The story of the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch contains a number of important
lessons for us: None more important than the question asked by the Eunuch; "What
hinders me from being baptized?"
There are matters which hinder men from obeying the command of the Lord.
Satan attempts to hinder one from obeying the truth by snatching away the word
(Lk. 8:12).
Uses ridicule of "scholars," prejudice, indifference, involvement in the
affairs of this world, friends, etc.
One who has an honest and good heart, who is convinced of the truth that Jesus is the
Christ, there is nothing which should hinder him from obeying the truth.
Once one obeys the gospel, Satan continues to hinder.
Satan tries to prevent one from becoming what God wants him to be; from
producing the kind of fruit which will glorify God (see Lk. 8:13-15).
We must come to recognize those things which hinder us if we are to over come such.
DISCUSSION:
NEWNESS OF LIFE: THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THOSE IN CHRIST.
One "in Christ" is a "new creature," old things are passed away (2 Cor. 5:17). A new
relationship: New privileges.
Relationship imposes obligation.
Made alive (Eph. 2:1).
Raised to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:1-6, 11).
"Walk" implies activity, progress. We are not "raised" to lie down and
sleep.
Relation to world has changed: Crucified to the world (Gal. 5:24; 6:14).
Song, "Dead to the world, voices that call me..."
If such change has not taken place in life, then the purpose for which one
has been made alive has been defeated.
"Newness of life" is an appropriate description of change that is to take place.
"New birth" (Jn. 3:3-5). Old man put off, new man in the likeness of the
Creator to be put on (Eph. 4:22-24).
Did such a change take place in life? It is obvious that many of those who obey the
gospel never realize the goal of walking in newness of life; never produce the fruit
which glorifies God. What hinders?
WHAT HINDERS ME FROM LIVING THE NEW LIFE?
Lack of genuine repentance. (In reality, one has not obeyed the gospel until he has
truly repented. However, many go through a "form" of obedience; profess to be
Christians.)
Repentance is a change of mind toward sin and toward Christ: Producing a
change of action and character. A change of condition is the result of true
repentance.
Many never surrender self to the Lord (see 2 Cor. 10:5). One may go
through the "form" without accepting the fact that Christ is Lord:
willingly yield to His commands (see Psa. 110:3).
Repentance is a must: This is involved in being dead to sin (Rom. 6:2).
Some "repent" because of worldly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10-11).
When cause of "worldly sorrow" gone, go back to old ways.
Such is often "emotional" reaction: Tragedy in life, etc., bargain with
God: "If only....then...."
Some have "reservations" in their repentance. Turn from a number of practices,
but still hold to some cherished sin. "If I regard in iniquity in my heart..."
(Psa. 66:18).
Those who never realize the seriousness of sin. Always considers self to be
"good." Not suggesting a long time in grief over sins: All not committed same
kinds of sin, nor as deeply stained.
Yet, those who enter the kingdom are those who "mourn" (Mt. 5:4).
Some not taught the need for newness of life.
Possible that one have proper attitude toward sin, but not realize some things he
is doing are wrong. Many untaught today.
Colossians seem to illustrate the point (Col. 3:1,5).
Not expected to know everything that is sinful before obey the gospel.
Requires repentance of sin.
Grow in knowledge, discernment (Phil. 1:9-10). The second teaching of
Mt. 28:20.
Sometimes teaching is not done because of fear that such will
drive people away.
If attitude is right, when learn what is sinful, will change. (Illus., One
who "gambles," adultery?)
Some do not live in newness of life because they are soon entangled again in
pollution of world (2 Pet. 2:20).
Habits formed over long years are difficult to break. Many circumstances are the
same after obeying the gospel. (Work, much of environment.)
Satan uses "friends from the past to draw one back into old ways (I Pet. 4:1-4).
Some do not use the strength available to the child of God to put to death the deeds of
the flesh (Rom. 8:6-13).
Paul doesn't say here how the Spirit does this: But through the power, influence
of the word of truth (Eph. 3:16,17).
"Greater is he that is in you..." (I Jn. 4:4).
Conc.
Does Christ dwell in your heart? Have you been obedient to His word? Died to sin,
raised with Him?
Are you walking in newness of life? What hinders you? HIS POWER CAN MAKE
YOU WHAT YOU OUGHT TO BE ... LET HIM HAVE HIS WAY WITH THEE.
