Spirits That Hinder
Text: Isaiah 19:14. The text relates to the confusion and captivity of Egypt. The Lord would aid His people by sending a "perverse spirit" in the midst of the Egyptians.
"Perverse" defined: "Turned away from the right." A perverse spirit is one that turns its possessor away from the right and proper course of action. It is a spirit that hinders rather than aids.
Some spirits that hinder God's people.
I. Spirit Of Fear. 2 Tim. 1:7.
1. Someone has said that "fear is the greatest enemy of man." Will hinder progress in any endeavor.
a. 2 Timothy 1:7. Not of fear but "of power," "love," and "sound mind."
b. Fear is a snare. Proverbs 29:25.
2. Some things Christians sometimes fear.
a. Poverty. Genesis 50:21. Cf. David's observation, Psalms 37:25. Jesus' exhortation. Matthew 6:33.
b. Failure. Deut. 1:21. "Giants and walled cities." Christians have their own "giants" and "walled cities" to possess. Also congregations. Cf, Phil. 4:13.
3. Isaiah's fearlessness. 12:2. From what did his fearlessness spring? His trust in God.
II. Spirit Of Jealousy. Songs Of Sol. 8:6.
1. This was the trouble at Corinth. 1 Corinthians 1:10, 11, They were carnal, 3:1-3.
a. A large percentage of the trouble in congregations is Jealousy and envy.
b. Paul warns Corinth. 4:14, and gives them the remedy. Chapter 13.
2. Jealousy is the product of the little minds of little men. It has divided churches and sent men down to hell in the quest for prominence and recognition.
III. Spirit Of Slumber. Romans 8:11.
1. Inactivity and indolence in the direction of the work of the church, and one's obligation thereto, are indicative of this spirit. Proverbs 6:9-11. Idleness is habit-forming.
2. Danger and consequence of this spirit is seen in the parable of the ten virgins. Matthew 25:1-13.
a. These virgins were not wicked, they simply were not prepared. They apparently lulled themselves into thinking that all was well with them until it was too late to do anything about it.
3. There are many like this today — they are in the proper place (the church) but lack the inward oil of preparation that is so necessary. They are not "watching."
4. Exhortation. 1 Thess. 5:6. "Therefore" — in the light of the context, or previous verses.
a. "A son that sleepeth in harvest...." Proverbs 10:5. Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:34; Romans 13:11; Ephesians 5:14.
Conclusion. "Today Is The Day Of Salvation."
— Newbern, Tennessee