HIJACKED BY
BITTERNESS
Breaking
free from the Bondage of Bitterness
Memory
verse: Ephesians
4:31–32 (NKJV) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be
put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Text:
Ephesians 4:30-5:2
Introduction:
Bitterness is
“A feeling of anger and resentment,
caused particularly by perceived unfairness in suffering or by adverse
circumstances.” -- Martin H. Manser
Proverbs 22:24–25; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Ecclesiastes
7:9; Proverbs 29:20; Proverbs 29:22; Psalm
133:1.
1.
The
Causes of Bitterness:
First, hostility and adversarial atmosphere in
relationship.
Second, Unresolved anger and animosity can cause
bitterness. 2 Samuel 13:22; Ephesians 4:26–27
Third, Hatred for the other person can cause
bitterness. Esther 5:9
Fourth, Disappointment and betrayal by people we
love and trust can cause bitterness. 1 Samuel 30:6
Fifth, The Sins in our lives can cause bitterness. Proverbs
5:22; Proverbs 26:23–26
2.
The
Consequences of Bitterness:
First, spiritually, it causes people to stumble. It
gets people in trouble and causes them to become spiritually defiled. Hebrews 12:15
Second, it creates adversarial
circumstances in relationships. 1 Samuel
30:6
Third, Bitterness destroys trust
and shatter relationships.
Fourth, it can be deadly. 2 Samuel 13:28–29
Fifth, Bitterness is poisonous. Hebrews 12:15
Sixth, bitterness can cause physical and
psychological problem. Acts 8:23
"When
harbored for a long time, bitterness may forecast patterns of biological
dysregulation (a physiological impairment that can affect metabolism, immune
response or organ function) and physical disease."-- Dr. Carsten
Wrosch
3.
The
Cure of Bitterness
First, Remove Bitterness and the vices of bitterness
from your life. Hebrews 12:15; Ephesians
4:31; Colossians 3:8; 1 Peter 2:1; Colossians
3:8.
Second, Follow biblical Advice. Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13; Colossians 3:12; Matthew 6:14–15; Genesis
33:1–11
Third, Imitate Jesus by loving people sacrificially
and unconditionally. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5;
Ephesians 5:1–2; 1 John 3:16
Fourth, Change your perspective about what people
have done to you in the past. Genesis 50:20
Fifth, confess your sins of hatred, refusal to
forgive and malice. Psalm 32:5–7; Isaiah 55:7
Finally, let God fight your battle for you. Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19.
CONCLUSION: 1
Timothy 1:15 ;John 3:16; John 14:6; John 1:12; Romans 10:13
