Definition and Context
Hindering refers to the act of creating obstacles or delays that prevent progress or achievement. In a biblical context, hindering can relate to spiritual, physical, or emotional barriers that impede one's relationship with God, the fulfillment of His will, or the advancement of the Gospel.

Biblical Instances and Teachings

1. Hindering the Gospel
The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the issue of hindrances to the Gospel. In 1 Thessalonians 2:18, Paul writes, "For we wanted to come to you—indeed I, Paul, tried again and again—but Satan obstructed us." Here, Paul acknowledges spiritual opposition as a hindrance to his ministry. Similarly, in Galatians 5:7, Paul questions, "You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?" This indicates that false teachings or influences can hinder believers from following the truth of the Gospel.

2. Hindering Prayer
The Bible also speaks about hindrances to prayer. In 1 Peter 3:7, husbands are instructed to treat their wives with understanding and honor, "so that your prayers will not be hindered." This suggests that relational discord can obstruct one's prayer life, emphasizing the importance of harmony and righteousness in maintaining an effective communication with God.

3. Hindering Spiritual Growth
Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to "lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." This passage highlights the need to remove hindrances, such as sin and unnecessary burdens, to grow spiritually and fulfill God's purpose.

4. Hindering Others
Jesus warned against being a stumbling block to others. In Matthew 18:6, He states, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." This severe warning underscores the responsibility of believers to avoid actions or behaviors that might hinder others in their faith journey.

5. Overcoming Hindrances
The Bible provides guidance on overcoming hindrances. In Philippians 4:13, Paul declares, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This assurance of divine empowerment encourages believers to rely on Christ to overcome obstacles. Additionally, James 4:7 advises, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Submission to God and resistance to evil are key strategies in overcoming spiritual hindrances.

Theological Implications
Hindrances in the Christian life are often seen as tests of faith and perseverance. They can serve as opportunities for growth and reliance on God's strength. The presence of hindrances does not negate God's sovereignty but rather invites believers to trust in His provision and timing. The biblical narrative consistently points to God's ability to turn obstacles into avenues for His glory and the believer's good.

Practical Application
Believers are encouraged to identify and address hindrances in their lives, whether they are personal sins, relational issues, or external opposition. Through prayer, Scripture study, and fellowship with other believers, Christians can seek God's guidance in overcoming these barriers. By doing so, they can more effectively pursue their calling and contribute to the advancement of God's kingdom.Romans 14:1-8
Him that is weak in the faith receive you, but not to doubtful disputations.
Topicalbible.org

Mark 9:43
And if your hand offend you, cut it off: it is better for you to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 2:1-25
Why laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings,
Topicalbible.org

3 John 1:9-10
I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not.
Topicalbible.org

James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Topicalbible.org

James 1:1-27
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Topicalbible.org

1 John 4:1-21
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Topicalbible.org

2 Corinthians 11:13
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Topicalbible.org

(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Hinder.2967. koluo -- to hinder
... the same as kolazo Definition to hinder NASB Word Usage forbid (2), forbidden (1),
forbidding (1), forbids (1), hinder (5), hindered (1), hindering (1), kept (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2967.htm - 7k

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... X. The permission of sin succeeds, which is opposed to hindering. Yet it
is not opposed to hindering, as the latter is an act which ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

I Look Upon all the Four Gospels as Thoroughly Genuine...
... spiritual calamity. This way of hindering prayer becomes so natural, so
easy, so innocent that it comes on us all unawares. If we ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter x i look upon.htm

Whether Heavenly Bodies Impose Necessity on Things Subject to ...
... matter. Objection 3: Further, if the effect of the heavenly body does not
follow of necessity, this is due to some hindering cause. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether heavenly bodies impose necessity.htm

Whether Six Species are Fittingly Assigned to Lust?
... In this way, as hindering the begetting of children, there is the "vice against
nature," which attaches to every venereal act from which generation cannot ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether six species are fittingly.htm

Whether Fearlessness is a Sin?
... Death and whatever else can be inflicted by mortal man are not to be feared so that
they make us forsake justice: but they are to be feared as hindering man in ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether fearlessness is a sin.htm

What do we Count them Worth?
... Their prayers are hindering me!' And so, I beseech you, stop your prayers for
fourteen days"only fourteen days"till I get my daughter tied!". ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxix what do we.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God
... (Genesis 39:8, 9.). IV. The Permission of sin is contrary to the hindering of it. ...
To these distinctions also, God's hindering and permitting may be adapted. ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 10 on the righteousness.htm

Notes
... difficulty for which we are not responsible, whether it be only a mistake we are
making, or a sin by which we are grieving Him and hindering His Spirit! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the ministry of intercession/notes.htm

Whether the Separated Soul Can Suffer from a Bodily Fire?
... fire is enabled as the instrument of the vengeance of Divine justice thus to detain
a spirit; and thus it has a penal effect on it, by hindering it from ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the separated soul can 2.htm

Foundation of Moral Obligation.
... But if they mean that we are to regard our neighbor's happiness negatively, that
is, merely in not hindering it, what is this but the most absurd thing ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture viii foundation of moral.htm

Hindering (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Hinder. Multi-Version
Concordance Hindering (2 Occurrences). 1 Thessalonians 2:16 ...
/h/hindering.htm - 7k

Inconvenient (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Causing discomfort, uneasiness, or annoyance; hindering
progress or success; uncomfortable; disadvantageous; incommodious ...
/i/inconvenient.htm - 7k

Tabeel (2 Occurrences)
... el) (Ezra 4:7). All that is known of him is that he joined with other officials
in sending a letter to Artaxerxes for the purpose of hindering the rebuilding ...
/t/tabeel.htm - 101k

Restraint (34 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act or process of restraining, or of holding back or hindering from
motion or action, in any manner; hindrance of the will, or of any action ...
/r/restraint.htm - 16k

Disturbance (7 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The hindering or disquieting of a person in the lawful and peaceable enjoyment
of his right; the interruption of a right; as, the disturbance of a ...
/d/disturbance.htm - 8k

Belemus
... bel'-e-mus (Belemos; Balsamus): An officer of King Artaxerxes in Palestine associated
with Beeltethmus in hindering the rebuilding of the temple (1 Esdras 2:16 ...
/b/belemus.htm - 6k

Hindrance (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) An obstacle; an impediment. 2. (n.) The act of
hindering, or the state of being hindered. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/h/hindrance.htm - 8k

Hindermost (2 Occurrences)

/h/hindermost.htm - 7k

Hindereth (1 Occurrence)

/h/hindereth.htm - 6k

Satan (50 Occurrences)
... 12:7 Paul speaks of his infirmity as a "messenger of Satan sent to buffet him."
Paul also speaks (1 Thessalonians 2:18) of Satan's hindering him from visiting ...
/s/satan.htm - 53k

What is Sozo ministry / Sozo prayer? | GotQuestions.org

Who / What is the restrainer in 2 Thessalonians 2:6? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of Christian worship? | GotQuestions.org

Hindering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus