1. What it means to be a
Christian

2. What it means to be a Christian
In this study we will notice:
What is a Christian?
Becoming a Christian
What hinders me from becoming a Christian?
Growing as a Christian
What hinders me from growing?
The Christian and the body of Christ
The Christian and others
Am I done yet?
What it means to be a
Christian?

3. More Hindrances to Growing as a
Christian

4. This morning we noted: God is not my priority Materialism
Distractions (too busy)
Improper mindsets – “I’m invincible”; “Cheap grace” and fellowshipping error
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

5. We lose heart
It is not easy to be a faithful Christian – we will face rejection, possibly persecutions (2 Timothy 3:12), etc. Sometimes we become discouraged or frustrated, overwhelmed.
Such can stunt our growth if not addressed
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

6. We lose heart That is not what the Christian life is about
2 Corinthians 4:16, we do not lose heart
1 Corinthians 15:58, be steadfast, immovable…
Galatians 5:7, “You ran well, who hindered you from obeying the truth?”
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

7. We lose heart Dealing with discouragement:
Realize you’re not alone – David, Moses, Elijah, Paul & even Jesus became discouraged
BUT, you cannot give up! Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

8. We lose heart Step back and get a wider view – John 4:35, James 1:2-4
Press forward – Philippians 3: Rest, but get going
What we endure here is temporal – 2 Corinthians 4:17
Don’t forget prayer – Philippians 4:6-7
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

9. Indifference, complacency
Often the product of what we have addressed. We reach a point where we don’t care (as we ought to).
It can lead to: - Spiritual neglect - Forsaking our brethren - Ongoing sin - A calloused heart
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

10. Indifference, complacency
The Bible and apathy Romans 12:11, Titus 2:14 Revelations 3:15-16
Dealing with indifference: - Examine yourself - Repent – Revelation 2:4-5 - Renew your mind – Ephesians 4:23
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

11. Getting into a rut
Complacency often the product of becoming too familiar with routine and acting without thinking
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

12. Getting into a rut
Familiarity can be good, but it can hinder growth – worship becomes ritualistic - God or your faith not taken seriously - let your guard down - you forget your purpose
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

13. Getting into a rut
Familiarity – Forgetfulness – see Revelation 2: Peter 1:9 Jeremiah 13:25
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

14. Getting into a rut
Dealing with ruts – Refocus and stir up whatever needs it – 2 Peter 1:13, 3:1 - Gird up the loins of your mind – 1 Peter 1:13 - Remind yourself of your purpose!
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

15. Weak churches
The church is to be the pillar and ground of truth 1 Timothy 3:15, Ephesians 4:16 It is supposed to be our refuge
A weak church can hinder growth – not taking a stand for truth - not holding us accountable - not teaching the whole counsel of God
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

16. Weak churches
And if truth be known, is your weakness contributing to her weakness?
This will NOT excuse you before God! (More in our next lesson)
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

17. Stumbling blocks of others
Yes, others can hinder us - Keep you from turning to the mature for strength - Cause you to be carried away in sinful behavior (cf. Galatians 2:11-13, 1 Timothy 5:22, Ephesians 5:7) - Causing some to give up or quit
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

18. Stumbling blocks of others
We CANNOT let others cause us to stumble, OR we should not cause them to stumble
Matthew 18:6-7 Romans 14:15 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 Clearly God will hold us accountable for this!
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

19. Stumbling blocks of others
Dealing with stumbling blocks
Don’t let others dictate your eternal destiny! Romans 14:10-12
Associate with the humble – Romans 12:16 and godly
Hindrances to
Growing as a
Christian

20. We need to seek to be the good soil! Luke 8:15
That means getting rid of the “weeds” and “rocks”
Hebrews 2:1-3, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation…?”

21. Is anything hindering you from growing as you a Christian?