Overcoming Bitterness and Despair: A Biblical Perspective
Explore the dangers of bitterness and despair in the soul, as illuminated through Biblical passages such as Hebrews 12:12-17 and Luke 18:1-8. Discover the importance of maintaining faith, pursuing peace, and guarding one's heart against the roots of bitterness. Delve into the stories of Naomi and Ruth to understand the destructive power of bitterness, and reflect on how wisdom, faith, and the local church play a role in overcoming these challenges.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
The devils Distractions Despair and the Root of Bitterness that leads to the loss of one s soul. 1
Hebrews 12:12-17 2 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 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;
Luke 18:1-8 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, First signs of bitterness taking control of one s soul when one no longer prays. They have lost their faith in God. They have forgotten that there is no dark side to God. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:16-17 3
1 John 1:5, This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. Paul taught in Galatians 6:9-10, And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. 4 WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?
Ruth 1:1-21 Naomi Pleasant or (the pleasant one) Call me Mara Ruth 1:20-21, But she said to them, Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the LORD has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me? 5
James 3:13-18, WHAT KIND OF WISDOM DIRECTS YOUR LIFE? 6 You will overcome bitterness and despair, or it will control your life destroying all around you! Some would rather compromise the truth of the gospel than to suffer for the cause of Christ. WHY SHOULD WE ALLOW THE LOCAL CHURCH TO BECOME A PLACE OF BITTERNESS, THAT DISCOURAGES AND DESTROYS THE FAITH OF THE YOUNG AND THE OLD ALIKE, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE JUST BEEN BAPTIZED?
OUR FAITH IN THE RESURRECTION SHOULD GUARD OUR HEARTS AND MINDS. 7 Philippians 4:4-8, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, we see that bitterness stunts the growth of Christians because they cease to even try.
Bitterness blinds the minds of Christians from their Faith, Hope, and Love! 8 Worldliness robs the Christian of their hope as it causes Christians to trade their faith for sight. For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 Why is it we can see bitterness so clearly in others, but not in ourselves? Because we believe we are justified to feel bitter.
Pointed questions you should ask yourself? Is my bitter attitude causing others to despair? Is my bitter attitude causing those in my family to despair? Is my bitterness affecting my brethren in the Lord, because I can t even say one kind word? 9
Pointed questions you should ask yourself. Has my bitterness become a cause for the loss of my influence for what is good in the sight of the Lord? Is my bitter attitude causing children to stumble? Do I ever smile? Do you still look forward to helping others? Is my bitter attitude keeping me from putting Christ first in my life, or teaching others the life saving gospel? Is my bitterness keeping me from serving as a good Soldier in the Army of the Lord? Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim.2:4 10
