Hinderances to Moving Forward

Hindrances to Moving Forward

Main Text: Philippians 3:12–16

Introduction:

God has called each of us with a purpose. Just like the Apostle Paul, who despite his past as a persecutor of the church, chose to press on toward his divine calling, we too are called to move forward in our walk with Christ.

Paul reminds us that our journey is not about perfection, but about pressing forward toward the goal for which God has called us. The life of a righteous person should shine visibly, even in difficulty. But what stops us from moving forward?

1. The Enemy Called “Average” – The Danger of Comfort Zones

Luke 12:16–20 tells the story of a man who built bigger barns and told himself to relax and enjoy life. But God called him a fool because he failed to realize that life is fleeting.

• Verse 19 reflects a life settled in comfort—even within the house of God.

• Comfort zones can become spiritual danger zones—they prevent growth and dull our hunger for more of God.

• Being “average” is settling for less than God’s best.

• Sometimes, our cultural mindsets limit our ambition. We become satisfied with “just enough” because that’s what we’ve known—like being content with a bike and a radio. But God has greater plans.

Key Insight: Comfort can become the biggest hindrance to your spiritual progress. Don’t settle where God called you to grow.

2. The Spirit of Discouragement

Discouragement often leads to spiritual paralysis.

• Illustration: A pastor once stopped attending church because he felt discouraged. Despite years of preaching, no one seemed to change or give. He lost hope and quit.

• In Joshua 1, God tells Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for I will go before you.”

• Even Abraham, facing impossible circumstances, refused to give in to discouragement.

• When we give up too soon, we forfeit what God has prepared for us.

3. Wounded in Battle

Answering God’s call means entering spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6 reminds us that we battle against unseen forces, not people.

• In any battle, wounds are inevitable—often through the hurtful words or actions of others.

• If we dwell on these wounds, they can stunt our growth and affect our relationship with God.

• Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.”

• You may serve faithfully and feel unnoticed or unappreciated, but don’t let that wound stop you from pressing forward.

4. Opposition and Resistance

Moving forward often triggers spiritual resistance.

• Psalm 35:1–4: David cries out, “Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me.”

• We are not defenseless. Jesus fights our battles.

• We must put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6) to stand strong through opposition.

God’s desire is for His joy to overflow in us in both good times and hard seasons.

We Overcoming Hinderances Through Joy and the Holy Spirit

a. God’s Joy Is Your Strength

• Philippians 4:4 tells us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.”

• Joy is not just an emotion—it’s a spiritual weapon. It empowers us to keep moving forward despite circumstances.

b. The Holy Spirit Empowers Us

• Acts 2:17: “In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”

• The Holy Spirit lives in you—but are you making room for Him?

We must empty our hearts of bitterness, envy, fear, and pain to allow the Holy Spirit to fully dwell within us. When we create that space, God fills it, bringing discernment, peace, and power to overcome every hindrance. But He can only dwell in a surrendered, emptied heart.

John 16:33 – “Take heart, for I have overcome the world.”

Conclusion:

The main hindrances to moving forward are:

1. Settling for comfort and average

2. Discouragement from unmet expectations

3. Being wounds in the battles 

4. Spiritual opposition and resistance

But take heart—God has equipped us with His Word, His joy, and His Spirit. Let us choose to press forward like Paul, and not allow anything—internal or external—to keep us from walking in God’s calling.

Now is the time to rise up, empty your heart, and let the Holy Spirit lead you into victory.