Things That Hinder the Pursuit of Righteousness
TEXT: Galatians 5:7, “Ye were running well; who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth?”
INTRODUCTION: It is possible to hindered in ones attempt to serve God correctly. I have observed in life that there are many people that are hindered in pursuit of righteousness. In the following study let us identify some of the things that hinder, there are two kinds of hindrances:
I. EXTERNAL HINDRANCES:
A. Denominationalism: Denominationalism may deceive one seeking the truth to such a degree that one may believe that he is right with God when in reality he has joined himself to a false religious system.
B. Roman Catholicism: Is also a great hindrance to those seeking righteousness. This false religious system dating to 606 AD with its pope, huge building, great wealth, and great mystery surrounding its function deceive many unawares.
C. Atheism: This religion appeals to the independence in man, his desire to do whatever he wants to do, to be uninhibited by Dive rules, etc.
D. Agnosticism: This is also a great deceiver, this philosophy was an outgrowth of the Age of Reason concepts, “Believe nothing that cannot be seen, felt, or scientifically proven.”
“We walk by faith, not by sight.” {2 Cor. 5:7}
E. Liberalism: This problem is found in many religious movements that have a sign that reads “CHURCH OF CHRIST” displayed in a prominent place.
- 1. CHURCH OF CHRIST in Christian Union {Christian Church}.
- 2. CHURCH OF CHRIST{Disciples of Christ}.
- 3. United CHURCH OF CHRIST.
- 4. Full gospel CHURCH OF CHRIST
CONSIDER THIS: All of these false ways may be dealt with simply by appealing to the teaching of the Bible in several Scriptures:
John 8:32, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ASV
John 17:17, Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. ASV
Hebrews 5:8-9, 8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation; ASV
John 12:48, He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spoke, the same shall judge him in the last day. ASV
II. INTERNAL HINDRANCES:
In this area of our study let us examine the congregation to see if there are hindrances there. Many are discouraged from seeking righteousness because of the hindrances of some that profess to be Christians. We realize that we cannot control the conduct of others but we can control our own conduct in our relationship to God and to other people. Notice the following Scriptural references that indicate internal hindrances:
1. LOVERS OF THIS WORLD — 2 Timothy 4:10, “for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.” ASV
2. DECEIVERS, LIARS — Acts 5:1, “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,” ASV
3. SEEKERS OF PREEMINENCE — 3 John 9, “I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.” ASV
4. TOLERATING OPEN SIN WITHIN THE CONGREGATION — 1 Cor. 5:1-2, “It is actually reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not even among the Gentiles, that one (of you) hath his father’s wife. — And ye are puffed up, and did not rather mourn, that he that had done this deed might be taken away from among you.” ASV
Many sins are so apparent to everyone that even some in the community are aware of the sin.
5. UNFAITHFUL ATTENDANCE BY SOME — Hebrews 10:24-25, “and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; — not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting (one another); and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.” ASV
6. CHRISTIANS WHO ARE NOT PUTTING FORTH EFFORT TO LET THEIR LIGHT SHINE – Matt 5:14-16, Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do (men) light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shined unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. ASV
CONSIDER THIS AS THE REMEDY:
Hebrews 10:30, 30 for we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
1 Peter 4:13, but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.
Gal 6:1-2, 1 Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ASV
CONSIDER THIS: The child of God must never become a stumbling block to anyone. The Scripture clearly commands the Christian to never become a stumbling block to a Christian or for that matter to anyone.
1 Cor. 8:9, “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.” KJV
Rom 14:13, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” KJV
CONCLUSION: Let us then, recognize that there are external hindrances and internal hindrances to the seekers of righteous living. Let us never allow ourselves to become a hindrance to others or to allow anything to hinder our relationship with God.