Definition

A hindrance is something that prevents us from being obedient to God’s commands.

Scripture Reading

James 3:14, “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.”

Main Points

  1. BITTER ENVY: Bitter envy can come into a person’s heart when they think God has been unfair to them by blessing others. Bitterness refers to being angry and envy relates to jealousy.
  2. SELFISH AMBITION: Anything we do or desire outside of God’s plan for our lives comes from pride and it appears in selfish ambition. Selfishness refers to being “self-centered” instead of being “God-centered” and ambition is our wants and desires.
  3. DON’T HABOR BITTER ENVY OR SELFISH AMBITION: Make a decision to not allow bitter envy or selfish ambition to dwell in your heart.

Summary

Avoid bitterness by being Christ-centered and believing God will provide for you.

Application

  1. Be faithful in giving your tithes (10% of your total income) and offerings (anything you give after your tithes).
  2. Repent if you have allowed bitterness to come into your heart and bring envy or selfish ambition, Hebrews 12:14.
  3. Ask God to remind you of His precious promises for your life!

Confession

By the power of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Word of God I will not be hindered by “greed,” “laziness,” “unbelief,” “discouragement,” or “fatigue” in my giving to God. I will overcome “bitterness,” “impatience,” “pride,” “fear,” “idolatry,” and live a life of obedience in my finances.