OVERCOMING HINDRANCES TO CHRISTIAN GROWTH
Overcoming Hindrances to Christian Growth
Pst Charles Eberechukwu Nwaneri
There are things that hinder growth in the Christian faith.
Let’s now build a companion guide that matches each hindrance to Christian growth with the biblical key to overcoming it, backed with scripture.
1. Lack of Knowledge of God’s Word → Feed Daily on the Word
- “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night…” (Joshua 1:8)
- “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” (Colossians 3:16)
- “All scripture is given by inspiration of God… that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
2. Sin and Unconfessed Iniquity → Repentance and Cleansing
- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
- “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19)
- “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
3. Carnality and Worldliness → Walk in the Spirit
- “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16)
- “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)
- “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh.” (Romans 13:14)
4. Neglect of Prayer → Develop a Consistent Prayer Life
- “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 6:18)
- “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” (Psalm 55:17)
- “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” (James 4:8)
5. Pride and Self-Dependence → Humility and Total Surrender
- “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
- “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
- “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
6. Neglect of Fellowship → Active Participation in the Body of Christ
- “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42)
- “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us.” (1 John 1:3)
- “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)
7. Lack of Spiritual Discipline → Practice Self-Control and Godly Exercise
- “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection…” (1 Corinthians 9:27)
- “…exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7)
- “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge… temperance… patience… godliness.” (2 Peter 1:5–6)
8. Fear and Doubt → Build Faith and Courage in God’s Promises
- “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.” (Isaiah 41:10)
- “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid… for the LORD thy God is with thee.” (Joshua 1:9)
- “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
9. Love of Money and Materialism → Contentment and Kingdom Focus
- “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
- “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:19–20)
- “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
10. False Doctrines and Deception → Hold to Sound Doctrine
- “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
- “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” (Titus 2:1)
- “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” (1 John 4:1)
11. Unforgiveness and Bitterness → Practice Forgiveness and Love
- “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another… even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” (Colossians 3:13)
- “If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15)
- “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)
12. Lukewarmness and Spiritual Laziness → Zeal and Diligence
- “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)
- “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
- “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
Conclusion
Every hindrance to Christian growth has a biblical antidote. By applying God’s Word, cultivating spiritual discipline, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can overcome every obstacle and grow steadily into maturity in Christ.
“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1–2)
Pst Charles Eberechukwu Nwaneri
