Lesson Five

What's Hindering You?

 

Introduction:

As Christians our goal should be to live a productive Christ-centered life for our entire life. This is difficult enough just battling our own flesh, but there are other hurdles and obstacles you must overcome. You are like a runner in a race, and some hurdles have names on them that may surprise you.

This is not a new battle as noted in (Gal. 3:1-3; 5:7-8) the Galatians started out well… who bewitched them; what hindered them? Could it have been some of the following? 

I. Family - (Gen. 24:55-56)

A. Review the story of Abraham's servant's duty.

B. The servant is eager to return and doesn't want to be hindered, but Rebekah's family has other ideas.
C. Further investigation shows us that Rebekah was successful in avoiding a family pitfall.
D. God in the Old Testament was radical about family interference in the worship of Him. We are no longer under the law, but principal holds true.
E. It's often hard to admit that those closest to you could be a hindrance, but it is easier to stand up to the IRS than mother! (Family Sunday picnics, family politics, children used for an excuse for not attending church. (See Matt. 10:36) 

II. World ...fear of or association with - (Neh. 4:7-8)

A. Review the story of Nehemiah and the people rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem.

B. Expect ridicule from the world - they do not want your "wall" built and certainly won't help. Just be involved in any church building program to verify this.
C. The response: (Neh. 4:9) set a watch and made a prayer. Build a wall around yourselves, your family, your church. The world is a huge hindrance. In fact, if it is true that "the world is a stage," then God's children should all have stage fright! 

III. Material Things - (1 Cor. 9:11-12)

A. You may be able to keep your family under control and the world at bay, but this one is really tough!

B. Paul avoided acquiring material possessions so that the gospel wouldn't be hindered.
C. Think about how much time we spend caring for our "stuff."
D. They aren't called "carnal" things for nothing! The Corinthian church the most carnal one, so it is especially appropriate that they would be reminded of this. (Rom. 8:7-8) further reminds us that a carnal mind is in opposition to God.
E. We live in a society where an individual's value is measured by what he owns and how much it cost. And the quest for these trappings takes you down a road that travels away from God. Livingston said, " I will place no value on anything I possess except in relation to the kingdom of God. If anything will advance the interests of that kingdom, it shall be given away or kept only as by the giving or keeping of it I shall most promote the glory of Him to whom I owe all my hopes in time and eternity." 

IV. Marriage - (1 Peter 3:7)

A. Hindered prayers are a result of disregard in marriage, and don't be fooled into thinking it applies only to the men. God likens our relationship to Him to a marriage. What happens when you ignore your husband? The same occurs when we don't "take knowledge" of God... our prayers are hindered, and the communication breaks down.

B. But if you don't think the previous applies to you, try (Eph. 5:33). We have to reverence them; in other words, show honor or respect.
C. To avoid the situation where marriage itself could hinder your spiritual life, marry a committed Bible-believing man.
D. If it is too late, consult (1 Pet. 3:1-2) 

V. The Influence of Others - (Luke 11:52)

A. Some who want to do right are hindered by the Pharisees... even in church!

B. You are who you associate with -- water seeks its own level. Remember: A German proverb says when a dove begins to associate with crows, its feathers remain white but its heart grows black.
C. (Prov. 13:20) - The wise enrich; fools hinder. 

VI. Satan - (1 Thess. 2:18)

A. This was saved for the last because there is the propensity to blame our failures or temptations on the Devil. Remember the comedian years ago who excused bad behavior by always saying, "The devil made me do it."

Satan is obviously responsible for some of our problems but certainly not all.

B. Paul, the great apostle, was hindered by Satan in getting to the Thessalonians, but we must remind ourselves that few of us are important enough for Satan to launch an all out attack against.
C. However, be reminded of Eve, the best known case of terminal hindrance. She was a superior specimen, but she succumbed to the subtleties of the serpent.
D. Satan is a roaring lion, looking to destroy; you better be wearing your "armour."

So.... you are running your life's race, but you have to clear the hurdles if you don't want to land SPLAT on the track!


 

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