The Holy Spirit Hinders (to Advance)

Dealing with Hindered Plans

1. Plans that are morally neutral2. Plans that are contrary to God’s will3. Plans that are in line with God’s will

Acts 16:6-86 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.

Acts 16:9-109 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Acts 15:1–21 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.

Acts 15:1–21 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.

Matthew 28:18–1918 And Jesus came and said to them, “All

authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make

disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and

of the Holy Spirit,

Acts 15:1–21 But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.

God’s purpose in hindering our plans?

1. God may have a different plan so be flexible. Romans 11:11

2. God may delay so be patient. Acts 19:10

3. God will always refine so be Christ-like. James 1:2-4

Romans 8:26-27 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:28-29 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Vision Requires Intimacy5 Plans God Won’t Hinder

• Are you in Christ?• Are you seeking to do His will? • Are you in the Word?• Are you in Prayer?• Are you in Fellowship?