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As We Have Opportunity

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: Galatians 6:10

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From time to time in sermons and in our classes we talk about the importance of opportunities.  Tonight, I would like to consider some thoughts on this subject from God’s word.

Our text is Galatians 6:10, Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.  Written within a context where Paul is encouraging us to look out for one another and for ourselves so as to not give up (6:1-9), He then notes that as we have opportunity, we ought to take advantage of such.

1. What is an opportunity?
   1. AHD, 1. A favorable or advantageous circumstance or combination of circumstances.   A chance for progress or advancement. 3. Fit or convenient time or situation.
   2. The word deals with the idea of circumstances presenting itself in such a way that if you take advantage of it, you can accomplish something.
   3. We also associate it with the “formula” for responsibility: Ability + opportunity = Responsibility.
   4. The word opportunity is found 14x in the NT (NKJV). There are a 3 Greek  root words associated with it.  The most prevalent is ἀφκαιρός (kairos) used 7x.  Including Galatians 6:10.  This Greek word is found more than 80x and is mostly associated with time.   Colossians 4:5 which calls for us to redeem the time is the same root word and means we must make the most of our opportunities.  The NASB translated the phrase, “Making the most of the opportunity.”
      The second most used word is ἀφορμή (aphormē) (6x) and is similar in meaning a time of convenience.  BOTH words have similar meanings.
   5. Opportunities can be both good or bad.
      1. Good – our text, Galatians 6:10 – we have opportunity to do good.
         1. Philippians 4:10 where he speaks of their desire to help Paul but they lacked opportunity.
         2. 1 Corinthians 16:9 where Paul speaks of a great and effective door had opened to him (with many adversaries). It was the reason he intended to delay coming to them.
         3. Acts 3:1-10 – Peter helping a lame man and takes advantage of the opportunity to teach Jesus to those around.
         4. Jesus is our ultimate example of using opportunities to do good – He healed multitudes, raises the dead, and teaches them what they need to hear. Luke 19:1-10 – He comes to the house of Zaccheaus and teaches him there.
      2. Bad opportunities – we find examples and passages about this as well.
         1. Galatians 5:13, For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
         2. Mark 6:21 speaks of an opportune time for Herodias to have John killed.
         3. Luke 4:13, after Jesus resisted his temptations we read, he departed from Him until an opportune time.
         4. Matthew 26:16, Judas sought for a time of opportunity to betray Jesus.
      3. We all have opportunities. In fact every day and throughout we are presented with opportunities – choices to do the right thing or the wrong thing OR to NOT take advantage of an opportunity.  Even the one talent servant had the opportunity to do something – Mathew 25:15.
2. Some areas where we need to be looking for opportunities
   1. Typically, when we speak of opportunities in sermons we are focusing on spiritual accomplishments. This is not about the latest investment or pursuing some personal ambition, etc.  We are concerned about opportunities that will help us and others spiritually.  Some examples include:
   2. Do good to all – Galatians 6:10 – our goal
      1. James 1:27, our conduct toward others is to be pure and undefiled. We do what we can for others.   While we understand what God’s word says about doing good for others, how ready and willing are we to help those in need, either physically or spiritually?
      2. While we understand our salvation is not earned (Ephesians 2:8-10), still we are expected to do good for others.
      3. Titus 2:14 – we are to be “zealous for good works.”
      4. Matthew 25:31-46 – our judgment will include an examination of what we have done for others.
      5. And let us not forget that our actions often open doors. 1 Peter 2:12 – honorable conduct among “the Gentiles” is observed by the good works that we do.
   3. Do good for our brethren
      1. Galatians 6:10, especially those who are of the household of faith.
      2. We often emphasize how we are a spiritual family – the “household of God” – cf. Ephesians 2:19. We are parts of the body of Christ, each relying upon each other to fully function (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
      3. When we are faced with a choice, our brethren should always be at the forefront of our decisions.
