DOORS AND ADVERSARIES

1 Corinthians 16:9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

This is about Paul being in Ephesus. In Verse 8, Paul said he would stay in Ephesus until the celebration of Pentecost. In Ephesus, Paul was ministering at the school of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9). He would minister there daily and, ultimately, had much success. From that school, all of Asia (probably modern-day Turkey) heard the Word of God. The people he was producing from these meetings were going out and changing the world. This could have been the effectual door he was referring to. There is something about studying the Word of God in a concentrated way that really changes people’s lives. This is really the heart of our own Bible Institute, and I have seen it do similar things in people’s lives. The devil would love to shut stuff like this down. When people really grab the Word of God in this kind of setting, they seem to make greater changes in their lives. The devil was trying to stop the work that Paul had in Ephesus. Not only were people being taught the Word of God and sent out, but many miracles were happening. In Acts 19:11-12, we see special miracles being done through Paul and that handkerchiefs were sent from Paul, after he laid hands on them, so people could be healed and delivered. We also see that Paul caused a great stir in the city because people were being born again and were discarding their former idol worship and all the books that went with them. The devil was scared and really raised up some people to come against Paul because of what God was doing through him. When we do something for God, many times, the devil will personally attack you by raising up some issues around you or trying to do something to hinder or delay what God wants to do. The good news is, we have authority over the devil, and we have the name of Jesus. What should we do? Go through the door. Don’t stay outside the door where the adversary is hanging out. Go through the door of opportunity and do what God has called you to do! Just do it! You have been given a name above every name, and you are seated in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus. You have the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, so go through the door!