1. Instruments Opposing the Church “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18

2. Instruments Opposing the Church Persecution (Acts 5:38-40; 8:1)

3. Acts 5:38-40 (Gamaliel) And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it--lest you even be found to fight against God.“ 40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

4. Acts 8:1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

5. Instruments Opposing the Church Persecution (Acts 5:38-40; 8:1) The World (1 John 2:15-17; 2 Tim. 4:10)

6. 1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

7. 2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica--Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.

8. Instruments Opposing the Church Persecution (Acts 5:38-40; 8:1) The World (1 John 2:15-17; 2 Tim. 4:10) Mammon (Rev. 3:17; 1 Tim. 6:9-10)

9. Revelation 3:17 (Laodicea) Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing”--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

10. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11. Instruments Opposing the Church Persecution (Acts 5:38-40; 8:1) The World (1 John 2:15-17; 2 Tim. 4:10) Mammon (Rev. 3:17; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Discord (James 3:14-16)

12. James 3:14-16 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

13. Instruments Opposing the Church Persecution (Acts 5:38-40; 8:1) The World (1 John 2:15-17; 2 Tim. 4:10) Mammon (Rev. 3:17; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Discord (James 3:14-16) Division (1 Cor. 1:10-13; John 17:20-21)

14. 1 Corinthians 1:10-11 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you.

15. John 17:20-21 I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

16. Instruments Opposing the Church Persecution (Acts 5:38-40; 8:1) The World (1 John 2:15-17; 2 Tim. 4:10) Mammon (Rev. 3:17; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Discord (James 3:14-16) Division (1 Cor. 1:10-13; John 17:20-21) False Doctrine (Gal. 1:6-7; 2 Tim. 4:3-4)

17. Galatians 1:6-7 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.

18. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

19. Instruments Opposing the Church Persecution (Acts 5:38-40; 8:1) The World (1 John 2:15-17; 2 Tim. 4:10) Mammon (Rev. 3:17; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Discord (James 3:14-16) Division (1 Cor. 1:10-13; John 17:20-21) False Doctrine (Gal. 1:6-7; 2 Tim. 4:3-4) Lukewarmness (Rev. 3:15-16; Amos 6:1)

20. Revelation 3:15-16 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. (Laodicea)

21. Amos 6:1 Woe to you who are at ease in Zion, And trust in Mount Samaria, Notable persons in the chief nation, To whom the house of Israel comes!

22. Conclusion 1.Though there are opponents to the church, they will not prevail! you “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” 2.The question is, “Are you working against the church? “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” (Matt. 12:30)