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Overcoming 4 Barriers to God’s Blessing | Build It | Jentezen Franklin

Sunday, September 22



Scriptures

Zechariah 1:17-21, Psalm 23:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:18, Malachi 3:11, Isaiah 54:17, Proverbs 18:21, 2 Chronicles 26:5.

Introduction

This week's Bible study delves into the powerful message of Zechariah 1:17-21, where God unveils the enemy's tactics and the triumphant response of faith. Pastor Jentezen gives us a practical and deeply personal interpretation of this passage. 

"Then I asked, 'What are these coming to do?' He answered, 'These are the horns that scattered Judah so that no one could raise their head, but the craftsmen have come to terrify them and throw down these horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter its people.'" (Zechariah 1:21 NIV)

Pastor Jentezen reveals four formidable spiritual forces that can hinder our growth and attempt to hold us back from the blessings God has for us. These forces, the "horns," are the spirits of lack, limitation, hindrance, and devouring.

However, just as the craftsmen or "carpenters" in the text are sent to break the horns and scatter the enemies of God's people, we can find victory over these forces through faith, prayer, and unwavering obedience to God's call. The Enemy wants you to quit, but if you build your life on the gospel of Jesus Christ, you can overcome every attack sent against you.

  • What part of Sunday's sermon resonated with you the most, and why?

Let’s explore these forces, the "horns," of lack, limitation, hindrance, and devouring.

The Spirit of Lack

The spirit of lack is a formidable enemy, subtly whispering doubts and insecurities, often disguised as practical concerns. It tells us we can't achieve our dreams because we don't have enough resources, talent, or even simply, time. It can keep us stuck, believing we're limited to a life of "just getting by."

  • Pastor Franklin's moving story of the "duct tape faith" beautifully illustrates this concept. Have someone in the group, recap that story. 

As he described his ministry’s struggles with inadequate equipment, the spirit of lack whispered doubt, "You don't have the money, the staff, the resources, you'll never break through." The glaring evidence of this was literal duct tape holding their aging equipment together, but God was prompting him to move beyond “duct tape faith.”

  • Pastor Franklin's story highlights a transition from "duct tape faith" to trusting in God's abundance. Discuss how this transition might look in your own life. What practical steps can you take to move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance?

Do you need a wake-up call to trust God's provision and embrace the possibility of greater things? We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones, push past the whispers of lack and embrace the abundance God has for us. It might feel like duct tape faith for a season, but as we choose to trust God's promises we reject the lie of insufficiency; God supplies all needs gloriously in Christ.

A Challenge to Overcome the Spirit of Lack | Psalm 23  

The spirit of lack wants to get you to look down, give up, and back down. This spirit wants you to lack love, peace, joy, confidence, resources, and influence. However, God, who is our Shepherd, wants us to experience overflowing abundance. The psalm reminds us:

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." Psalm 23:1 NIV

The metaphor throughout Psalm 23 emphasizes not the passivity of sheep, but the active, wise choice to follow God, the Good Shepherd, for provision, guidance, and protection. We reach the “green meadows” and “peaceful streams” by following Him obediently. Choosing to sin or stray means rejecting our own well-being. Only by following God can we find restorative paths and avoid the pitfalls of self-directed paths.

  • Challenge: Read Psalm 23 aloud several times a day until it becomes part of you.

The Spirit of Limitation

The second horn that comes against God's people is the Spirit of Limitation, which tells you not to even try because you've hit your limit. However, you must push against these limitations and break every barrier that tries to stop you from going further. There are people God wants you to reach on the other side of these limitations.

Matthew 17:20 (NIV) states: "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'"

Recognize who the God you serve is and remember who you are in Him! The enemy will come to discourage you, but you've got to keep fighting and pushing.

  • What one thing did you want to do this year for God but haven’t been able to? Why? 

God desires His people to grow, stretch, expand, and prosper, yet they often impose limitations on themselves. They think, "God will bless others but not me," or believe He performs miracles for others but they're content with their current state. 

The initial effort is always challenging when we are attempting something new. Whether it's your first bicycle ride, the first day of school, your first exam, or your first job interview, it's never easy. However, you must push yourself beyond these initial difficulties.

A Challenge to Overcome the Spirit of Limitation | 2 Corinthians 3:17  

Often, from childhood, we train our minds to accept certain limitations and defeat at the first hurdle. But don't hesitate or fear stepping out to do God's work because it’s hard or you’re afraid of what people might think. Get free, get going—there's so much more waiting for you beyond your current limitations. 

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV) states: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

  • Challenge: Christians gain a profound sense of freedom in various aspects of life. Read this list and be reminded of what you’ve been freed from!
  1. Freedom from Sin: The power of sin over a person's life is broken, allowing for a life aligned with God's will.
  2. Freedom from Condemnation: Believers are no longer under judgment or guilt for their sins, as Christ's sacrifice covers these.
  3. Freedom from the Fear of Death: The sting of death is removed, as believers have the hope of eternal life.
  4. Relief from the Burden of Self-Effort: The pressure to earn God's favor through works is lifted, replaced by grace.
  5. Liberation from Shame and Self-Hatred: Through Christ's acceptance, individuals can find self-worth and identity in being children of God.
  6. Release from Addictions and Futile Pursuits: The transformative power of the Holy Spirit helps in overcoming destructive behaviors and empty life goals.
  7. A New Life of Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness: Believers are embraced by God's love, which fosters a life lived in response to this love rather than out of obligation or fear.
  • Which of the list above resounds with you the most? 

