2. “Hindrances & Obstacles”
Who Hindered You?
The Galatians were being hindered from running their race to heaven (Gal. 5:7).
Satan hinders and obstructs our progress (1 Thess. 2:18; Eph. 6:11-12; 1 Peter 5:8).
We must not be ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11).

3. “Hindrances & Obstacles”
False Teaching
Satan’s lies are designed to separate us from God! (John 8:44; Gen. 2:17, 3:4; James 2:24)
We must use the TRUTH of God’s word to combat Satan’s lies and deceptions.
Satan’s false teachers must be unmasked (2 Cor. 11:13-15; Romans 16:18; 1 John 4:1; 1 Thess. 5:21, Acts 17:11).

4. “Hindrances & Obstacles”
Trials & Tribulations
The road to heaven is paved with trials and tribulations (Acts 14:21-22; 2 Timothy 3:12).
Satan uses them to discourage and hinder us.
Jesus was severely tried immediately after His baptism (Matt. 4)
The seed on the stony ground has no root to endure the heat of tribulation (Mark 4:15-16)
The Lord uses them to strengthen and perfect us (James 1:2-4; Rom. 5:3-4; 1 Sam. 3:18).

5. “Hindrances & Obstacles”
Cares, Riches, and Pleasures
The thorns that hinder our growth and fruitfulness are the “cares, riches, and pleasures of life” (Luke 8:14)
Busy-ness, “affluenza,” and pleasure seeking make our lives “louder, but emptier” (Eccl. 2:1-11).
We need more balance and less abundance! (Proverbs 30:7-9)
“Too much of anything will spoil everything.”
We need to know when we have enough and understand that we are blessed to bless others for God’s glory (Luke 12:16-21)

6. “Hindrances & Obstacles”
Bad Friends
The path of our lives is greatly influenced by friends (e.g. Amnon, 2 Samuel 13)
Who is a good friend? (Proverbs 27:6; 18:24)
Someone who will strive to deter you from doing something you know is wrong (1 Sam. 25:32-35).
Someone who will lovingly rebuke you when you have done wrong (2 Samuel 12).
Someone who will encourage you to go ahead and do what you already know is right (2 Kings 5:13).
Someone who will teach you the truth when you are in error (Acts 18:24-26).
Friends must be chosen wisely (Proverbs 12:26; 1 Corinthians 13:33)

7. “Hindrances & Obstacles”
Bitterness Toward God and Others
Bitterness toward God demonstrates a lack of trust in Him (Job 2:9; James 5:11; Ruth 1:20)
Bitterness toward those who have hurt us can consume us (Genesis 45:5-8, cf. Acts 8:23)
Bitterness is a poison that defiles all who swallow it! (Hebrews 12:15)

8. “Hindrances & Obstacles”
Not Respecting the Distance
Our race to heaven requires endurance for a lifetime (Hebrews 6:11-12; 12:1)
We must run with endurance and finish the course! (cf. 2 Timothy 4:7)
“When I've gone the last mile of the way.
I will rest at the close of the day.
And I know there are joys that await me,
when I've gone the last mile of the way.”
(Johnson Oatman, Jr.)