holden urges believers to focus on the open door of opportunity rather than being consumed by adversaries, reminding them that Christ undertakes every task with them, making them more than conquerors through His love.
Text
"For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries"
(1 Cor. 16:9).
Let there be no mistake about this. The place of Christian witness is often a hard and lonely place. But it is under just such conditions, matching the confidence of your faith against the apparent hopelessness of your efforts, that your own personal life will most surely develop. You may not appear to make much of the work entrusted to you. But it will make you! The man you are to be will not emerge from the man you are except by hardness and conflict and by the overcoming of obstacles in the power of Him Who neither dispenses with your personality nor suppresses it as you engage together in the holy warfare.
Look out, then, upon that open door! And get you through it in fellowship with Jesus Christ! Look at the adversaries through the opportunity. Don't make the fatal mistake of looking at the opportunity through the adversaries. And remember, now and always, that Christ our Lord does not ask us to do anything that He does not propose to undertake also with us! "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" Many adversaries? "Nay. In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us!"
Sermon Outline
- The Place of Christian Witness
- The Importance of Fellowship with Jesus Christ
- The Power of Christ in Overcoming Adversities
- Christ undertakes with us in all things
- We are more than conquerors through Him
Key Quotes
“The place of Christian witness is often a hard and lonely place.” — J. Stuart Holden
“Christ our Lord does not ask us to do anything that He does not propose to undertake also with us!” — J. Stuart Holden
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us!” — J. Stuart Holden
Application Points
- As you face challenges in your Christian walk, remember that personal growth and development occur in the midst of hardship and loneliness.
- Keep your focus on the open door and the power of Christ, rather than looking at the opportunity through the adversaries.
- You are more than a conqueror through the power of Jesus Christ, and you can overcome any obstacle with His help.