What obstacles might prevent us from bearing "fruit" like Paul in Romans 1:13? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Heart for Harvest “I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often planned to come to you, but have been prevented from doing so until now, in order that I might harvest some fruit among you as I have among the other Gentiles.” – Romans 1:13 Paul longs for a tangible harvest—new believers established in the faith and mature disciples displaying the life of Christ. The same call rests on every believer (John 15:5; Matthew 28:19-20). Yet obstacles can stall that harvest. Obstacle 1: Ignorance of the Gospel’s Power • When we forget that “the gospel…is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16), we shy away from sharing it. • Remedy: Regularly rehearse the core message (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) until confidence grows. Obstacle 2: Self-Reliance Instead of Christ-Dependence • “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Over-planning, clever strategies, or sheer willpower cannot produce spiritual fruit. • Remedy: Daily abiding—time in the Word, prayer, and yielded obedience. Obstacle 3: Unconfessed Sin and Compromised Holiness • Sin “so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1) and chokes usefulness. • Hidden habits dull spiritual sensitivity (Psalm 66:18). • Remedy: Prompt confession (1 John 1:9) and decisive repentance. Obstacle 4: Fear, Shame, and Social Pressure • Paul asked for boldness even while in chains (Colossians 4:2-4). • Fear of rejection muzzles testimony. • Remedy: Recall Christ’s promise of the Spirit’s help (Acts 1:8) and the worth of every soul. Obstacle 5: Distractions and Cares of This World • “The worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things…choke the word” (Mark 4:19). • Endless entertainment, career obsession, and financial pursuits sap time and focus. • Remedy: Simplify priorities (2 Timothy 2:4), steward resources for eternal impact. Obstacle 6: Spiritual Warfare and Opposition • “Satan hindered us” (1 Thessalonians 2:18); unseen forces resist gospel advance (Ephesians 6:11-12). • Remedy: Armor of God, persistent prayer, corporate support. Obstacle 7: Broken Fellowship and Disunity • Fruit multiplies through a healthy body (John 13:35; Acts 2:46-47). • Bitterness, rivalry, or gossip grieve the Spirit. • Remedy: Pursue reconciliation, practice mutual honor (Romans 12:10). Obstacle 8: Lack of Prayerful Expectation • Harvest workers are released through prayer (Matthew 9:37-38). • Prayer opens doors (Colossians 4:3) and softens hearts. • Remedy: Set apart regular intercession for specific people, places, and opportunities. Moving Forward in Fruitfulness • Abide in Christ, walk by the Spirit, and the “fruit of the Spirit” will appear (Galatians 5:22-23). • Cast off every encumbrance, stay alert to the mission, and trust the Lord of the harvest to bear lasting fruit through you—just as He did through Paul. |
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