Discipleship 101: Overcoming Hindrances to Operating Faith

Nov 02, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of the Name of Jesus

There is power, healing, and deliverance in the name of Jesus. When believers speak and declare the name of Jesus over their lives, families, and situations, strongholds are broken and darkness is pushed back. The name of Jesus is not just a word, but a declaration of authority, victory, and hope. No matter what mountain or enemy stands in the way, calling on Jesus brings light and freedom. Let your faith rise as you boldly proclaim His name over every area of your life, trusting that He is able to do what no one else can. [28:16]

Acts 4:12 (ESV)
"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to boldly declare the name of Jesus today, trusting Him to break strongholds or bring healing?

Day 2: Hindrances to Faith—Guarding Relationships

Unscriptural relationships and unresolved conflict can hinder your prayers and block the flow of God’s blessings. The enemy often seeks to sow discord in marriages, families, and church communities, knowing that strife and unforgiveness can nullify faith. Scripture teaches that our prayers are affected by how we treat one another, especially in the home and among believers. Be quick to forgive, quick to repent, and diligent to keep unity, so that nothing stands between you and God’s promises. [01:16:33]

1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)
"Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered."

Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life—at home or in church—that needs reconciliation or forgiveness so your prayers are not hindered?

Day 3: The Importance of Forgiveness and Attitude

Unforgiveness, bitterness, and unscriptural attitudes are major obstacles to answered prayer and living in faith. Jesus taught that when you stand praying, you must forgive anyone you have anything against, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you. Holding onto offense or jealousy not only grieves the Holy Spirit but also blocks the blessings God wants to pour out. Let go of grudges, release those who have hurt you, and ask God to cleanse your heart, so you can walk in freedom and power. [01:38:45]

Mark 11:24-25 (ESV)
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

Reflection: Who is one person you need to forgive today, even if it’s difficult, so that your heart is free before God?

Day 4: The Call to Confess and Walk in the Light

Unwillingness to confess sin and faults keeps believers from experiencing the fullness of God’s healing and deliverance. The Bible calls us to confess our faults to one another and pray for each other so that we may be healed. There is grace and restoration when we humble ourselves, admit our struggles, and seek prayer and accountability. God’s storehouse of blessings is open to His children, but we must come honestly, ready to receive what He has already provided. [01:49:58]

James 5:16 (ESV)
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to confess a fault or struggle to a trusted believer and ask for prayer?

Day 5: Building a Foundation for Discipleship

To be a true disciple of Jesus, you must have a foundation in five key areas: enduring trials, living by faith, being filled with the Holy Spirit, cultivating a life of prayer, and understanding deliverance and sanctification. These areas are not optional; they are essential for spiritual growth and victory over the enemy. God desires to build strong disciples who can withstand the attacks of the devil and walk in the fullness of His promises. Examine your life and ask the Lord to strengthen each of these foundations, so you can live as an overcomer. [01:03:43]

James 1:2-4 (ESV)
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Which of the five foundations—trials, faith, Holy Spirit, prayer, or deliverance—do you most need to strengthen in your walk with Jesus this week?

Sermon Summary

The name of Jesus is power, healing, and life. When we call on His name—whether from the mountain, in the street, or in the darkness—there is authority to break every stronghold and shine light into every shadow. This is not just a song or a phrase; it is a spiritual reality. The authority of Jesus’ name is the foundation for deliverance, healing, and the transformation of our families and communities. We are called to speak His name boldly, unashamed, and to declare it over every situation, trusting that He is able to do what we cannot.

Faith is essential to the Christian life, but there are real hindrances that can block us from receiving what God has promised. The story from Acts 13 reminds us that spiritual opposition is real—Elmus the sorcerer tried to turn Sergius Paulus away from the faith, but Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronted and overcame this opposition. In the same way, there are spiritual and relational dynamics that can hinder our faith and prayers. God has given every believer a measure of faith, but it must be guarded and cultivated.

There are five foundational areas for every disciple: enduring trials, living by faith, being baptized in the Holy Spirit, developing a life of prayer, and understanding deliverance. Each area is vital and interconnected. Trials test and refine us. Faith is the currency of God’s kingdom. The Holy Spirit empowers us for victorious living. Prayer is our lifeline to God, and deliverance is the process of sanctification—removing what hinders us from walking in freedom.

