ENEMIES OF GREATNESS

TOPIC: ENEMIES OF GREATNESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Nehemiah 4:1-3
"When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, ‘What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?’ Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, ‘What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!’"

Supporting Texts:
Genesis 37:19-20
Judges 16:15-21
Galatians 5:7-8
Matthew 13:58
Romans 8:31-37

INTRODUCTION:
Greatness is God's desire for His children, but the journey to greatness is often met with opposition. Many people never reach their full potential due to certain enemies that arise along the way. These enemies can come from within or from external sources, and they are often subtle yet destructive. Identifying and overcoming these enemies is essential for anyone who desires to fulfil their God-given destiny. In this study, we will explore the common enemies of greatness and how to defeat them.

1. FEAR

a) Fear of Failure:
Many people never pursue greatness because they are afraid of failing. This cripples their ability to step into the great things God has for them (2 Timothy 1:7).

b) Fear of the Unknown:
Greatness often requires stepping into the unknown, trusting God with things we cannot see. Fear of the unknown can hinder progress (Joshua 1:9).

c) Fear of Man:
The fear of what others will say or think can stop us from doing what God has called us to do (Proverbs 29:25).

d) Fear of Opposition:
Opposition will always arise when you are on the path to greatness, but fear of that opposition can prevent you from moving forward (Nehemiah 4:1-3).

Biblical Example:
The Israelites failed to enter the Promised Land initially because of their fear. They feared the giants in the land and doubted God's ability to help them (Numbers 13:31-33).

2. DISTRACTIONS

a) Pursuit of Worldly Pleasures:
The pursuit of material things, comfort, and worldly pleasures can distract a person from their divine calling (1 John 2:15-17).

b) Busyness with Lesser Things:
Sometimes, we get so caught up in lesser tasks that we neglect the pursuit of greatness. The enemy often uses busyness to derail us from God's purpose (Luke 10:38-42).

c) Negative Influences:
The people you associate with can either help or hinder your journey to greatness. Negative influences and toxic relationships are major distractions (1 Corinthians 15:33).

d) Lack of Focus on God:
Greatness comes from staying connected to God and His plan. When we lose focus on Him, we become distracted by other things (Hebrews 12:2).

Biblical Example:
Samson was a man destined for greatness, but he allowed distractions, particularly his relationship with Delilah, to derail his calling (Judges 16:15-21).

3. DISOBEDIENCE

a) Ignoring God’s Instructions:
One of the greatest enemies of greatness is disobedience. When we fail to obey God's clear instructions, we forfeit His blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

b) Partial Obedience:
Partial obedience is still disobedience. To achieve greatness, we must fully follow God's will (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

c) Pride and Self-Will:
Pride leads to disobedience because it causes a person to trust in their own understanding rather than seeking God’s direction (Proverbs 16:18).

d) Rebellion Against Authority:
Rebellion against God or those He has placed in authority over us can block the path to greatness (Romans 13:1-2).

Biblical Example:
King Saul lost his greatness because of disobedience. He refused to fully carry out God's command, and as a result, his kingdom was taken away (1 Samuel 15:10-28).

4. UNBELIEF

a) Doubt in God’s Promises:
Unbelief is a major enemy of greatness. If you do not believe in the promises of God, you will not be able to claim them (Hebrews 3:12).

b) Lack of Faith in Yourself:
Many people fail to achieve greatness because they do not believe in themselves or the calling God has placed on their lives (Philippians 4:13).

c) Unbelief Stifles Miracles:
Unbelief can limit the manifestation of God’s power in your life. Even Jesus was unable to perform many miracles in His hometown because of the people's unbelief (Matthew 13:58).

d) Unbelief in Others' Success:
Envy and disbelief in the success of others can create a negative mindset that prevents personal growth and greatness (Romans 12:15).

Biblical Example:
The Israelites’ unbelief prevented them from entering the Promised Land. They doubted God's ability to deliver them from their enemies (Numbers 14:1-4).

5. HOW TO OVERCOME THE ENEMIES OF GREATNESS

a) Trust in God’s Plan:
Commit your life and plans to God, trusting that He is able to fulfil His promises for your life (Proverbs 3:5-6).

b) Stay Focused on Your Purpose:
Avoid distractions by keeping your eyes on the prize of greatness. Stay focused on the goal and do not be swayed by lesser things (Philippians 3:13-14).

c) Walk in Obedience:
Follow God's instructions completely, even when they seem difficult. Obedience is the key to unlocking God’s favour and blessings (Isaiah 1:19).

d) Build Your Faith:
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Surround yourself with His promises and build your faith to overcome doubt and unbelief (Romans 10:17).

Biblical Example:
Nehemiah overcame the enemies of greatness by trusting in God, staying focused on the mission of rebuilding the wall, and refusing to be distracted by his critics (Nehemiah 4:6-9).

CONCLUSION:
The enemies of greatness are real and can be a hindrance to achieving your God-given destiny. Fear, distractions, disobedience, and unbelief are common barriers that must be overcome in order to walk in the greatness God has prepared for you. By trusting in God, staying focused on His plan, walking in obedience, and building your faith, you can defeat these enemies and fulfil your divine purpose.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from every spirit of fear that is hindering my greatness.

2. Father, help me stay focused on Your purpose for my life and avoid distractions.

3. Lord, give me the grace to walk in complete obedience to Your Word.

4. Father, increase my faith and help me overcome every doubt and unbelief.

5. Lord, break every stronghold of disobedience in my life that is stopping my progress.

6. Father, strengthen me to resist the enemy's attempts to derail my path to greatness.

7. Lord, surround me with godly influences that will help me fulfil my destiny.

8. Father, remove every distraction that is taking my focus away from You and Your plan.

9. Lord, help me overcome the challenges and obstacles that stand in the way of my greatness.

10. Father, I declare that no enemy will stop me from achieving the greatness You have destined for me.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that no fear will hinder your path to greatness; you are bold and courageous in the Lord.

2. Every distraction that has been set to derail you is removed in Jesus' name.

3. I declare that you will walk in complete obedience to God's will, and you will see His blessings overflow in your life.

4. Your faith will grow, and you will overcome every doubt and unbelief.

5. I declare that you will not be held back by disobedience; you are aligned with God’s purpose for your life.

6. You are victorious over every opposition and challenge that comes against your destiny.

7. I declare that God will surround you with divine helpers who will guide you towards your greatness.

8. Every plan of the enemy to distract or destroy your focus is cancelled in Jesus' name.

9. You will rise above every obstacle and walk in the fullness of your God-given greatness.

10. I declare that no enemy will stop the greatness God has ordained for your life!