Hindrances to a Relationship with Jesus   

There is only one thing that hinders a person’s relationship with Jesus, their own choices. The hindrance is one’s own choices and decisions which lead one away from intimacy with Jesus. In particular 3 groups try to get us to choose things that lead us away from God and the life He gives: Satan/Demons, the World, and the Flesh (Ephesians 2:2-3, James 4:7, 1 John 2:16-17, Galatians 5:16, John 10:10). Because of the Lord’s grace we have a relationship with Him and full access to Him by the blood of Jesus, even when we commit a sin (wow!). There are situations and things in life that can make it feel difficult to have a relationship with Jesus. These situations cannot hinder the person from having a close relationship with Him. (Romans 8:35-39, Ephesians 2:8-9, James 1:7, 4-8, Mark 4:16-19, 1 John 2:16). All hindrances of relationship with Jesus are at their base sin (not being in God’s will), but to help the reader some categories of hindrances are given:

  • Péchés non repentis: lorsque nous savons que nos pensées ou nos actions ne sont pas conformes à la volonté de Dieu et que nous ne reconnaissons pas que c'est mal ou que nous ne voulons pas changer (1 Jean 1:9, Actes 17:30).

  • Le manque de pardon : lorsque nous choisissons volontairement de ne pas annuler une dette ou d'être en colère ou amer contre quelqu'un (Matthieu 5:22, 6:15).

  • Les mensonges non identifiés : lorsque nous ne croyons pas une certaine vérité de tout notre être (Jean 8:31-32, Colossiens 2:8).

  • Péchés/malédictions ininterrompus : Malédictions prononcées sur vous ou que vous prononcez sur vous-même (vous êtes ___, alors que ____ est quelque chose que Jésus ne pense pas de vous). Il peut également s'agir de péchés/malédictions générationnels qui se transmettent par les lignées familiales (Exode 20:5-6, 34:6-7).

  • Blessures non guéries : lorsqu'un tort ou un dommage passé a porté atteinte à notre être et n'a pas été guéri. Il peut s'agir d'un traumatisme ou d'un rejet (Matthieu 13:15, Psaume 147:3).

  • Domaines non cédés : lorsque nous essayons de garder le contrôle sur certaines parties de notre vie (Matthieu 7:21, 16:24).

Fixing these areas will also help you in your relationship with other people too! Addressing any of the hindrances above is quite simple and not at all complicated! The blood of Jesus covers all those areas! He is faithful to complete the work He started in you, He will do it. Also, being transparent with others and being prayed for is powerful! As you grow in intimacy with Jesus and understand more of who you are, sin will become less. Jesus gave us the potential to never sin again! (Revelation 12:11, 1 John 1:5-10, 3:6-9, Matthew 6:15, 1 Peter 2:24, Galatians 3:13-14, Philippians 1:6, 2:13, James 5:16, Proverbs 28:13, Hebrews 10:26).

Application

Individual: Ask Jesus to bring to mind an area of your life where you are not in alignment with His will. Then ask Him what needs to be done in that area of your life. Often it is to replace a lie with the truth and to trust that He will deal with that particular area!

Group: There is a lot of healing & freedom that can come from being open with others. With a group of people you trust:

  • as a group, ask the Holy Spirit what needs to be brought into the open for an individual.

  • Share anything that is revealed for that individual and pray for them