Forces That Hinder Progress

FORCES THAT HINDER PROGRESS
GALATIANS 5:1-12

INTRODUCTION:
               A.         Paul asked the brethren at Galatia; Galatians 5:7
                           1.         These brethren had obeyed the gospel; Galatians 1:3-4
                           2.         They had left the truth; Galatians 1:6-7
                           3.         False teachers had troubled the faith of the obedient; Galatians 1:7-8
               B.         Paul encouraged the brethren to return to God; Galatians 5:10
               C.         Paul’s desire was to cut off the trouble makers; Galatians 5:11-12
               D.         Our study “Forces That Hinder Progress”

I.    THE WORK OF THE CHURCH IS OFTEN HINDERED:
               A.         Paul did not want to hinder the Lord’s cause;  I Corinthians 9:9-12
               B.         The truth prevails but Satan tries to hinder progress; I Thessalonians 2:18
               C.         Both external and internal forces can hinder progress
    
II.    EXTERNAL FORCES THAT MAY HINDER PROGRESS:
               A.         A Carnal mind will hinder progress; I Corinthians 3:1-3
                           1.         Infidelity, atheism, evolution, modernism; Galatians 5:19-21
                           2.         Christians are to put off the old ways of the flesh; Colossians 3:5-10
               B.    Denominationalism will hinder truth if it is allowed to flourish; I Corinthians 1:10
               C.    A perverted truth has no power to save; Galatians 1:8-9
    
III.    INTERNAL FORCES OFTEN HINDER PROGRESS:
              A.         Inefficient or weak leadership will hinder; Acts 20:28; I Peter 5:1-3
              B.         Preachers and teachers often hinder progress:
                         1.         These are not to set themselves up as overseers; I Peter 5:2
                         2.         The duty of such is to preach/teach the truth; Romans 10:15;                                                           II Timothy 4:2
              C.         An untrained membership will hinder progress:
                         1.         Jesus stated; Matthew 28:19-20
                         2.         Members who refuse to follow righteous leaders hinder progress;                                                    Hebrews 13:7
                         3.         God expects His children to develop their abilities; Matthew 25:22-23
                         4.         Indifference to one’s responsibilities to others will hinder;                                                                James 2:14-17

CONCLUSION:
             A.         God expects His children to be workers; I Corinthians 15:58
             B.         Will you apply God’s will and encourage others to do the same?
             C.         Do your choices hinder the cause of Christ?