"For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries."1Cor.16:9
In considering this scripture for this short study, let us first of all define some of the terms used in it. For example, what is the meaning of following words: great, effectual and adversaries.
Great: Extraordinary, considerable, substantial, etc
Effectual: effective, successful, efficacious, productive, constructive, fruitful, potent, powerful, etc.
Adversary: opponent, rival, foe, combatant, etc.
Now permit me to rewrite the Scripture in my own version; “ for a substantial and fruitful opportunity (entry) is before me, but there are many enemies opposing me.”
Many people have had, and still has great doors opened before them, but has a lot of foes to contend with. These enemies ranges from physical and spiritual contenders.
It is not enough for you to see the door, it is much more important to enter. It is good enough for you to have a vision, but much more to fulfill it. The enemy may not stop you from dreaming or having a vision, but will do all that is in power to stop you from reaching it.
“Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.” 1Th. 2:18
Every vision a child of God has, must be opposed by the devil(Satan).
A man who is being resisted will only struggle. He puts in a lot of strength, but has little or no progress.
Let’s look at this scenario, two men in a race of the same distance, even possessing the same strength , but one has a man in front of him and opposing him. No matter how serious he is, he must first of all defeat his opposition before moving forward.
Be careful to know the tricks of the enemy. He may not come dressed in black clad and appearing with horns on his head, and a trident in his hand, but be wise enough to identify him.
“And no wonder, since Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”2Cor. 11:14 (ISV).
In Mathew 16:23, Jesus rebuked Peter and addressed him as the devil. Why? Peter became a tool for Satan to oppose the purpose of Jesus. “But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”
Satan can use good friends, family members and other conditions to oppose people from entering the purpose of God for their lives.
Zech. 3:1 “And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.”
Satan is always in rebellion against all that is God’. Resisting every door opened for the children of God is one of his major itineraries. Joshua was standing before the angel of the LORD, but Satan appeared with a mission to resist him from the opportunity.
There are many whose their sins have become a source of adversaries unto, and so on. It is therefore necessary for people to do a proper check to know the causes of resistance in their lives and how to subdue everyone of them.
We will have to stop here today to continue next time. God bless you!
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