Overcoming Bitterness Through Trust and Forgiveness

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Prescriptions

Trusting in God's commands is akin to a patient trusting a doctor's advice. When God instructs us to put away anger, it is for our benefit and healing. This trust is foundational in overcoming bitterness. By believing in the goodness of God's prescriptions, we open our hearts to His transformative power. Leroy Eims' story exemplifies this trust, as he overcame his violent temper by memorizing and applying Colossians 3:8. This act of faith in God's Word led to a profound change in his life, demonstrating the power of trusting in divine guidance. [01:59]

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's guidance? How can you begin to trust His prescriptions for your well-being today?

Day 2: Cherishing God's Forgiveness

The grace of God's forgiveness is transformative. When we are truly overwhelmed by the magnitude of His forgiveness, it becomes impossible to withhold forgiveness from others. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us that being forgiven by God should naturally lead us to forgive others. This heart conviction transforms our capacity to forgive, as we recognize the depth of grace we have received. By cherishing God's forgiveness, we are empowered to extend the same grace to those who have wronged us, breaking the chains of bitterness. [06:11]

"Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends." (Proverbs 17:9, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?

Day 3: Trusting in God's Justice

Bitterness often arises from a desire for retribution. However, Romans 12:19 assures us that vengeance belongs to God, and trusting in His perfect justice allows us to release our anger. By surrendering our need for revenge, we acknowledge that God's justice is far superior to our own. This trust liberates us from the burden of bitterness, as we rest in the assurance that God will right all wrongs in His perfect timing. Releasing our anger to God is an act of faith, allowing Him to settle accounts on our behalf. [10:20]

"For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off." (Psalm 37:28, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a situation where you are holding onto a desire for revenge? How can you begin to trust God's justice and release this burden to Him today?

Day 4: Embracing God's Purpose in Trials

Trials are not without purpose. According to 1 Peter 1:6-7, they are meant to refine our faith, much like gold is refined by fire. Trusting in God's purpose for our challenges helps us grow in holiness and joy. By embracing the trials we face, we allow God to purify our faith and draw us closer to Him. This perspective transforms our understanding of suffering, as we recognize that God uses these challenges to shape us into His likeness and deepen our relationship with Him. [16:13]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing? How can you begin to see it as an opportunity for growth and trust in God's refining purpose?

Day 5: Releasing Grudges to God

Holding onto grudges indicates a lack of trust in God's justice. By releasing our anger to God, we follow Jesus' example and allow Him to settle accounts for us. This act of surrender is a powerful step in overcoming bitterness, as it frees us from the weight of resentment. Trusting God with our grievances enables us to experience peace and healing, as we let go of the need to control outcomes. By releasing grudges, we open ourselves to the transformative work of God's grace in our lives. [14:36]

"Do not say, 'I will repay evil'; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you." (Proverbs 20:22, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a grudge you are holding onto that you need to release to God? What steps can you take today to begin this process of surrender and trust?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound connection between forgiveness and overcoming bitterness, drawing from Romans 12:17-21. The journey to release bitterness is fundamentally a battle against unbelief in the beauty of our own forgiveness. We began by acknowledging that only God can truly remove anger and bitterness from our hearts, and He does so through His Word, which is filled with promises and counsel.

The first step in this battle is to trust that what God prescribes is good for us. Just as a patient trusts a doctor’s advice, we must believe that when God tells us to put away anger, it is for our benefit. This was illustrated through the story of Leroy Eims, who overcame his violent temper by memorizing and applying Colossians 3:8.

The second step is to cherish the forgiveness we have received from God. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us that being forgiven by God should naturally lead us to forgive others. When we are truly overwhelmed by the grace of God’s forgiveness, it becomes psychologically impossible to withhold forgiveness from those who have wronged us.

The third step is to trust in God’s justice. Often, bitterness stems from a sense of being wronged and a desire for retribution. However, Romans 12:19 assures us that vengeance belongs to God, and He will repay those who have wronged us. Trusting in God’s perfect justice allows us to release our anger and bitterness.

Finally, we must trust that God has a purpose for our trials. According to 1 Peter 1:6-7, trials are meant to refine our faith, much like gold is refined by fire. God uses these challenges to purify our faith and draw us closer to Him.

