Choosing Forgiveness: Overcoming Bitterness for Spiritual Growth
Summary
The sermon delivered by Pastor Eric from Kentucky, who traveled a significant distance to share his message, focused on the theme of overcoming bitterness and offense to step into the fullness of God's calling. He began by expressing his appreciation for the church's commitment to truth and the pastoral leadership, before delving into his personal journey. Pastor Eric shared a transformative experience at mile marker 82 on the Cumberland Parkway, where he encountered the Lord and was set free from the bitterness that had delayed his calling. This marked the beginning of his preaching ministry and served as a testament to the choice we all have between victimhood and victory, with the Holy Spirit as our helper.
Pastor Eric recounted an interaction with an angry woman, which led to a revelation that her anger was not truly directed at him but was a manifestation of her broken heart. This story illustrated the importance of recognizing the deeper issues at play in conflicts and the power of taking the initiative to reconcile, as exemplified by the biblical story of Jacob and Esau. He also shared a personal anecdote about being kicked out of practices in high school, which underscored the need to shake off negative emotions and forgive.
The sermon highlighted the spirit of offense as a significant barrier to revival and personal growth. Pastor Eric explained that offenses are inevitable, as Jesus taught, but they often host a spiritual activity that can hinder our relationship with God. He used the biblical account of Joseph, who chose to forgive his brothers, to challenge the congregation to evaluate their own hearts for any harbored bitterness.
Pastor Eric emphasized the importance of active involvement in one's faith, such as serving and participating in small groups, while acknowledging the pain that can come from betrayal by those we trust. He drew parallels between the Apostle Paul's unexpected snake bite and the hurts we experience in life, urging the congregation to shake off offenses and not let them poison their souls.
The sermon concluded with a call to forgive, using Paul's example of shaking off the viper's bite on the island of Malta. Pastor Eric stressed that while hurt is a reflex, offense is a choice, and we must choose to forgive as Jesus did. He encouraged the congregation to communicate effectively and with the right tone to address offenses, as advised in Matthew 18:15.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome bitterness and step into our divine purpose, as Pastor Eric's personal testimony at mile marker 82 demonstrates. This encounter with God shows that we can choose to be victors over our circumstances, transforming our pain into a platform for ministry. [01:19:47]
- True reconciliation requires the one with the most spiritual maturity to take the initiative, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau. Pastor Eric's interaction with the angry woman reveals that often, the root of conflict is a broken heart, and as Christians, we are called to respond with compassion and the intent to heal. [01:12:55]
- Offenses are a spiritual battleground that can prevent revival and personal growth. Pastor Eric's 25 years of ministry experience highlights that the spirit of offense is a contradictory force that must be recognized and overcome to allow God's work to flourish in our lives. [54:34]
- Betrayal and hurt from trusted individuals can leave deep wounds, but like the Apostle Paul, we must shake off the offense and not allow it to inject venom into our lives. This act of shaking off is a conscious decision to not let bitterness take root and to use the experience as fuel for spiritual growth. [59:33]
- Forgiveness is a choice that carries significant spiritual ramifications. Pastor Eric's emphasis on the story of Joseph and the example of Jesus Christ challenges us to forgive, even when it's difficult, and to understand that holding onto unforgiveness only hinders our own spiritual journey. [01:16:19]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Haggai 2:9 (NIV)
"The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty."
2. Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."
3. Acts 28:3-6 (NIV)
"As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, 'This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.' But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no harm. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god."
### Observation Questions
1. What does the Lord Almighty promise concerning the glory of the present house compared to the former house in Haggai 2:9?
2. In Malachi 3:10, what is the Lord Almighty asking for, and what is He promising in return?
3. Describe the reaction of the islanders to Paul's snake bite in Acts 28:3-6 and their subsequent change in perception.
### Interpretation Questions
1. How might the promise of greater glory in the present house relate to personal transformation and overcoming past struggles?
2. Considering the promise of blessings in Malachi, what might be the significance of giving wholeheartedly and trusting in God's provision?
3. Reflecting on Paul's experience with the viper, what does this incident suggest about handling unexpected trials and the perceptions of others?
### Application Questions
1. Identify a past struggle or offense that you have experienced. What is one step you can take this week to move towards forgiveness and personal growth in that area?
