Part 8 The Blight of Bitterness

Hebrews 12:14–15

1. His Careless Choice — He Sold the Birthright

Genesis 25:29–34

A. Consider the value of the birthright

Deuteronomy 21:17

Picture: A biblical firstborn son receiving a double portion of his father’s estate.

B. Consider the foolishness of the exchange

Picture: Jacob cooking stew as Esau approaches, tired and hungry.

C. Consider the condition of his heart

Genesis 25:34

Hebrews 12:16

Proverbs 19:3

2. His Crushing Consequence — He Lost the Blessing

Genesis 27:34

● Don’t despise God’s blessings

Galatians 6:7

● Don’t confuse regret with repentance

Genesis 27:34

Statement: Esau cried “with a great and exceeding bitter cry,” but he was not truly repentant. He was bitter over the consequences of giving up his birthright.

2 Corinthians 7:10

Hebrews 12:17

● Don’t assume you will get another chance

Philippians 3:13–14

3. His Consuming Complaint — He Wept in Bitterness

Genesis 27:34

A. Bitterness distorts our vision

Genesis 27:36

B. Bitterness defiles those around us

Hebrews 12:15

C. Bitterness is defeated by grace

Hebrews 12:15

4. His Continuing Conflict — He Hated Jacob for Years

Genesis 27:41

Picture: An older Esau, still resentful toward Jacob.

A. Resentment breeds hatred

Genesis 27:41

B. Rehearsing the hurt keeps it alive

C. Redemption comes by grace

Ezekiel 36:26

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you…”

Five Biblical Steps to Uprooting Bitterness

1. Recognize The Root

Hebrews 12:15

Psalm 139:23–24

2. Release The Offense

Ephesians 4:31–32

Romans 12:19

3. Replace The Thoughts

Philippians 4:8

4. Respond With Love

Matthew 5:44

5. Rest In God’s Sovereignty

Jeremiah 29:11

Lesson four: The Gospel is glorious because of its results

Intro: Lessons 4,5 86 will be about the miraculous results of the Gospel. Today we will discuss result A = Because of the Gospel we have been given a new life. Example of last week's lesson: John 3:16; Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:1

1. We have a new life because we have a new birthright.

• We have been born again=from above. John 3:3, 1 Pet. 1:23

• We have a new family. John 1:12= a child of God. Eph. 3:15

• We have been given a new name. Acts 11:26b; Rev. 2:17

2. We have a new life because we have a new Father. = God

• Before the gospel the devil was our father, John 8:44a; Rom.5:10-12

• Because of the Gospel we have a Father in Heaven. Matt 6.9. Nine times Jesus told His disciples they have a Father in Heaven. Matt 5:16; Matt 6:8; John 20:17 Wow I have a Father in Heaven.

• God is our Father because He redeemed us. = purchased us. 1 Cor. 6:20 1 Pet.1:18-19

• God is our Father because He adopted us. Eph. 1:5; Rom. 8:15

3. We have a new life because we have a new kingdom.

• Because of the gospel the Kingdom of God is in us. Luke 17:21

• Because of the gospel we have a new residence. Col. 1:13

• Because of the gospel we have a new King. Luke 19:38; 1 Tim. 6:15. We only serve and bow to this KING.

• Because of the Gospel our kingdom has different rules, 1 Thess. 2:12

Conclusion: Because of the Gospel we will live with our king forever! Matt 25:34

Intro: Paul and Silas had been beaten and put in jail in the city of Philippi but God miraculously delivered them and the prisoners. When the keeper of the prison realized this, he was about to commit suicide when Paul cried out "harm yourself we are all still here!" After bringing Paul and Silas out of the prison, the guard asked: "what must I do to be saved?"

To which they answered:

1. Believe on The Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. V. 31

• They told him to call on the only name that can save. Acts 4:12

• They told him to call on the only one who can save. Romans 10:9

• Believe on Jesus and your soul will be saved. John 3:16; Mark 8:36

• Believe on Jesus and your life will be saved. Luke 9:24; Mark 8:35

2. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and your family will be saved. V31c

• There is no greater joy than to know our family is going to Heaven. Luke 10:20b; 15:7

• The jailer's entire household believed on Jesus. V. 32; Joshua 24:15

• The jailer and all his family were baptized. V. 33

3. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you can help others know Jesus!