In conclusion, overcoming bitterness requires a deep trust in God’s prescriptions, forgiveness, justice, and purpose. By embracing these truths, we can experience true deliverance from the bondage of anger and bitterness.

Key Takeaways

1. Trust in God's prescriptions: Just as a patient trusts a doctor, we must believe that God's commands, such as putting away anger, are for our good. This trust is the first step in overcoming bitterness. [01:59]
2. Cherish God's forgiveness: When we are truly overwhelmed by the grace of God's forgiveness, it becomes impossible to withhold forgiveness from others. This heart conviction transforms our capacity to forgive. [06:11]
3. Trust in God's justice: Bitterness often stems from a desire for retribution. Romans 12:19 assures us that vengeance belongs to God, and trusting in His perfect justice allows us to release our anger. [10:20]
4. Embrace God's purpose in trials: Trials are meant to refine our faith, much like gold is refined by fire. Trusting in God's purpose for our challenges helps us grow in holiness and joy. [16:13]
5. Release grudges to God: Holding onto grudges indicates a lack of trust in God's justice. By releasing our anger to God, we follow Jesus' example and allow Him to settle accounts for us. [14:36]
** [14:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - The Battle Against Bitterness
[01:00] - Prayer for Deliverance
[01:59] - Trusting God's Prescriptions
[02:42] - Leroy Eims' Testimony
[04:06] - Memorizing Scripture
[05:18] - Believing in God's Good Advice
[06:11] - Cherishing Forgiveness
[08:27] - Trusting God's Justice
[10:20] - Vengeance Belongs to God
[12:14] - Jesus' Example of Trust
[14:36] - Releasing Grudges to God
[15:55] - Trusting God's Purpose in Trials
[18:15] - Summary of Key Points
[19:35] - Prayer for Protection and Deliverance

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:17-21
- Colossians 3:8
- Ephesians 4:32

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Observation Questions:

What does Romans 12:17-21 say about how we should respond to those who wrong us? How does this passage relate to the concept of trusting in God's justice? [10:20]
In Colossians 3:8, what specific behaviors are we instructed to put away, and how does this relate to the story of Leroy Eims shared in the sermon? [02:23]
According to Ephesians 4:32, what is the connection between being forgiven by God and forgiving others? How does this verse challenge our natural inclinations? [06:11]
How does the sermon describe the role of trials in refining our faith, as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:6-7? [16:13]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the sermon suggest that trusting in God's prescriptions, like putting away anger, can lead to overcoming bitterness? What might this look like in practical terms? [05:18]
The sermon emphasizes cherishing God's forgiveness as a way to transform our capacity to forgive others. How might this perspective change one's approach to personal grievances? [06:11]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that trusting in God's justice can help release feelings of bitterness and anger? How does this trust impact one's emotional and spiritual well-being? [10:20]
How does the sermon explain the purpose of trials in our lives, and what does it mean to trust that God has a purpose for our challenges? [16:13]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you struggled with bitterness. How might trusting in God's prescriptions, like putting away anger, have changed your response? What steps can you take to apply this trust in your current situation? [05:18]
Consider someone you find difficult to forgive. How can cherishing the forgiveness you've received from God help you extend forgiveness to this person? What practical steps can you take to move towards forgiveness? [06:11]
Think about a situation where you felt wronged and desired retribution. How can trusting in God's justice help you release these feelings? What specific actions can you take to entrust this situation to God? [10:20]
Identify a current trial or challenge in your life. How can you trust that God has a purpose for this trial? What steps can you take to embrace this perspective and allow it to refine your faith? [16:13]
Reflect on the story of Leroy Eims and his journey to overcome anger. What practical steps can you take to memorize and apply scripture in areas where you struggle? How can this practice help you in your spiritual growth? [02:42]
How can you actively remind yourself of God's promises when faced with anger or bitterness? What specific scripture or prayer can you use to reinforce this trust in your daily life? [19:35]
Consider the relationships in your life that may be strained by grudges or unresolved anger. What steps can you take to seek reconciliation and healing in these relationships, following the example of Jesus? [14:36]

