Moving Forward through Self-Recovery
Financial Opposition
(Part 4)
“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:25-26
By now you are familiar with our need to set the right atmosphere around us as we enter into the presence of the Lord. You have probably experienced the difference when you go before him with praise. Setting the right atmosphere helps to tilt victory in your favor. Take time to settle yourself before the Lord and release the highest praise before the King of Kings!
1 Praise him, praise him, praise him, praise him!
Jesus, blessed Savior, he’s worthy to be praised.
From the rising of the sun
until the going down of the same,
he’s worthy, Jesus is worthy,
he’s worthy to be praised.
2 Glory! Glory! In all things give him glory.
Jesus, blessed Savior, he’s worthy to be praised.
For God is our rock,
hope of salvation;
a strong deliverer,
in him I will always trust.
3 Praise him, praise him, praise him, praise him!
Jesus, blessed Savior, he’s worthy to be praised.
From the rising of the sun
until the going down of the same,
he’s worthy, Jesus is worthy,
he’s worthy to be praised.
Praise him, praise him, praise him, praise
Financial Opposition
There are many ways to financially oppose oneself they include but are not limited to not paying tithes or not paying debts that owed. However, financial opposition also includes not returning to God dividends or returns on his spiritual investment in us. God has given each of us spiritual gifts and spiritual talents which he expects to get a healthy return from. As good stewards we are to be fruitful in our spiritual duty.
Other Examples of Financial Opposition
We can financially oppose God when we use our finances to only serve ourselves, neglect our family’s, the church or others who are in need. When we horde our spiritual gifts or exploit them for our own gains and do not produce spiritual dividend’s for the Lord. This position is in opposition to the love and compassion of Christ.
“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
We are to give generously. We are to be considerate and caring of others. We are to give with the right heart. When we fail to do so, we are living lives that are riddled with opposition.
No one should have to coax us into giving. No one should have to guilt us into being compassionate. If we are spiritual children of God when we hear of a need our hearts will cry out in a desire to help. Even if we are unable to financially contribute we can invest our spiritual gifts or talents to help change the circumstances of others. If we remain indifferent then our hearts are of stone and it is at this point that we should cry out for God to do within us what he desires to do . . . give us hearts of flesh.
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26
If we desire to stop opposing ourselves we need to take note of our reactions, our thoughts, and spending habits and sincerely examine them. If they would not receive a well done from the Lord we should refuse to invest anymore time or effort into it.
Each of us will have to give an account on the final day. However, today the Lord has given us another opportunity to change our course in life. We can once more realign ourselves with him. What will you choose to do?
Let us seal this lesson under the blood of Jesus and crown it with the precious name of Jesus!
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there is something about that name
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
There’s just something about that name
Master, Savior, Jesus
Like the fragrance after the rain
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Let all heaven and earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms shall all pass away
But there’s something about that name.
Prayer
Father, we thank you for your mercies and your loving kindness toward us. We exalt you for you are a good and faithful God. Lord, help us to put an end to our financial opposition to you. Help us to invest our spiritual gifts and talents so that they will reap massive dividends for the kingdom of God.
Lord help us that we will not be led into captivity of the enemy. Keep us from being ensnared in his traps. Give us hearts of flesh so that we will be responsive to the needs of others according to the leading of Holy Spirit. Father, we thank you in Jesus name, amen.
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