Bitterness
Pastor: Bryan Glisson Series: Emoji-Masquerade Scripture: Ephesians 4:25–27, Ephesians 4:30–32
Introduction: Jesus came that you could live in freedom--free from the bondages of sin and hurt. His desire is for you to live in the reality He has provided.
Jesus said, (from Isaiah 61:1) (Luke 4:18)
Key Question: How do you handle your hurt?
Three Types of People In Your Life (Ephesians 4:25)
- Scenery People—those who are just there
- Service People—those who serve you or you serve
- Special People—those you are bonded to and care for
Three Possibilities of Hurt
- Love can turn to Hatred
- Trust can turn to Cynicism
- High Expectation can turn to Disappointment
Three Wrong Reactions to Hurt
- From the Emotions—Anger (explode or implode) (Ephesians 4:26-27)
- From the Mind—Bitterness (Ephesians 4:30-31) (Hebrews 12:14-15)
Bitterness Leads To Stages of Bondage:
--bruised --blinded --bound --broken
- From the Will—Unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:32)
- Forgiveness is always a choice
- Forgiveness addresses the hurt you tend to avoid
- Forgiveness involves a cost to restore the relationship
Application: To rid yourself from the bondage of bitterness you must:
--acknowledge the hurt you have towards God for allowing it
--acknowledge that your bitterness and unforgiving spirit is wrong
--realize that the charges you have must be dropped
--realize all your judgments must be canceled
Conclusion: How to know if you have handled your hurt correctly?
--anger will turn to a gentle spirit
--bitterness will turn to a grateful heart
--a unforgiving spirit will turn to compassion = FREEDOM
other sermons in this series
Feb 24
2019
Grief
Pastor: Jonathan Glisson Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7–18 Series: Emoji-Masquerade
Feb 10
2019
Shame & Guilt
Pastor: Bryan Glisson Series: Emoji-Masquerade
Feb 3
2019
Discouragement - Part 2
Pastor: Bryan Glisson Scripture: Nehemiah 4:9–20 Series: Emoji-Masquerade