Sermon Clips

it is a psychological impossibility to cherish the beauty of being forgiven and then not to share it with those who' wronged you the battle against bitterness is the battle against unbelief if the battle against bitterness is a battle against unbelief in the beauty of our forgiveness then how do we fight it that's the question John Piper answers from Romans 12:17 to 21 in this episode of light and Truth [00:00:06]

Lord I don't get anger and bitterness out of anybody's heart only you do and you are gloriously willing and eager and able the instrument of your healing and your deliverance from the bondage of grudges and bitterness is your word its promises and its counsels and so we pray as a people right now that your Holy Spirit would Empower your word word and that there would be great works of Deliverance before this hour is over [00:00:57]

believe that what the good physician prescribes is good for you believe that what the good physician prescribes is good for you he prescribes in Colossians 3:8 put away anger put away anger it's like the doctor saying put away coffee you just have to believe him I mean if you believe him you'll do it if you don't believe him you won't [00:02:02]

shortly after I became a Christian I was challenged to make personal applications as part of my weekly Bible study one of the first books I studies was was Paul's letter to the Colossians as I was studying chapter 3 the Holy Spirit caught my attention with this verse but now you must rid yourselves of all such things as anger rage malice slander filthy language I tried to slide past this verse but the spirit kept bringing me back to the words put off anger [00:02:59]

cherish being forgiven by God cherish being forgiven by God Ephesians 4:32 says be kind to one another tenderhearted forgiving one another that's the opposite of grudges forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you now the point of that verse is that being forgiven by God is going to have some amazing impact on your capacity to forgive other people [00:06:07]

faith is is a union with Christ that is overwhelmed with the impossible thought that I can be forgiven by a holy God and when you're ravished by it when you look at the Forgiveness of God towards you and it staggers you stuns you silences you a you wraps you up up then it becomes a psychological impossibility to turn towards those who've wronged you and say but I'm not going to pass it on to you [00:07:03]

trust that God's justice will prevail to trust to trust to believe that God's justice will prevail now I think all of us in this room know from experience that one of the causes of bitterness is being wronged really wronged by somebody they lied about us they stole from us they were unfaith faithful to us or they let us down or they rejected us and we feel not only that it shouldn't have happened to us we didn't do anything to deserve that but they should be punished [00:08:26]

beloved never avenge yourselves but leave it to the wrath of of God or give place to the wrath of God why see there's the prescription from the doctor now what basis doctor do you give me for this being a wise therapy answer a promise for it is written vengeance is mine I will repay says the Lord now what that text says is that God has made a promise that he will repay those who have wronged you in a perfect measure his justice will prevail [00:10:24]

have you ever put yourself at the foot of the cross at that moment and considered the Ripoff that Jesus Christ got consider it nobody in this world has ever been wronged like Jesus has been wronged nobody in this world has ever gotten a raw deal like Jesus got from his contemporaries nobody has ever been abused more than Jesus was abused nobody has ever been rejected more deeply than Jesus was rejected and nobody was more undeserving of it all or innocent than Jesus [00:13:11]

when he was reviled he did not revile in return and when he suffered he did not threaten but here it is he handed over to him who judges justly why did he do that why did he take all the righteous and moral indignation that came up in his heart for all the sins that were directed against him and instead of keeping it inside and seething with it and lashing out with it just empty it right into the hands of the judge [00:14:19]

the way to battle unbelief and bitterness is to trust God's purpose to turn the cause of your anger the cause of your anger for your good to trust the purpose of God to turn the cause of your anger for your good now I take this from First Peter 1 verse 6 which says for a little while you may have to suffer various trials in order that the genuiness of your faith more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire might redound into praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ [00:15:55]

God allows trials to come into your life now a trial is anything that tends to make you angry if it didn't tend to make you angry it wouldn't be a trial what's to be tried a trial is something that tends to make you angry either at God or at people so these trials are allowed it says why to treat your faith like like a refiner treats gold what God is after in your life more than he's after anything else is genuine Faith [00:16:44]

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Overcoming Bitterness Through Trust and Forgiveness

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Prescriptions

Day 2: Cherishing God's Forgiveness

Day 3: Trusting in God's Justice

Day 4: Embracing God's Purpose in Trials

Day 5: Releasing Grudges to God

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Overcoming Bitterness Through Trust and Forgiveness

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