3. Ephesians 4:31-32

4. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 NKJV[23] For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; [24] and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." [25] In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.

5. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 NKJV[1] Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: [2] On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
Contribution.

6. In 2019

7. Bitterness Will Destroy You

8. Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV
[31] 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.

9. hard to bear; grievous; distressful: a bitter sorrow.
Bitterness Definition:
hard to bear; grievous; distressful: a bitter sorrow.
causing pain; piercing; stinging: a bitter chill.
characterized by intense antagonism or hostility: bitter hatred.
hard to admit or accept: a bitter lesson.
resentful or cynical: bitter words.

10. Bitterness Definition:
Bitterness is a soul and heart soured and made bitter by harboring animosity, envy, resentment, disappointment, revenge, unforgiveness, and grudges for another’s offenses that result in an unhappy and critical and unkind and discontented disposition and outlook toward the offending parties or life in general.

11. The DEFINITION It includes revenge and hatred (II Sam 2:26),
envy and covetousness (Acts 8:23),
cursing (Ro 3:14),
anger and criticism (Job 13:26; Ps 64:2-4; Ep 4:31),
and trouble (Heb 12:15).

12. The SYMPTOMS
Criticizing and complaining speech indicate bitterness James 3:9-11; Eph 4:31; Pr 16:27-28).
Proverbs 16:27-28 NKJV[27] An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire. [28] A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.
James 3:9-11 NKJV[9] With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. [10] Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. [11] Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?
Ephesians 4:31 NKJV[31] Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

13. The SYMPTOMS
Strife, envy, harshness, and disagreeableness are all further symptoms (James 3:14-17).
James 3:14-18 NKJV[14] But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. [15] This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. [16] For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. [17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

14. The SYMPTOMS
Bitterness is the opposite of a peaceable, gentle, easily intreated, and merciful spirit.
James 3:14-18 NKJV[14] But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. [15] This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. [16] For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. [17] But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

15. The SYMPTOMS
Bitterness is the opposite of a kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving spirit (Eph 4:31-32).
Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV
[31] 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.

16. The SYMPTOMS
Bitterness is the opposite of cheerfulness and worse than necessity. 2 Cor 9:7
2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV[7] So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

17. The SYMPTOMS
Biting and devouring one another without love shows bitterness. Gal 5:13-15, 26.
Galatians 5:13-15 NKJV[13] For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. [14] For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." [15] But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
Galatians 5:26 NKJV[26] Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

18. The SYMPTOMS
Bitterness is holding the sins of others without giving full forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15).
Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV[14] "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

19. The SYMPTOMS
Bitterness: Look for the sullen, depressed, unhappy, discontented, and negative appearance.
Listen for the sharp, critical, sarcastic, biting, negative, pessimistic, self-righteous tongue.

20. The PROBLEM
We have strong lusts in our hearts that freely choose bitterness and fighting, over love and peace (James 4:1,5).
James 4:1,5 NKJV[1] Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? [5] Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"?

21. The PROBLEM
Bitterness grows. It does not stay the same. It is destroyed or it destroys (Heb 12:14-16).
Hebrews 12:14-16 NKJV[14] Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: [15] looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; [16] lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

22. The PROBLEM
Marriages are destroyed by this enemy, as spouses allow seeds of bitterness to grow.
Marriage is a personal and intimate relationship where we see the other’s faults.
Marriage is a power relationship where proper leadership/submission is essential.
Marriage is a cooperative relationship where spouses must cooperate willingly.

23. The PROBLEM
Parents and children often have bitterness between them from intimacy and authority.
Church brothers and sisters are brought together by the work of God and may be difficult.
Authority is often involved in bitterness, because of the difficulty of submitting while harboring bitterness, and the difficulty of ruling kindly and fairly while harboring it.

24. The PROBLEM
Physical, mental, emotional, and other illnesses can result from bitterness (Prov 14:30).
Proverbs 14:30 NKJV[30] A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.

25. The PROBLEM
Anger and wrath are cruel, but no man is able to stand before envy (Proverbs 27:4).
Proverbs 27:4 NKJV[4] Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy?

26. The PROBLEM
Bitterness holds faults in memory for an opportunity to unleash them all at once in anger.
Bitterness leads hearts to look for, and rejoice, in further faults in its object of scorn.
Bitterness takes pleasure in remembering faults to justify its hatred, scorn, and rebellion.

27. The PROBLEM
Holding hatred and enmity toward others breaks the sixth commandment (Mat 5:21-22).
Matthew 5:21-22 NKJV[21] "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' [22] But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.

