Overcoming the Giant of Opposition
Journey Through the Gospel of John • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction
Introduction
This morning we pick right up with our story about the formerly lame man. I used that term for this man is no longer lame. His life is completely different. The minute Christ entered his life spiritual healing took place. However, as we will discover, faith in Christ comes with some challenges.
Here is what God desires that we understand this morning from this historical account of Christ, the lame man, and the Jewish religious leaders. The Giant of Opposition is an actual thing. I use the term “Giant” for this simple reason. Some use their position as a means to manipulate others through fear. It was no different in the days of Christ. These religious leaders set up a religious system through which they controlled the people. They utilized the fear of God for their gain. And, thus, the giant (ogre, if you will) was so large that the people of Christ’s day trembled in its presence and paid homage to it. They lived in fear of these religious people.
Now, remember this crucial aspect of Christ’s first coming. He came as a Savior, a Deliverer. His primary mission in His first earthly ministry was to free people from bondage. Unfortunately, when He began His earthly ministry, the people of Israel, His people, did not even realize how much they were enslaved to sin, Satan, and the world.Note what they said to Christ in John 8.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
Think about that statement and then consider our story. Christ healed this man. Last week, we considered his healing. He was there beside Bethesda's pool. He could not get into the pool whenever God’s angel moved it. He had no one to help him. He was living a helpless and hopeless life. Such was his life until the moment Christ entered. Then, with God’s spoken word and grace upon his life, he was healed and changed. If you recall, Christ instructed him to arise, pick up his bed, and walk. Here, we pick up our story, which leads us to the point of today’s message.
9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
Think back to their statement to Christ in John 8 which I just read a moment ago. They claimed they were never in bondage to any man. Now, let’s pick back up this story of the lame man by reading verses 10-18.
10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
What is strikingly significant to me is this! The people of Israel were in bondage to men. Yet, they were so blinded to their spiritual condition that they could not see how much they truly feared other people. Note that these religious leaders were on a witch hunt. How dare someone heal another person on the Sabbath day! You see, these religious leaders established a framework of religious beliefs by which they maintained dominance over the people using fear. Christ challenged this dominance. His healing of this lame man demonstrated that He did not fear their religious system. Instead, He, as God, possessed all authority and did whatever He chose to do. We will get to that thought more in the coming weeks. However, for now, the point is the opposition the lame man faced immediately after he experienced the healing power of Christ.
With that in mind, let me share some principles of God’s Word that I learned from this account concerning the ogre of opposition.
We must...
Understand the Reality of Opposition
Understand the Reality of Opposition
10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
Christ taught that we would face opposition. This story is a classic illustration of how such opposition pops up quickly and often from the most unlikely places.
Again, let’s set the scene once again.
This man has experienced healing. The most momentous and joyous experience he had ever dreamed of just happened. He is on cloud nine. The world is a beautiful place. He met Jesus, even though he did not know his name, and his life became drastically different. Without any thought or care, the lame man picks up his bed as instructed and walks away, enjoying the newfound strength in his legs. Then, what seems almost immediately, the Jews, the religious leaders, and the ogres of opposition begin questioning this man. In a matter of moments, this new believer is already facing opposition.
One of the most significant issues in believers' lives is the amount of opposition they face. I contend that pastors, churches, and leaders do not spend the time necessary to help believers understand the amount of opposition they will face, the ferocity of the opposition, and how to overcome such opposition. Consequently, too many believers become discouraged, quitting church and giving up on their relationship with Christ. Then, Satan swoops in and steals their desire for the Lord. For that very reason, this message and the example of this formerly lame man is so important.
We must all understand that opposition will always come to those who place their faith in Christ. We all face three enemies: our flesh, the world, and Satan. Scripture notes this eloquently.
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Christ Himself warned us about the opposition we would face if we followed Him.
17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.