2. Think of a situation where you may have withheld something due to fear or mistrust. What is one tangible action you can commit to that demonstrates trust in God's provision, similar to bringing the whole tithe into the storehouse?
3. Recall a time when you faced an unexpected challenge or hurt. What is a specific way you can 'shake off' the negative impact of that event, as Paul shook off the viper, and move forward without bitterness?
4. Is there someone in your life who has wronged you, and you've found it hard to forgive? Plan a time this week to reach out to that person with the intention of initiating reconciliation.
5. Consider a recent conflict where you may have misjudged someone's intentions. What is one step you can take to seek understanding and possibly restore that relationship?
Devotional
Day 1: Victory Over Victimhood
Embracing the Holy Spirit's empowerment allows one to transcend bitterness and step into their divine purpose. Mile marker 82 symbolizes the pivotal moments where choices are made to either dwell in victimhood or rise in victory. These decisions can transform pain into a powerful testimony and a platform for ministry. [01:19:47]
Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Reflection: Can you identify a 'mile marker 82' in your life where you need to let go of bitterness and embrace what God is doing anew?
Day 2: Compassion Leads to Reconciliation
The spiritually mature must often initiate reconciliation, recognizing that beneath conflict often lies a broken heart. This approach mirrors the story of Jacob and Esau and calls for a compassionate response aimed at healing rather than retaliation. [01:12:55]
Colossians 3:12-13 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Reflection: Who in your life may be acting out of a place of hurt, and how can you take the first step towards reconciliation with them today?
Day 3: Overcoming the Spirit of Offense
Offenses are an inevitable part of life, yet they serve as a spiritual battleground that can either hinder or promote growth. Recognizing and overcoming the spirit of offense is crucial for personal revival and stepping into the fullness of one's calling. [54:34]
Ephesians 4:26-27 - "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."
Reflection: What offense have you been holding onto that you need to release in order to move forward in your spiritual growth?
Day 4: Shaking Off Betrayal
Betrayal can deeply wound, but like the Apostle Paul's response to the snake bite, one must choose to shake off offenses and not let them poison the soul. This conscious decision prevents bitterness from taking root and propels spiritual growth. [59:33]
Acts 28:3-5 - "Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects."
Reflection: How can you 'shake off' a recent hurt and prevent it from affecting your spiritual well-being?
Day 5: The Choice to Forgive
Forgiveness is a deliberate choice with profound spiritual implications. Following the example of Joseph and Jesus, forgiving others is essential, even when challenging, as unforgiveness only impedes one's spiritual journey. [01:16:19]
Matthew 18:21-22 - "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive, and what steps can you take today to begin the process of forgiveness?
Quotes
"You can't just sit there and harbor well I'm not going to speak to them anymore... I'm going to Shake It Off... I'm not going to let this thing hang around." [01:04:18] (Download)
"The Bible tells us that when you're trying to overcome offense and you're struggling with it that one of the best things you can do is to choose to communicate." [01:06:18] (Download)
"He blessed those who despitefully used him, he blessed those who had been his enemies." [01:16:58] (Download)
"I am going to shake it off, I'm going to choose to communicate, I'm going to choose to forgive and I'm going to watch God's presence be stronger and stouter in my life than it has ever been before." [01:17:29] (Download)
"The pain of offense is often not just about what was said, but more often about who said it, because you expected more from that person." [01:00:06] (Download)
"It tends to come from a hidden place, from where you wouldn't expect it, and that's one of the things that makes it so painful." [59:33] (Download)
"You can be a victim or you can be a Victor. You got a choice to make and the Holy Spirit of God would love to help you take a hold of those vipers and those places where that you've been struck and those places where that bitterness is ruling and reigning." [01:20:45] (Download)
"I thought that my victimization validated my entitlement; it delayed God's call, it delayed God's purpose, but at mile marker 82 on the Cumberland Parkway, the Lord Jesus Christ showed an 18-year-old country boy from Kentucky how to take that snake and pull it loose and be set free." [01:19:47] (Download)
"Hurt is a reflex but offense is a choice. You may not be able to control the fact that you were hurt but you can control whether or not you become offended." [01:13:33] (Download)
"Joseph was favored, honored, and chosen. Yet, his brothers' betrayal led him to pits and prisons before God brought him full circle to a throne of a palace." [01:16:19] (Download)
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