Hindered Lit.: to cut a trench between one's self and an advancing foe, to prevent his progress Felled trees or burned bridges Thus, hinder, thwart, Ga.5:7 Opposite of advanced (Ga.1:14): to clear a way, act as a pioneer Ga.5:7: satan’s delight

I. Past Success No Guarantee Of Future Salvation Ga.2:2 Paul did not want to run in vain Ph.3:14 Paul kept his eye on the goal 2 T.4:7-8 Paul’s perseverance paid off Ga.5:7, from encouragement to devastation

II. Present Obedience Wins The Crown Obey (cf. 3:1) –Same root as 5:8; a play on words: –…that from the truth you should withhold obedience; this obedience you are rendering does not come from… ObedienceObedience = way a life, ongoing process. 2 Th.1:8 Obeying truth

III.Satan Tries To Hinder Us III. Satan Tries To Hinder Us Two dangers: 1. Avoid hindering others, 1 Co.8:8…13 –2 Jn.9-11; Ga.4:19 Hb.5: Avoid what hinders us, 1 Th.2:18 (16); 3:5; Rv.2:10

Be on guard against Satan’s hindrances 1. People, Ga.5:7-12 a. Misguided friends. 1 Sm.17 b. False teachers. Ac.13; 2 Tim. 3:8; 4:15 c. Hostile unbelievers. Ezr.4:…4; Neh.4:8…10; 6:2…6 – 1 Co.16:9

Satan’s people, cont’d. a.Misguided friends b.False teachers c.Hostile unbelievers d.Hostile “believers.” Jonah. Lk.11:52 e.Family. Lk.9:59 f.Careless disciples. Mk.10:13-14

2. Problems Ga.5:13-15, 26 Neh.4:10 –Success depends on our focus 3. Past Ga.5:16-17, –Ro.7 Mt.14

4. Preoccupation, Ga.6:9-10 Apathy: “…couldn’t care less…” Amusements –Some “Christians” spend more time and money on recreation than on the Lord, more time pursuing it than eternal life, and enjoy it much more Affluence. Mt.19:22

IV. We Can Overcome Hindrances…If We Want To 1. Don’t lose faith in God, Ezr.6:…6-12 –Ep.3:21 –Ro.8:37

2. Pursue wisdom, Pro.4:11-12 –“…steps will not be hindered 3. Offer God your best, Ac.8:36 4. Treat others as you want to be treated, 1 Pt.3:7 – Takes it for granted: they pray – If he mistreats her, God will not hear his prayers (cf. v.12) Mal.2