Unhindered: Unhindered Kingdom
Life has a way of making us feel very hindered in living a full life in Christ.
Finances, healthcare, addiction, politics, violence, morality, time, faith, relationships/family…they all can be very hindering at times.
What things are hindering you in your walk with Christ?
Over the next several weeks we are going to explore several of the ways we are called and released to live “unhindered” lives of faith. We will start in the book of Acts. (Ascension, birth, growth of the church.) The last words of the book of Acts:
For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! Acts 28:30-31
? From Agrippa/Festus to Rome where he waited 2 years to be seen by Ceasar. Paul is sitting under house arrest.
? He was preaching and teaching unhindered!
? letters to the churches to encourage and build them up.
? For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.
? What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.
A. The Kingdom of God is a kingdom unhindered.
Jesus ushered in a new kingdom.
He revealed this kingdom through his earthly ministry of teaching, healing, and other miracles.
Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
• Unhindered truth
His Word is the unchanging truth. His kingdom is built on the truth that Jesus is the Messiah.
• Unhindered forgiveness (week #2)
God offers to us unconditional forgiveness if we will receive it. He expects us to forgive others.
• Unhindered power
The same power that enabled Jesus to walk out of the tomb is available to us through the Holy Spirit.
• Unhindered victory
In a world of discouragement and defeat, we have victory in Jesus Christ!
• Unhindered grace
Even when we give up on God, he does not give up on us. He lavishes us with unhindered grace.
• Unhindered reach
The Good News is for everyone. There's no place on earth that God's grace cannot reach!
B. The Kingdom brings Unhindered freedom.
As Christians part of this kingdom we are unhindered!
We are no longer slaves to the law.
“If the Son has set you free then you are free indeed!” (John 8:36)
Because of Jesus we now have freedom:
• Over Sin and death,
• To believe that God can and will act in our lives.
• To approach the throne of grace with boldness.
• To live as beloved sons and daughters of the King.
• To enjoy the lives that God has given us.
•To count everything else as loss compared to the greatness of knowing Christ.
Sadly many Christians live a life of lukewarm faith. A faith that is weak leading to disillusionment and defeat. God’s kingdom is a KINGDOM UNHINDERED!
C. God call us to live unhindered!
“let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” - Hebrews 12:3
• Repent of our sins (Walk away from sin.)
• Die to self (Less of me, more of Christ.)
• Take control of our blessings. (Finances, time, talents.)
• Train ourselves to live righteously. (Word, prayer, iron/iron)
• Engage in spiritual battle for Christ.
• Live with joy and victory knowing you cannot be defeated. You cannot be hindered as a child of the king!! GRACE!!!!
