What Hinders God's Work in Us?
David Wilkerson emphasizes that self is the main hindrance to God's work in our lives, and through our weaknesses, we can experience His strength and love.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that our weaknesses and trials are not signs of God's judgment but rather opportunities for His power to manifest in our lives. He reflects on the apostle Paul's experience of finding strength in weakness, highlighting that self-reliance hinders God's work in us. By denying ourselves and taking up our crosses, we allow Christ to work through us, transforming our struggles into avenues for growth and maturity. Wilkerson encourages believers to view their challenges as evidence of God's love, leading them to ultimate victory. In surrendering our strength, we open ourselves to experience the fullness of Christ's strength.
Text
"Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Corinthians 12:9). The apostle Paul grew weak because of troubles and distresses but when he was cast down, he did not despair. He rejoiced in the process of being made weak because it was the secret to his power with Christ, and out of that weakness he became strong.
Some may have an unfulfilling job, an illness, a state of deep loneliness or divorce. Those things are valid reasons to be discouraged but the one thing that constantly hinders God's work in our lives is simply self. When Jesus said we are to take up his cross and follow him, he was asking us to deny ourselves (see Luke 9:23). Our pride says, "I can do this myself." But Jesus says, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
Jesus looks upon this world, filled with confused children going about trying to establish their own righteousness, trying to please him in their own way, and he calls for crosses. The cross is meant to break us and drain us of all human effort. He cannot take over until we give up and cry out to him, "Father, I can't go another step! My strength is gone! Help!"
Beloved, do not think of your trial as judgment from God and do not condemn yourself. Actually, what you are going through is an evidence of his love toward you, bringing you into ultimate victory and maturity. You are in Christ's own school of discipleship, so rejoice that as you become weak and submit to him, you will experience his overpowering strength!
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding Paul's Weakness
- The Power of Christ in Our Infirmities
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II
- Identifying Personal Hindrances
- The Role of Self in Hindering God's Work
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III
- The Call to Deny Ourselves
- The Importance of Abiding in Christ
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IV
- The Purpose of Trials
- God's Love in Our Struggles
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V
- Embracing Weakness for Strength
- The Path to Spiritual Maturity
Key Quotes
“Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” — David Wilkerson
“He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” — David Wilkerson
“What you are going through is an evidence of his love toward you, bringing you into ultimate victory and maturity.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Acknowledge your weaknesses and invite God into your struggles.
- Practice self-denial by surrendering your pride and control to God.
- Rejoice in trials as opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on Christ.