CHRIST our CHAMPION and the DEVIL’S CHIEF ADVERSARY: “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Cor 16:9). Notice the “and” in the center of this sentence. Paul does not write “but”; the “and” would indicate that these two ideas actually come together: great opportunities for the gospel and great opposition from our enemies. Writes Charles Spurgeon, “We are foolish to expect to serve God without opposition: the more zealous we are, the more sure are we to be assailed…Glory be to God, we know the end of the war. The great dragon shall be cast out and forever destroyed, while Jesus and they who are with Him shall receive the crown. Let us sharpen our swords tonight, and pray the Holy Spirit to nerve our arms for the conflict. Never a battle so important, never a crown so glorious. Every Christian to their post, you warriors of the cross, and may the Lord tread Satan under your feet shortly!”