One of the greatest hindrances to faith is unscriptural relationships and attitudes. Discord in marriage, unresolved conflict in the church, and being unequally yoked in business can all block the flow of God’s blessings. Unforgiveness, jealousy, criticism, and a refusal to confess sin create spiritual blockages. God’s promises are like a full refrigerator in a loving home—freely available, but only to those who are in right relationship and willing to meet His conditions. Grace must be extended to others as God has extended grace to us. When we align our hearts, relationships, and attitudes with God’s Word, nothing can hinder the abundant life He has for us.

Key Takeaways

1. The Name of Jesus Is Our Authority Calling on the name of Jesus is not a ritual but a declaration of His power and presence over every situation. When we speak His name in faith, strongholds are broken, darkness is dispelled, and healing flows. This authority is available to every believer who will boldly declare and trust in the holy name of Jesus. [36:21]
2. Faith Must Be Guarded Against Spiritual and Relational Hindrances Faith is the means by which we receive from God, but it can be nullified by spiritual opposition and unhealthy relationships. Just as Paul confronted Elmus the sorcerer, we must recognize and resist anything—be it attitudes, people, or spiritual forces—that seeks to undermine our faith or turn us from God’s promises. [72:43]
3. Five Foundations for Discipleship A mature Christian life is built on five pillars: enduring trials, living by faith, being filled with the Holy Spirit, cultivating a life of prayer, and embracing deliverance as sanctification. Neglecting any of these areas leaves us vulnerable and incomplete. Each one is essential for spiritual growth and victory. [63:43]
4. Unscriptural Relationships and Attitudes Block God’s Blessings Discord in marriage, unresolved conflict in the church, and being unequally yoked in business or relationships can hinder our prayers and faith. God’s Word is clear: we must guard our relationships, be quick to forgive, and keep our hearts free from bitterness, jealousy, and criticism. Only then can we walk in the fullness of God’s promises. [76:33]
5. Grace and Confession Open the Door to Restoration No one is perfect, and we all fall short in our relationships and attitudes. The key is to confess our faults, extend grace to others, and receive God’s forgiveness. As we do, the barriers to faith are removed, and we are positioned to receive every good thing God has prepared for us. [109:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:32] - Declaring the Name of Jesus
[31:01] - Offering and Worship
[35:43] - The Power of Worship and Divine Timing
[36:21] - The Authority in Jesus’ Name
[37:34] - Introduction to Faith and Hindrances
[38:10] - Acts 13: Spiritual Opposition
[40:43] - Mass Deliverance for Men
[41:25] - Learning to Blush and Spiritual Sensitivity
[43:59] - Binding the Strong Man
[47:04] - Level Three Deliverance Training
[51:33] - Testimonies of Deliverance and Healing
[63:43] - Five Foundations of Discipleship
[70:45] - Hindrances to Faith: Unscriptural Relationships
[76:33] - The Impact of Marital and Church Relationships
[81:48] - Guarding Relationships in Church
[89:40] - Forgiveness and Reconciliation
[92:19] - Unequally Yoked Partnerships
[98:09] - Unscriptural Attitudes and the Power of Forgiveness
[109:58] - Confession, Grace, and Restoration
[114:57] - Closing Worship and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 13:4-12 (ESV)
> 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
> 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.
> 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.
> 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.
> 8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.
> 9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
> 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?
> 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.
> 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)
> Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Ephesians 4:1-3, 29-32 (ESV)
> 1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
> 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
> 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
> ...
> 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
> 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
> 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
> 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Observation Questions