20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
Friends, I am here to echo the words of Christ and remind you that if you choose to live for the world, opposition will come your way. We must not be surprised that just as men hated Christ, so they will hate us. We see all of this in our account today. These religious leaders tried to impose their religious mandates upon this young believer. They insisted that he had violated their interpretation of God’s law. Yet, despite their efforts, this lame man, who was enjoying his newfound freedom, ignored them. Instead, he refuted them with...
11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
This only infuriated them more. Such was their hatred that by the time we get to the end of today’s text, they are conspiring ways to murder Jesus.
Thus, Scripture resonates with the fact that those who live for Christ will be opposed by the world and, more often than not, by the so-called religious leaders of this world.
I believe this last thought is one that we must pay particular attention to today. Many claim to be the only ones who can correctly interpret God’s Word. Christ also warned us about them. Opposition not only comes from the world but also from those who are false prophets. They are the ones who have transformed themselves into angels of light. In other words, they appear as if they believe Christ, yet when the rubber meets the road, it is more about their interpretation of Scripture than just believing what God has revealed in His Word. Note the warnings that come from Scripture about such religious people.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
What is their goal? They desire to create fear in people's lives so that they might dominate and control them. For this reason, they use just enough Scripture to gain an advantage over others. Yet, they do not desire to be godly or help anyone lead godly lives. Instead, they have created an environment where they become big. They become giants and ogres, causing others to tremble in their sight. Such bondage is not what God desires in the life of any person. Thus, He came down to rescue us not only from the bondage of sin but also from the bondage of false religion.
Yes, opposition will come. It is a reality. However, there is more to this story. You see, God does allow opposition, for He also uses it as an opportunity—a thought that leads us to our next main point.
We also must...
Understand the Opportunity Opposition Presents
Understand the Opportunity Opposition Presents
Go with me back to this account of formerly lame man. Note verses 14 and 15.
14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
Here is what I find fascinating! Christ finds him. We must never forget that Christ is always fully aware of our situation. He knew that these religious ogres were already seeking to bring this man back into the bondage of their spiritual framework. So Christ finds him and gives him some instructions. We will talk about that instruction in a moment. However, for now, God wants us to understand that each moment of opposition is also an opportunity.
Now note this. This new believer was confronted with two things at once. He was faced with both a trial and temptation. Right out the gate, in his new faith, God tested him. By the way, God does test those who are faithful to Him. Each test God allows in our life is designed to strengthen our commitment to follow Him and obey His word no matter the cost. It was no different for this formerly lame man. God brought a trial (test) into his life.
What is a trial? A trial or test is an opportunity to practice Christlikeness by obeying God’s Word, thus giving honor to Jesus Christ.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Along with this trial also came a temptation. Now, understand this, God does not tempt any man. He tries man, but He does not tempt man.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
A temptation, which cannot originate from God, solicits you to disobey God’s Word and gratify your fleshly desires.
We see both in this man’s run-in with the religious ogres of his day. The trial was their challenge that he was violating their interpretation of God’s law by carrying his bed. They were not concerned with the healing that he just enjoyed. No, he was in violation and must conform to their authority. Now came the temptation. How would he react to this trial? Would he give into the flesh? Indeed, the flesh wanted its way in this situation.
Think about it! How would you have reacted? Would there be a temptation to conform to their aggressive attempts to control you? Most people in that day would have easily caved in to such pressure. Remember that the fear of man often looms large in our lives. This man, who now has the freedom to interact with others physically, most likely was feeling the pressure of acceptance. Like so many others, he desires to have people accept him, want him, and enjoy companionship. Something that he had not experienced for 38 years. I imagine the flesh tempted him to give in. Or the flesh might have reacted in another way. He might have responded with how dare you tell me what to do! Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the flesh raised its ugly head for a moment. It is inevitable.
It is no different for us. There are times when we are faced with opportunities (trials/tests) that God places before us. Some of those trials come using opposition, and some come by other means, such as circumstances we find ourselves in. Yet, no matter how they come, there is the opportunity to please ourselves or the Lord. In that moment, we can demonstrate our sincere faith in Christ. We can obey God’s Word or give in to our fleshly desires. God tests us. He wants to know if we are genuine in our decision to follow Him.
