Introduction:

How Bitterness Works

Take notes:

In this message I want to share some biblical ________ why people allow bitterness to take root, and then I want to share some ______ verses about how we can Break Bitterness, and discover a real freedom in Christ.

I. Life's __________can lead people to become Bitter

There are three examples:

A. __________ in Bondage – Ex. 1:14; 12:8

B. _______ in Suffering—Job 10:1

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“My soul loathes my life; I will give free course to my complaint, I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.”

C. _______ in her Loss — Ruth 1:20

“But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.”

Real Illustration:

II. Deep _____ can lead people to become Bitter — Prov. 31:6

"Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart."

The Doug Johnson StoryBitter or Better?

Can I ask you a question? Are you “bitter or _______”? Have you forgiven and forgotten, or are you remembering and holding on to the hurt?

In Proverbs 14:10, we read,

"Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy."

III. Inability to _____ clearly can lead people to become Bitter - Isa. 5:20

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"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Please hear this – You are better off than the _________ of the world’s population.

Are you aware that American’s make up ____ of the world’s population, and we consume _______ of the world’s energy.

IV. Problems in a _________ can lead a husband to become Bitter towards his wife — Col. 3:19

"Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them."

Are you a quick __________?

A.T. Robertson…

V. _______ and _______-seeking can lead people to become Bitter — James 3:14

"But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth."

Someone has called envy a ______-eyed monster. It’s true! James tells us that “envy” and “self-seeking” are not of God. Take a look at James 3:15-16,

“This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”

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VI. God's ________ can lead people to become Bitter— Rev. 10:9

"So I went to the angel and said to him, "Give me the little book." And he said to me, "Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth."

Notice that this verse is from the final book of the Bible –

Here is the point:

Hebrews 12:11, “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Conclusion: Two important verses:

Hebrews 12:14-15 - "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many"

Eph. 4:30-31 - "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you"

A Homework Assignment: See insert

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