PDO CHRISTIAN FAMILY FELLOWSHIP, muscat Oman

 

Hindrances To Standing Firm (Part II)

 

(Text: Mathew 24: 13)

In part I of the study, we examined the need to stand firm as christians in doctrine, in our hope, in service, in well doing, in righteousness, in trials and temptations, etc, as we walk along this journey of ours. God will permit challenges to come across our ways, but expects us to go through all of them standing firm for Him. In doing so, we would secure testimonials or certificates, which will form the basis of our rewards in heaven. Today, we shall look at what could hinder us from standing firm.

 

Illustrations from the parable of the Sower (Mark 4: 3-8, 15-20)

Four categories of people were presented by the Lord in the parable. Out of these, only the last one endured and yielded the required fruit. We could liken the fact of the people receiving the word to christians who have been saved by receiving the word of salvation preached unto them. But how many of them remained firm in the place where they were planted and bore fruits?

 

Qu.1 We should ask ourselves which of the categories we belong to.

 

Identify the hindrances

The list is by no means exhaustive. The Spirit will also point to our specific circumstances. highlighting to us our own hindrances. The hindrances could lie within us, occasioned by the condition of the heart to the external abounding of sins and its potential impacts on christians.

 

Qu.2 Lets please discuss the following passages and identify some of the hindrances we have to overcome to be able to stand firm.

 

1.   Ps 78:37;95:10-ll                                               (Imperfect heart)

2.   Heb l2:15-17                                                    (Existence of roots of sin)

3.   Ps 78: 17-22, 32; Heb 3: 18-19                           (Unbelief)

4.   Eccl 8:l1 –12                                                    (Deceived by seing delayed judgement)

5.   Heb l0:36-37;12:l                                              (Impatience with God)

6.   Heb l0:34-35,38-39, 2Cor 4:13, 18                      (Absence of faith)

7.   James l:2-4, Job 20: 4-5                                     (Not recognizing the hand “serving” the trials)

 

Standing on water (Mt 14: 25—31)

The world to the christian is quite delicate —   it is like standing on water!! It could be as hard as a rock when allowed to freeze out of our lives, and then we can walk gloriously like Jesus did through the world as kings unspotted by it. However, if we, through the hindrances mentioned above or through been distracted from Jesus (Heb 12: 2), or ensnared by the fear of the raging winds or not following Jesus step by step like Peter , the water will suddenly thaw up and fatally drown God’s people.

 

So then, lets keep the water frozen through deliberate acts of warfare against every hindrance. It is serious warfare!!! The world and its problems either remain frozen up and powerless or we allow the to drown us. The recipe of all time is watch and pray Mk 14: 38.

 

To conclude, we are to please note that the beginning of our christian lives is important, but it will only become meaningful and rewarding if we are steadfast until the end (Heb 3:14).