• Paul and Silas had the joy of being soulwinners. Acts 16:25,31

• The jailer rejoiced because he helped his family believe.V. 34

Conclusion: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, your family will be saved, and you can have the most wonderful life: telling others about Jesus!

Lesson Three: The Gospel is Glorious because of its power

Text: Romans 1:14-16

Intro: The entire premise of Christianity lies in the power of the gospel. To know and comprehend the power of the gospel changes one's life forever = Paul.

1. The Gospel is the power of God.

• The very words of the gospel have power. Rom.1:16b; 1 Cor. 1:17; 2:4

• Jesus forgives sin by the power of God= the gospel. Matt.9:6,28:18

• Our faith is in the power of God. Rom. 10:17, 1 Cor 2:5

2. The Gospel is empowered with God.

• The disciples were instructed to wait for this power. Luke 24:46-49

• The Holy Spirit gives power to preach gospel. Acts 1:8

• When the Holy Spirit empowers us then the gospel is preached. Acts 2:21, 23-24; 4:33 Ref. Eph. 5:18; Ref. Gal. 5:16

3. The Gospel has the power to save.

• Power to save those whom believe it. John 1:12

• Power to power to save from hell. John 3:16-17,36

• Power to give eternal life. John 5:24; Rev. 20:6

• Power to change. 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Cor. 5:17; Eph.2:1

Conclusion: Knowing its power how could we possibly be ashamed of the Gospel?

#7: Handling Unjust Criticism

Isaiah 43:2

I. The Source of Criticism

Numbers 12:1

II. The Spirit of Moses

Numbers 12:2–3

● Hebrews 13:17

● Psalm 38:13

III. The Stand of God

Numbers 12:4

Verse 5

● Luke 8:17

● Numbers 12:7-8

IV. The Supplication of Moses

Numbers 12:10, 13

Four Principles for Handling Unjust Criticism

1. Remember Your Position

1 Corinthians 4:1

Ministers (Greek: Huperetes — "under-rower")

● 1 Corinthians 15:9

● Ephesians 3:8

● 1 Timothy 1:15

2. Rejoice in Your Privilege

1 Corinthians 4:1

● 2 Corinthians 4:7

3. Reject Man's Pronouncement

1 Corinthians 4:3–6

Three Courts

1. The Court of Others

● Verse 3

2. The Court of Self

● Verse 3

3. The Court of God

● Verse 4

4. Rest in God's Promise

1 Corinthians 4:5

LESSON TWO: THE GOSPEL IS GLORIOUS BECAUSE OF ITS MESSAGE

INTRO: Last week we saw the Gospel is glorious because of its definition:

Glorious = "DOXA" = Glory. Gospel = "evangelion" = good news. Today we will see

the Gospel is glorious because of the profound message it conveys.

1. The Gospel is the message of love. 1 John 4:8 = God's attribute

• The message of the Father's love. John 17:23

- The Father loves us as He loves Jesus. = "Profound"

- The Father loves the world. John 3:16; Rom. 5:8 = Profound

- The Father loved us first, 1 John 4:10, 19 = Profound

• The message of Jesus' love.

- The gospel is about Jesus' love for His Farther. John 14:31

- The gospel is about Jesus' love for souls. Luke 19:10; Jh 10:11

- The gospel is about Jesus' greatest love. John 15:13; Lk 23:34

• The message of love is our motivation for sharing the gospel.

2 Cor.5:14; 1 Cor. 9:22-23; John 13:34

2. The Gospel is the message of sacrifice. 1 Cor. 6:20 = A great price!

• The price was the death of Jesus. 1 Cor. 15:3; Phil. 2:8

• The price was the precious blood of Jesus. 1 Peter 1:18-19

• The price was the suffering of Jesus. 1 Pet. 1:21,24; Ps 22:1,14

3. The Gospel is the message of reconciliation. 2 Cor. 5:18-19

• We were in the wrong = enemies of God. Col. 1:21

• God restored us to Himself. 2 Cor. 5:18

• God did this by the incarnation. 2 Cor. 5:19a = JESUS Ref. Col. 2:9

Conc. We have been given the responsibility to preach the gospel. 2 Cor. 5:19b

Part 6: Surviving Betrayal

Matthew 24:10

Isaiah 43:2

Matthew 24:10 pic Jesus' prophecy concerning the last days.

Pics:

● Lucifer rebelling against God and leading angels in rebellion.

● Cain betraying (murdering) Abel.

● Joseph betrayed by his brothers.

