2/2 COMPLETED FREEDOM FROM BITTERNESS

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February 2, 2025



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. 15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.


1. WHERE DOES BITTERNESS COME FROM?


• HURTS AND PAINS THAT ARE NOT DEALT WITH PROPERLY.


Hebrews 12:14 - Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.


2. WHERE DOES BITTERNESS GROW?


• HURTS AND PAINS THAT ARE STORED IN YOUR HEART/EMOTIONS.


Hebrews 12:15 - See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.


Bitter means: (me-ah’-ee-no); stain, pollute or contaminate.


3. HOW DO BITTER PEOPLE THINK AND ACT?


• Become overly critical.


Justify their bitterness.


• Secretly celebrate misfortunes.


• Struggle to see bitterness in the mirror.


4. WHAT KIND OF DAMAGE WILL IT CAUSE?


Hebrews 12:15 - See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.


PHYSICAL DAMAGE


EMOTIONAL DAMAGE


SPIRITUAL DAMAGE


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. 15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.


5. WHAT KIND OF BY-PRODUCTS WILL THIS DANGEROUS FRUIT PRODUCE?


Ephesians 4:26-31 - “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. … 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.


RAGE


ANGER


BRAWLING AND SLANDER


MALICE


6. HOW DO I KILL THE BITTER ROOT?


• LET GOD REVEAL IT.


Psalms 139:23-24 - Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.


• LET GRACE REMOVE IT.


Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.


Ephesians 5:1-2 - Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.


• LET GOOD REPLACE IT.


Hebrews 12:14 - Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; …


7. WHAT IF I HAVE SOMEONE IN MY LIFE THAT IS BITTER? WHAT CAN I DO?


• PRAY FOR THEM.


• SET UP BOUNDARIES FOR PROTECTION.


PERSONAL PRAYER:


“God, I admit that I’ve allowed a root of bitterness to grow against _. Please forgive me of this sin. By your power, give me a heart of compassion and forgiveness toward this person. I pray you would restore my wounded relationship(s). In Jesus’ name