OVERCOME BITTERNESS

Overcome Bitterness   •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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The actions of others, like betrayal and bad decisions, can leave us bitter. We can let bitterness continue to eat at us or we can let it go—and forgive.

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OVERCOME BITTERNESS
LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE
LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE
Session Title: The Root will always effect the Fruit
Bible Passage: (CSB)

Note From the Pastor:

Forgiveness is difficult because the memory of the hurt continues to pull us back into bitterness. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can move beyond such a destructive attitude, as we see in the life of Joseph. Whether it be in marriage , a divorce, co-parenting, or job situation, bitterness is deceitful and cunning. It will attack and grow in you, which will hinder spiritual growth and maturity.

General Study:

Review:

“How would you describe the taste of bitterness?” This is the key idea to keep in mind throughout the session

GUIDE: Call attention to The Point. Explain that this is the key idea to keep in mind throughout the session.

Have all the men read this:

READ: Read and summarize The Bible Meets Life for your group.

It has been said that harboring unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to get sick. But let’s admit it: forgiving another person can be hard. Really hard. During a routine sweep of Central Park, NYPD officer, Steven McDonald, was shot in the back of the head three times by a 15-year-old kid. Because of that one momentary act of violence, Steven has spent the last 28 years confined to a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. Since that day, he has been extremely limited in what he can do. He hasn’t held his wife in two decades. He has never held or played catch with his son, who was born just a few months after the accident. But Steven has done one thing. He forgave the young man who shot him. “I forgave Shavod because I believe the only thing worse than receiving a bullet in my spine would have been to nurture revenge in my heart. Such an attitude would have extended my injury to my soul, hurting my wife, son, and others even more. It’s bad enough that the physical effects are permanent, but at least I can choose to prevent spiritual injury … I have come to realize that anger is a wasted emotion.” In our study of the life of Joseph, we’ve seen a man who had every reason to feel hurt, angry, and bitter, but he too chose forgiveness.
2.) How many of these “vows” did Samson go against?

PRAY: Transition into the session by praying that the Holy Spirit would convict students of any bitterness they’re carrying in their hearts.

Small Groups:
1.) DISCUSS: Lead students to discuss the question, “How can we let go of the past without forgetting it?” ()
2.) DISCUSS: Lead students to discuss the question, “What makes it difficult to forgive someone?” ()
3.) What is the difference between “Omission vs. Commission.” (Genesis 45:5-8)
Omission vs. Commission When it comes to sin, there are sins we commit and then there is sin that is a result of our inaction—not doing what we should have done. Determine how the following could be sins of omission:
- Not sharing the gospel with a classmate
- Waiting until the last minute to study your lesson
-Letting an ill feeling fester in your spirit
4.) DISCUSS: Ask students to answer the questions (Genesis 45:9-11)
A.) “How did Joseph’s actions in this story mirror God’s actions toward us?
B.) What actions on our part begin and maintain the process of reconciliation?”
Key Takeaways:
Restoration is an amazing thing. When you move into a restored home, it is like a brand-new house. Over time, you stop thinking about what it used to be like.
Restoration is an amazing thing. When you move into a restored home, it is like a brand-new house. Over time, you stop thinking about what it used to be like.
How has God brought restoration through forgiveness in your own life?
How can you extended this to someone else
Can you hold bitterness against someone who is deceased? And if so, what needs to be done biblically?
4.) What was the root of Samson's folly? (No one right answer)
Big Picture Question: What areas of your life are still left submitted to God? - ; 16:1-9
Unit Christ Connection: Proper dedication and direction from God’s word will guide us. We must not become our own enemy.
1.) Samson biggest enemy?
Circle all that apply (His first wife, Delilah, the Philistines, his parents, the children of Isreal, Samson)?
2.) What are you ignoring that is really not apart of your destiny or calling?
3.) Do you have a man in your life who will not only be honest with you, but give you scripture and prayer time to build you up? If not have you prayed for such a man in your life?
4.) Did Samson understand his vow? What was the consequences because of it? ;
5.) Self Reflection: Have you ever felt far from God? Why? What did you do to get back closer with him?
6.) A lack of understanding of God’s purpose will always reveal selfishness and lack of clear direction:
5.) Lets track the steps of Samson’s folly Further?
A.) ( ) Unholy alliances: Turn to
B.) ( ) Unresolved anger and fake manhood: Turn to
C.) ( ) The destructive side of hidden and exposed anger: Turn to
D.) ( ) Rendering evil for evil: Turn to
E.) ( ) Sin has consequences and Grace has power:
F.) ( :-20) Great battles, Great victories, and moments of Weakness
Tool Box:
Out of these five steps towards demise what area(s) are you presently in?
What steps do you need to take to get out of it or avoid it?
Self-Reflection:
What has been a recent great battle (i.e. overcoming doubt, letting go of an affair, releasing an addiction)?
What did you learn about the grace of God, the Love of God, and your outlook on your life?
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