● Absalom betraying his father, David.

● Ahithophel betraying David (Psalm 55:12–13)

● Judas betraying Jesus (Luke 22:3–4)

● Jesus on the Mount of Olives teaching His disciples about the last days.

I. The Offense That Stumbles Us

Matthew 24:10

● Underline: "offended."

● Greek word: Skandalizō (σκανδαλίζω) – from which we get the word scandal; originally referred to a hidden trap or stumbling device.

● Hebrews 12:15

● Matthew 24:10 – underline: "shall many be offended."

II. The Betrayal That Separates Us

Matthew 24:10

● 1 Timothy 1:20

● Matthew 24:10

● 1 Corinthians 11:19

● Luke 2:34-35

● 1 John 2:19

● Matthew 10:21

● Luke 21:16

III. The Hatred That Hardens Us

Matthew 24:10

● 1 John 2:11

Five Biblical Responses

1. Choose Your Companions

● Proverbs 13:20

● John 2:24

● Proverbs 22:24–25

● Proverbs 27:17

● Proverbs 20:6

2. Continue Your Calling

● Hebrews 12:2

● 2 Timothy 4:16–17

● 1 Peter 2:15

3. Cultivate Loyalty

● 1 Samuel 24:6

● 2 Timothy 4:11

● Revelation 2:10

4. Conquer Evil with Good

● Romans 12:21

● Matthew 5:44

5. Count on God's Character

● Genesis 50:20

● 2 Timothy 4:17

Lesson series: "The Glorious Gospel" By Pastor Mike

Sub title: Eight Reasons Why the Gospel Is Glorious

Lesson One: The Gospel is glorious because of its definition.

Text: 1 Timothy 1:11

Intro. The Holy Spirit inspired the Apostle Paul to define the Gospel as glorious, which he does in our text and in 2 Cor. 4:4

1. The word glorious is translated from the Greek transliteration "DOXA"

which is the word for glory. Ref. Matt. 5:16; John 17:5

• The gospel is for the glory of God. 1 Tim. 1:11; 2 Cor. 9:13

• The gospel gives glory to God. Gal. 6:14; Rom. 10:15

• The gospel is the message from God. 1 Tim 1:11; Gal. 1:11-12

2. The word Gospel is translated from the Greek transliteration "evangelion" which means good news.

• See Luke 4:18 = That's good news!

• See John 1:29 = That's good news!

• See 1 John 5:11-13 = That's good news!

3. The word Gospel means to tell of a specific message. 1 Cor 1:18

• The Gospel Mark 16:15

• Not another gospel. Gal. 5:8

• The Scriptural Gospel. 1 Cor. 15:1-4

Conc. Because the gospel is glorious, we should live to tell it. Mark 8:35

America at 250: Returning to Our Foundation

● Pic Patriotic Christian theme with the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Psalm 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD..."

● Image: George Washington kneeling in prayer at Valley Forge.

● Proverbs 14:34

I. The Blessings of God's Favor

Proverbs 14:34 underline "Righteousness exalteth a nation..."

2 Chronicles 7:14

II. The Burden of Our Failure

Proverbs 14:34 "...but sin is a reproach to any people."

III. The Battle for Our Future

● Image: Lincoln Memorial (or Gettysburg scene).

● Highlight the phrase: "Under God"

● Image: Patriotic American flag and cross (or similar Christian patriotic scene).

● Challenge:

○ Rededicate our hearts

○ Rededicate our homes

○ Rededicate our nation to God

The Crown of a Godly Legacy

Proverbs 17:6

"A man’s greatest wealth is not what he leaves to his children, but what he leaves in his children."

Five Truths About the Blessing of a Godly Legacy

1. The Blessing of Descendants

Proverbs 17:6 "Children’s children are the crown of old men..."

Psalm 127:5

Psalm 107:41

Psalm 127:3

Malachi 2:15

Genesis 46:27

2. The Beauty of Discipleship

"Children’s children are the crown..."

3 John 4

Genesis 50:22–24

3. The Benefit of Dads

"The glory of children are their fathers."

Proverbs 17:6

Ephesians 6:4

Joshua 24:15 "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

1 Corinthians 16:13

4. The Burden of Duty

Leviticus 19:32

1 Timothy 5:4

We are called to honor, respect, and care for those who have gone before us.

5. The Building of a Godly Dynasty

Psalm 145:4

A godly legacy is built intentionally, one generation at a time.