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Lessons
For Christian Ladies
This
Series Of Lessons Was Taught By
Mrs.
James Modlish
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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