".Let us press on to know the Lord." Hosea 6:3a

In our pressing on we see that we are to,
"...Lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us,
let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1

This being so, should we not examine our hearts to see if there are any
encumbrances that may be a hindrance. Here are some Scriptural examples
that hinder spiritual progress:

The allurement of the world:
Genesis 19:26,
"But his (Lot's) wife, from behind him, looked back; and she became a pillar
of salt." (Lot was told not to look behind you, Vs. 17. The allurement of
the world prevented Lot's wife from escaping.)

Doing things man's way:
1 Samuel 17:39,
"Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze
helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor."
(David was delayed by Saul's equipment -- man's way. But God had already
prepared David with the perfect use of the sling.) Read Vs. 38-40 for a more
complete picture.

Unbelief:
"And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief."
Matthew 13:58
(Unbelief hindered Christ's work in His own home town.) Read Vs. 54-58 for
the whole picture.

Worldly wealth:
"But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieved; for he
was one who owned much property. Matthew 19:22
(Worldly wealth hindered this rich man from following Jesus.) Vs. 16-22
gives the exchange between Jesus and the rich young ruler.

Can you name other hindrances that prevent spiritual progress?

Concerning spiritual progress, it is characteristic of one who is in right
standing before God. We see in:

"Job 17:9, "Nevertheless the righteous shall hold to his way, and he who has
clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger."

"The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree,
He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Planted in the house of the Lord,
They will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still yield fruit in old age;
They shall be full of sap and very green..." Psalm 92:12-14

"But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
That shines brighter and brighter until the full day." Proverbs 4:18

"Take pains with these things be absorbed in them, so that your progress may
be evident to all." 1 Timothy 4:15
(Here the Apostle Paul is encouraging Timothy in his pasturing the flock. I
encourage you to read all of Chapter 4 -- so that as ministers of God's Word
we too should be alert to 'these things'.
For: Vs. 16 says,
"Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these
things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and
for those who hear you."
It is the testimony of Christ that is all important and vital at this time
in history!

With all thanks and praise let us keep our eyes on our Lord and Savior as
the Holy Spirit leads us into a greater knowledge of Him.