LOUISVILLE, Ky, (KT) - Professional Doctoral students arrived on Southern Seminary’s campus for a week of in-person classes Jan. 14–18. A highlight of the week included a chapel service with Abraham Kuruvilla, a Carl E. Bates Professor of Christian Preaching, delivering a sermon.
Kuruvilla’s message from Genesis 26 called Christians to trust God's voice amidst the world's noise. Isaac’s life, and the opposition he faced, encourages believers to take three steps in handling opposition in their own lives.
We all know “dragons” who antagonize us and cause fear. There is much to fear, including finances, danger, relationships, and even ministry. To meet opposition as Christians, however, Kuruvilla said believers must look back upon God’s promises.
“Isaac’s fundamental mistake was mistrusting the promises of God,” Kuruvilla said. “What are you afraid of, Christian? God has promised safety in no uncertain terms.”
God had guaranteed the safety of Isaac’s descendants four times. But Isaac trusted the world’s opposition and took his own path rather than pursuing the will of God. Kuruvilla labored the promises of Scripture, reminding those in Christ that even through suffering God’s presence never subsides.
“Drown out the scary noises of the world with the voice of God,” Kuruvilla said. “Remember his presence and his grace.”
As the narrative of Isaac unfolds, he meets great opposition from the Philistines. Kuruvilla noted that the envy of the world always targets Christians. Instead of caving to the fear of the world and responding with despair, Kuruvilla urged believers to see the details of Isaac’s situation and apply the principles of Christ, who did not retaliate, to the current antagonism.
“Satan will throw everything at you,” Kuruvilla said. “What’s amazing is what Isaac doesn’t do when met with opposition. He doesn’t retaliate. How will our trust in God show up? Will we be clawing and climbing, chafing and complaining? Or may our trust in God be so complete that we refrain from retaliation?”
Kuruvilla explained the third step to handling opposition by emphasizing the trust it takes to rely solely on grace.
“Treat oppressors with kindness?” Kuruvilla asked. “It’s not impossible. Remember Christ. he suffered as an example for us. If an adversary comes to mind, decide right now if you will remember the promises, refrain from retaliation and reconcile with grace.”
Do you trust God to take care of you? Kuruvilla pointed to the blessings of God the flowed in Isaac’s story.
“God’s presence in our lives is past, present, and future. You are God’s child. He blesses, and he blesses, and he blesses all those who trust in him.”