      4. James 2:14ff speaks of the brother who has physical needs. It is not enough to pat them on the back.  If we can help them, as we have opportunity let us do so.  1 John 3:17 emphasizes this as well.
      5. Hebrews 3:13 – we are called upon to exhort one another today; Hebrews 10:25 – we consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. Galatians 6:1 calls for us to “Bear one another’s burdens.”  This IS part of the context of our passage for this lesson.
   4. Grow spiritually
      1. 2 Petr 3:18 concludes the letter, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
      2. When we notice our calendars, do we build in time for personal, spiritual growth? This is one of those things we ALWAYS have opportunity to do. Consider again how we are to be redeeming our time (Ephesians 5:15-16).
      3. We need to spend time in God’s word – Colossians 1:10 speaks of being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Ephesians 4:15 – we have been provided “teachers” so that we may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ.
      4. We need to find time to pray – Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, etc.
      5. Worship and assemble with the saints
      6. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us of the privilege and benefits of assembling. IT really is an important element in our spiritual growth.  And God expects it of us!
      7. The opportunities to assemble are there. Are we consistent?  NOTE: This is one of those areas where we need to MAKE opportunities.  Cf. Matthew 6:33 – we are to be seeking first the kingdom of God.
   5. Share God’s word with others –
      1. WHEN we discuss opportunities, this is often what we first think of. And it is something we frequently remind ourselves of (and should).
      2. 1 Peter 3:15, Matthew 28:19-20, cf. Acts 8:4, etc.
      3. Even as we consider our example, one reason behind it is to give others opportunity to glorify God (Matthew 5:13-16).
      4. Let us never forget that the only means God has provided to spread His word is through His disciples. That is you and me.
      5. Like Paul, we need to be praying for “open doors” – Cf. Colossians 4:3.
3. How can we look for opportunities?
   1. Be alert – 1 Peter 1:13 – gird up the loins of your mind and be sober…  Again Colossians 4:5-6 calls for us to walk circumspectly (carefully) which implies alertness.  We need to be aware of what is going on around us.  This not only keeps us alert to the devices of Satan (1 Peter 5:8-9), but also looking for opportunities.
   2. Learn to recognize an opportunity when it presents itself – what is your focus? This point builds upon being alert.  Many are looking for self-satisfying opportunities – get rich, move ahead in your job, personal relationships, etc.; but our minds must be on spiritual pursuits – cf. Colossians 3:1-2, Matthew 6:33, etc.  As we interact with others, are we trained to look at their souls?
   3. Be prepared – we must be ready to act (we discussed this recently in our class). If we are not prepared, we may not be able to avail ourselves of the opportunity.   Paul sets the example of being prepared – he looked for open doors (cf. 1 Cor. 16:9, 2 Cor. 2:12, etc.).  He was also prepared to do whatever he could to help whoever he could – 1 Corinthians 9:22.   Revelation 3:8 – the church at Philadelphia was described as having an open door that none could shut.
   4. Be willing – often opportunities are not about what you need, but what someone else needs. As Christians, are we willing to sacrifice personal pursuits on behalf of others? As Jesus taught His disciples, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few – Matthew 9:37, John 4:35.  James 4:17 reminds us that if we know to do good and do not do it, it is sin.
   5. Don’t let them slip away – realize that a door once closed may not open again. Opportunities usually come with a time stamp.  Often missed opportunities come with regrets.
      1. John 9:4 Jesus noted that the night is coming… work while it is day.
      2. Understand that the easiest way to miss out on an opportunity is to do nothing.
      3. Realize also that we are dealing with eternity. The eternity of others and possibly yourself.

And thus we can see that opportunities are important.  We need to think about them often and be ready when they present themselves.  What are you doing with the opportunities before you?

As we conclude this service we do so with a reminder that there is a day coming when ALL will stand before God in judgment.  Whether or not you are prepared depends on how you respond to God’s invitation.  If you are not prepared, you have an opportunity right now to change that.  If there is some way we can help you, we stand ready.  Think about it!