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?