28. The EXAMPLES
Joseph’s brethren were bitter against Joseph with sibling jealousy (Genesis 37:1-4,18-35)
Ahab was bitter against Naboth for not selling his God-given inheritance (I Kgs 21:1-7).
Absalom was bitter against Amnon for what he had done to Tamar (II Samuel 13:20-29).
Jonah was bitter against the Ninevites likely for nationalistic envy (Jonah 1:1-3; 4:1-4).
Herodias was bitter against John the Baptist for condemning her adultery (Mark 6:19).
Philemon was bitter against Onesimus for running from his service (Philemon 1:10-21).

29. The COMMANDMENT
God has spoken: we must replace bitterness with tenderhearted forgiveness (Ep 4:31-32).
Ephesians 4:31-32 NKJV
[31] 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.

30. The COMMANDMENT
God has spoken: husbands must love their wives without bitterness (Colossians 3:19).
Colossians 3:19 NKJV[19] Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

31. The COMMANDMENT
God has spoken: we must not bear any grudges against neighbors (Leviticus 19:16-18).
Leviticus 19:16-18 NKJV[16] You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD. [17] 'You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. [18] You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.

32. The COMMANDMENT
God has spoken: we cannot bear grudges against others lest we be condemned (Jas 5:9).
James 5:9 NKJV[9] Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!

33. The COMMANDMENT
God has spoken: bitterness, hatred, and anger break commandment six (Matt 5:21-22).
Matthew 5:21-22 NKJV[21] "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' [22] But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.

34. The COMMANDMENT
God has spoken: growing in your Christian life condemns any bitterness (I Peter 2:1-3).
1 Peter 2:1-3 NKJV[1] Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, [2] as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, [3] if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

35. The COMMANDMENT
God has spoken: true Christians love one another in bitterness-free love (I Cor 13:4-7).
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV[4] Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; [5] does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; [6] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; [7] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

36. The CURE
Jesus Christ gives more grace, in order for us to be victors over this wickedness (James 4:6-10).
James 4:6-10 NKJV[6] But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." [7] Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. [8] Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [9] Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. [10] Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

37. The CURE
Several have obtained victories from the Lord and great freedom from this evil enemy.

38. The CURE
Hannah turned her grievous and bitter complaint over to the Lord (I Samuel 1:1-18).

39. The CURE
Identify your bitterness by examining your heart and soul to find any critical thinking.

40. The CURE
Ask God to assist your search according to David’s personal prayer (Psalm 139:23-24).
Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV[23] Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; [24] And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

41. The CURE
Confess it as a sin and repudiate the wicked hatred in holding grudges (Job 33:27-28).
Job 33:27-28 NKJV[27] Then he looks at men and says, 'I have sinned, and perverted what was right, And it did not profit me.' [28] He will redeem his soul from going down to the Pit, And his life shall see the light.

42. The CURE
Praying for your enemies is a sure work of godliness and cure for hatred (Matt 5:43-48).
Mat 5:43-48 NKJV[43] "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? [47] And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? [48] Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

43. The CURE
Replace it with service, prayer, blessing, and love, for the same ones whom you hated.

44. The CURE
Confrontation cures bitterness if done properly, and repentance is secured (Mat 18:15-17).
Matthew 18:15-17 NKJV[15] "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. [16] But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' [17] And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

45. No one likes confrontation or communication about problems, but it must be done often.
Husbands must take a leading role eradicating bitterness in their marriage and family.
Confess your bitterness to its objects and ask for their forgiveness. What might happen?
Wives may point out sin in a husband, so encourage it. But they better be prudent.
Can every couple go home this morning and confess their bitterness, and wipe the slate clean?
We must take the time for marital cleansing, by confessing and confronting bitterness.
The CURE

46. The CURE
If we could have the mind of Christ, we would view others properly (Phil 2:1-4).
Philippians 2:1-4 NKJV[1] Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, [2] fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. [3] Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. [4] Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

47. Bitterness Will Destroy You
Do you want to become a Christian today?
Bitterness Will Destroy You
Are you willing to confess it to the Lord today?
HEAR: ROMANS 10:17
BELIEVE: MARK 16:16
REPENT: ACTS 2:38
CONFESS: ROMANS 10:9-10
BE BAPTIZED: MARK 16:16
BE FAITHFUL: REV 2:10
Have you been living in sin as a Christian?
REPENT, CONFESS, PRAY. ACTS 8:22