How can we identify and resist influences that "hinder" our spiritual progress? Running Well—What Happened? Galatians 5:7 pinpoints the issue: “You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?”. • Scripture pictures the Christian life as a race. Progress is expected, not optional (1 Corinthians 9:24). • “Hindered” carries the idea of someone cutting in on the track, blocking the lane, slowing the runner. • The problem is never with God’s power or the gospel’s sufficiency; it lies with influences we allow. Common Hindrances Unmasked 1. False teaching or twisted doctrine – Galatians 1:6-7; 2 Peter 2:1. Any message that adds to or subtracts from Christ’s finished work immediately drags the believer off pace. 2. Legalism and performance-based righteousness – Galatians 5:1-4. Rules that look pious yet bypass grace breed bondage, not growth. 3. Ungodly relationships – 1 Corinthians 15:33. Companions who dismiss holiness dilute conviction. 4. Worldly attractions – 1 John 2:15-17. The cravings of the flesh, the eyes, and pride promise freedom yet chain the soul. 5. Hidden, unconfessed sin – Psalm 32:3-4; Hebrews 12:1. Even “small” sins accumulate like weights around the ankles. 6. Spiritual opposition – Ephesians 6:11-12; 1 Peter 5:8. The enemy schemes to trip, distract, or intimidate every runner. Tests That Expose a Hindrance • Does this influence line up with clear Scripture? (Acts 17:11) • Does it deepen love for Christ and obedience to His commands? (John 14:21) • Does it produce repentance and the fruit of the Spirit or justify the flesh? (Galatians 5:19-23) • Do mature believers confirm or warn against it? (Proverbs 11:14) • Would it still appeal if Christ stood visibly beside me? (Colossians 3:17) Strategies to Resist and Overcome • Anchor every conviction in the written Word—store it, quote it, obey it (Psalm 119:11). • Stand firm in grace; refuse any gospel “plus” (Galatians 5:1). • Shut out corrupt voices—books, media, friendships—that dull spiritual appetite (Romans 13:14). • Confess and forsake sin immediately (1 John 1:9). Lingering guilt saps strength. • Suit up in the full armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:13-18). Truth and righteousness deflect deception. • Cultivate Spirit-filled habits: prayer, fellowship, worship, witness (Acts 2:42-47). Light crowds out darkness. • Invite accountability. A faithful brother or sister spots drift before it becomes derailment (Hebrews 3:13). Keeping the Course Clear Hebrews 12:1-2 urges, “Let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus”. • Throw off—decisive action, not gradual negotiation. • Every encumbrance—anything that slows, even if not overtly sinful. • Eyes on Jesus—the Runner who set the pace, the Redeemer who guarantees the finish (Philippians 1:6). Final Challenge to Press On The Spirit who indwells empowers believers to discern, resist, and outpace every hindrance (Galatians 5:16). Keep stride with Him, and the lane stays clear, the race stays joyful, and the finish line grows nearer by the day. |
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