Trained for Resistance

Continuing our renewal kindle afresh series, we come to a section aptly illustrated by the grain of sand in the oyster that results in a pearl, namely that conflict and opposition can actually serve to revitalize our spiritual life.  Previously, we have seen how the gift of grace is enhanced by firm assurance and confidence in the Gospel.  Then we considered how serving God as diligent workmen, instead of wearing us down, actually stimulates and sharpens our energy in the Gospel.  Today we will see how conflict can actually stir up the fire of faith in us, counterintuitive though that may sound.  We will focus on two sentences, All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (12) and  All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable . . .(16-17)  (1) The Overwhelming Force of Evil and (2)The Scriptures that Train us for Resistance.