The Hindering Spirit

Paul, an apostle with a deep desire to encourage and support the Thessalonians, experienced interference in his mission. While his desire to visit them was aligned with God’s will, he encountered resistance from the enemy.

"For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way." 1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NIV)

This verse reveals a reality that can resonate with us today: good intentions and godly plans can face obstacles.

Paul’s experience mirrors what many of us may face. Even when we have the best intentions—whether it's in our relationships, work, spiritual growth, or serving others—we might run into unexpected challenges.

  • How do you usually respond when your plans are delayed or blocked? Do you tend to give up quickly, or do you persist? Why do you think that is?
  • How has being part of a community of faith helped you in times of struggle? 

Remember, setbacks are part of the journey, not a sign of failure. With God's help, we can overcome.

A Challenge to Overcome the Hindering Spirit | 1 Thessalonians  

Despite Satan's obstructions, Paul used alternative methods like writing letters and sending Timothy to support the Thessalonians (3:2).

Paul's primary motivation for wanting to return to Thessalonica was to guide this new church towards a deeper faith.

10 “Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father” 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13 (NIV)

The four challenges below are based on the four verses above. 

The Challenge of Persistent Prayer:

  • Verse 10: Paul prays earnestly for their spiritual growth.
  • Challenge: Commit to a period of daily prayer, focusing specifically on the spiritual growth of others. Pray earnestly, as Paul did, for the opportunity to influence their faith positively.

The Challenge of Overcoming Obstacles with Creativity:

  • Verse 11: Paul asks for God's help to clear obstacles.
  • Challenge: Identify a situation or relationship where you feel hindered in sharing your faith or supporting someone's spiritual growth. Think of alternative methods like writing letters, social media, etc. similar to how Paul used letters and sent Timothy. Find creative ways to connect and minister when direct interaction is not possible.

The Challenge of Fostering Overflowing Love:

  • Verse 12: Paul wishes for their love to increase.
  • Challenge: Show love to someone within and outside your community.Cultivate a heart that loves abundantly, mirroring the love Paul described.

The Challenge of Spiritual Maturity and Holiness:

  • Verse 13: Paul hopes for their spiritual maturity.
  • Challenge: Work on an area of your life to live more blamelessly and holy. Develop a plan to address this, perhaps through study, accountability, or spiritual discipline. Aim for a life that reflects holiness before God.

The Spirit of the Devourer

The fourth horn from Zechariah’s vision is the ‘devouring spirit’. Although it is the last to be mentioned, it would be a mistake to underestimate its power and influence. The devouring spirit, as Pastor Jentezen describes it, seeks to come from behind us and devour the harvest that God has given you.

Isaiah prophesies about the restoration of Israel that still speaks to us today:

Isaiah 52:12 “But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.”

The devouring spirit also seeks to remove our memories of the things that God has done, which causes us to doubt His faithfulness for our present or future state. 

As Asaph (a Levite and one of King David's chief musicians and worship leaders) reminds us in Psalm 77:11-12:

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all Your mighty deeds.” 

Our mind is the battlefield of the enemy. It is easy to forget the ground we have had victory in when we are faced with a devouring spirit. 

  • Can you share a specific moment or event in your life where you felt God's faithfulness most profoundly? How did remembering this moment help you during a challenging time?
  • Discuss how remembering past victories or miracles can strengthen your faith today. Why do you think the enemy targets our memory?

The Bible shows us an example of making ‘objects of remembrance’ as a physical testimony of what God has done in our lives. After the return of the Ark from the Philistines, Samuel erected a stone as a reminder to the Israelites and the generations that would follow that God is faithful to deliver us:

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebeneezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” (1 Samuel 7:12)

It is important to recall to mind the mighty things the Lord has done for us. It is critical to write these things down, to journal them, because when the enemy comes to devour what advances we have made, he will cause confusion and it may be difficult to remember what the Lord has done. 

  • Samuel set up the stone Ebenezer as a monument to remember God's help. What modern-day 'monuments' or practices could we adopt to help us remember God's faithfulness?

Write them down, inscribe them not only for yourselves but for the generations to come. It is our legacy we leave.

A Challenge to Overcome the Spirit of the Devourer | Monument Making  

Our stories, our testimony are powerful tools! Revelations 12:11 says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

  • Challenge: Pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit (our Rear Guard) to call to mind a time when the Lord was faithful to meet a need in your life. Share this with the group and practice writing down victories in your life in a journal.

Conclusion

As we wrap up today’s study, it’s clear that the journey to fulfilling God’s plan for our lives won’t be without obstacles. The enemy will try to hold us back with the spirit of lack, making us feel inadequate and fearful of taking risks. He’ll whisper limitations, convincing us to settle for less than God has for us. He’ll hinder our progress with unforeseen challenges, making us question God’s faithfulness. Finally, he’ll devour our gains, trying to snatch away the blessings we’ve already received.

But we are not alone in this battle. Pastor Franklin reminds us that God is our source and He provides for His people!

He sends the carpenter, Jesus Christ, to build us up and restore what the enemy has destroyed.

Just as the carpenter overcame the four horns in Zechariah, we too can overcome the enemy's attacks by leaning on the power of Jesus.

Prayer

We are called to push through the spirit of lack, shatter the chains of limitation, rebuke the hindering spirits, and resist the devouring force. Pray today with a heart full of faith and of unwavering resolve, knowing that God will lead us to victory!

  • Pray for the areas in your small group members' lives where they currently feel hindered or stuck.

Resources