In Acts 13:4-12, what was Elymas the sorcerer trying to do, and how did Paul respond to him?
According to 1 Peter 3:7, what can hinder a believer’s prayers?
In Ephesians 4:29-32, what attitudes and behaviors does Paul say should be put away from the church community?
The sermon described the authority in the name of Jesus to break strongholds and bring healing. What are some specific examples given of this authority in action? [[36:21]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul confronted Elymas so directly, and what does this teach us about dealing with spiritual opposition? [[38:10]]
The sermon says that unscriptural relationships and attitudes can block God’s blessings. How might unresolved conflict or bitterness actually hinder our faith or prayers? [[01:16:33]]
The five foundations for discipleship were listed as enduring trials, living by faith, being filled with the Holy Spirit, cultivating a life of prayer, and embracing deliverance. Why do you think each of these is necessary for spiritual growth? [[01:03:43]]
The pastor compared God’s promises to a full refrigerator in a loving home, but said access depends on relationship and meeting God’s conditions. What does this analogy reveal about grace and responsibility in the Christian life? [[01:52:55]]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to speak the name of Jesus boldly over every situation. Is there a specific area in your life, family, or community where you need to declare the authority of Jesus this week? What would that look like? [[36:21]]
Think about your closest relationships—marriage, family, church, or business. Is there any unresolved conflict, bitterness, or unforgiveness that could be hindering your prayers or spiritual growth? What step could you take this week to make things right? [[01:16:33]]
The pastor emphasized that faith must be guarded and cultivated. What are some practical ways you can guard your faith against spiritual or relational hindrances? [[01:12:43]]
Of the five foundations for discipleship (trials, faith, Holy Spirit, prayer, deliverance), which one do you feel is weakest in your life right now? What is one step you could take to strengthen that area? [[01:03:43]]
The sermon talked about the need to confess our faults and extend grace to others. Is there someone you need to confess to or forgive? What is holding you back, and how can you move forward? [[01:49:58]]
The analogy of God’s promises being like a full refrigerator suggests that blessings are available, but not automatic. Are there any “conditions” or steps of obedience you sense God is asking of you right now? How will you respond? [[01:52:55]]
The pastor mentioned that sometimes our attitudes—like jealousy, criticism, or a refusal to confess sin—can block God’s blessings. Which of these attitudes do you struggle with most, and what is one way you can begin to address it this week? [[01:38:09]]

Sermon Clips

“There are five areas that you have to have an understanding and a foundation in to be able to be a a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. in five areas. Someone say, "Give me that first area, pastor." None of these are more important than the others and they all hinge together.”

“The first area that we discussed was the area of trials. You're going to be tested going be you're going to go through some hard things. You say you name the name of Jesus, there's going to be some difficult things you're going to go through. It's going to be difficult.”

“If you say you believe Jesus and you're going to follow him, you're going to be tested. Your friends are going to test you. God's going to put you in situations where you're going to be tried and tested in in those things.”

“The third area was would say, "Ma'am, you need to be baptized in the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues. You need to be empowered like the first century apostles, just like Jesus made sure that they were empowered in the book of Acts to be able to operate in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit and to teach you what those nine gifts are and to be able to share with you those nine gifts of how to operate in those because it's very powerful gifts that God gives every one of you."”

“There are certain attitudes, certain relationships or conduct that will nullify and quench your faith. Just as there was a spirit working through Elmus the sorcerer telling Sergio Sergius Paulus don't listen to Paul. Did you hear what I just said?”

“Your faith is the economy of God. This is how you get something from God is through your faith. So the enemy wants to steal your faith or this is talking about how to hinder you getting something from God.”

“You see, look here. You want to receive something from God. I don't know how important it is. It could be healing, health, finances. You might want to receive the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues. You might want to I don't know. I don't know what it is that your faith wants to hold on to God.”

“And because of your fussing with your husband and with your wife, your prayers don't get out of the room. They don't get out of the room. It doesn't matter how bad and how serious it is. God will not violate his word for no situation.”

“When I'm casting a demon out, it depends on how my relationship is with my wife so that my prayers and what I'm saying is effective to that spirit. else. I'm like anybody else trying to do it in my own flesh cuz the Holy Ghost ain't doing it.”

“But we're not doing I'm building disciples. These are five areas that I'm going to teach and train so that when I'm dead and gone, you going to listen to maybe that this is what that man was trying to tell us about how I must protect my relationship with my spouse to make sure that everything is right.”

“There are people who smoke and they're addicted to it. It's not that only is their body addicted to it, but there is a spirit that is called nicotine. And the spirit uses the body and they can overcome that that smoking demon because they need deliverance to get the demon out.”

“You just got to realize that. And they are going through the process of sanctification just like you. And when they get that out of them, they're going to be a different person. Totally different person. And they'll come back and they'll say, "That wasn't me. We’ll go down that. We know that wasn't you."”

“You can say to this mountain and it will obey you. This is a very powerful scripture. You can say to this mountain, he pointed say to this mountain, be thou removed to be thou cast into the sea. He said it would obey you.”

“There are things that God wants to lavish you with. There are things there's miracles and healings and it's called the abundant life. Before we were saved, we barely got along. We were beggars living in the world under the devil's hands.”

“There are conditions though to receiving from God. And you cannot violate the conditions. Everything's free. But you got to meet the conditions to what he's already purchased for you. Amen. Are you all right now?”

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