What is interesting about trials is that we all face them. At the same time, God is faithful. Along with each trial is God’s provision if we choose to obey. In other words, God never brings a trial into our lives that is too much for us. He always makes a way for us to escape the trial without giving in to the flesh.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
What is the ultimate purpose? He is training us. He is growing us so that we come to the point where we are living out 1 Corinthians 10:31
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
When we follow God’s word by being obedient to Him during a trial, we glorify Him and become a wonderful witness for Him.
This formerly lame man was an excellent example of overcoming opposition and the trial set before him.
11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
When confronted with the religious ogre’s opposition, the formerly lame man stated his obedience to Christ. Christ told him to take up his bed and walk. Thus, he reaffirmed his commitment to follow Christ’s instruction and refused to give in to the demands of these religious hypocrites.
Remember that opposition will come to those who follow Christ. It is not a matter of if trials will come but only when they do. When they do come, we must see them for what they are. They are an opportunity for us to show our total commitment to Christ. However, we must also understand that the temptation to live according to the flesh comes with each trial.
Earlier, I mentioned the three enemies we face each day - our flesh, the world, and Satan. God has given each believer three critical weapons in battle with these enemies. In our struggle with Satan, God has provided His Word. Christ demonstrated the power of God’s Word in Satan’s attempt to tempt Christ. In our battle with the world, God has provided the local church. The local church's teaching, preaching, and camaraderie counteract the world's attempts to propagate its false teachings and draw us back into its friendship. God has provided His Spirit that indwells us in our battle with our sinful flesh. When overcoming the opposition we often face, we must rely on these incredible assets.
Here is my last point before we end the message.
The bottom line is we...
Overcome Opposition by Living God’s Way
Overcome Opposition by Living God’s Way
Our text gives us two key moments demonstrating this principle.
14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
Then, note Jesus’ response to the religious ogres in verse 17.
17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
In His first response to the formerly lame man, Christ gave some significant instructions.
He reminded this new believer that Christ made him whole.
He reminded this new believer that Christ made him whole.
We must remember that our life in Christ is dramatically different from the old life before Christ. We now have a new power and strength within us. We are no longer the impotent, lifeless, and powerless person before we met Christ. No, we now have His Spirit living within us. We have God’s power at our disposal. Therefore, we do not need to live in fear of other people.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
He instructed this new believer to live righteously.
He instructed this new believer to live righteously.
By telling him to “sin no more,” Christ reminded him that he was no longer a slave to sin but a servant to righteousness. Christ made him righteous. He no longer needed to heed the lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life. He was not free to serve the Lord and others. We, too, must remember that we are free to serve the Lord and we are no longer slaves to sin.
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Later, Christ responded to the religious ogres by stating that He worked as God does daily. His statement was a reminder to all of us that we must be working each day as well. Our work is to obey God’s Word. Just as it was God’s will for Christ to come and die for our sins, so it is God’s will for us to obey His word. We do so in grateful response to God’s love revealed through His Son, Jesus Christ. Our obedience is not dependent upon circumstances, feelings, or other people. No, our commitment is to please God. We overcome the ogres of opposition when we live in obedience to Him and with a commitment to please Him.
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Let me finish by encouraging this morning that God is greater than any person or circumstance. He promises that He will help us overcome any challenge that presents itself. With every trial, there is always a way of escape. You, as a believer, young and old, are an overcomer.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
We must not fear men. Instead, we must live obediently to God’s Word, knowing that we have His Spirit’s strength within us. Thus, we can overcome the ogres of opposition!
There is one last thing. If you have not received Christ as your Savior, you are still a slave to sin and continue to live in fear of others. You cannot overcome these obstacles in your life without Christ. Only He can change you. It is only through Christ that you can experience spiritual resurrection.
