Hebrews 12:15 “Watch out that no root of bitterness springs up to trouble you, defiling many”

Have you ever felt the sting of bitterness? That feeling of anger, resentment and disappointment from being treated unfairly can fester inside of us, like a root slowly spreading its way through a garden. The Bible warns us to watch out for these roots of bitterness, because if left unchecked, they can defile many.

It might start as just a small attitude, a little thing that nags at us, but the scriptures warn us that “the little foxes spoil the vine”. It doesn’t take long for bitterness to grow into big trouble. The only way to overcome bitterness is by humbling ourselves and taking on the character and nature of Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Bitterness spreads and defiles many through what the Bible calls “corrupt talk”. The Bible tells us to “let no corrupting talk come out of our mouths, but only such as is good for building up and giving grace to those who hear.” (Eph 4:29)

Beware of those who spread bitterness, offense, gossip, and slander – especially against your spiritual leaders! They are helping demons do their job of division and strife when they do this! Do not allow yourself to be defiled by them. Their words can pile up until they have a case against even the most respected leaders.

Don’t let bitterness defile you. Don’t partake in someone else’s sin by sharing and agreeing with their offenses. If you see someone caught up in bitterness, saying things they shouldn’t about their church or leaders, speak to them in love and warn them to repent. If they listen, great! If they don’t, the Bible warns us to stay away from these types of people even if they call themselves Christian (Titus 3:10).

Let’s strive to keep our hearts and our words pure, so that we can build each other up and glorify God! Don’t be bitter, be better!
Blessings!

1. ABSALOM – UNRESOLVED OFFENSE TOWARD LEADERSHIP

Absalom, King Davids son, betrayed his father by stealing the hearts of men in Israel and leading them to revolt against their king. This spirit of betrayal works through discontented or offended spiritual leaders who betray the authority of the senior pastor. They seek to build a following of people who will support their agenda, which is contrary to the purpose and vision of the senior pastor and majority of the congregation. This “Absalom” spirit will often lead his followers outside of the church, causing division and great hurt to God’s anointed leadership. These people may also slip into a church’s ranks, carrying offense from their previous church (that they probably were kicked out of or forced to leave). Remember this: An Absolom is faithful, but not loyal.

2 Sam 15:5 And Absolom would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.” Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him. Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

Beware the kisses and the embrace of an Absolom! They will often accuse of their leaders of lacking the love and empathy needed to lead. They may join your cause, but in reality it’s to get you on theirs. They have a “I’ll scratch your back, now you are obligated to scratch mine” mentality. Their gifts, kisses and kindness is a motivated by a character flaw that causes them manipulate those around them to achieve their goals. It is important to understand for those seeking a church that “has love”, you may be walking right into the arms of an Absolom spirit.

All Authority is delegated by God. The Bible teaches submission to authority, and tells us in 1 Peter to wrap ourselves in the garb of a servant and yield to our spiritual leaders. We should not seek to build our own following, or take authority that doesn’t belong to us nor should we step into a position not given to us by God to avoid yielding to this deadly spirit.

2. A SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL – CONTROL

This spirit has no gender; it can function in both a male or female personality. It especially energizes people who are insecure, vain, jealous and dominating, having a consuming desire to control. Control is this principalities ultimate goal, and will even use sexual passion as a tool. In the church, this spirit may appear to be extremely loyal, and willing to volunteer for special service. It is strong-willed, religious and often very gifted. But make no mistake, this spirit is always motivated by a character flaw that desires to control.

The first time we see Jezebel in scripture, we see a manipulative and rebellious person who sought to destroy the Lords prophets. This spirit hates repentance and the moving of the Holy Spirit, as it will be exposed for what it is!

3. RELIGIOUS SPIRIT – RELIGIOUS HOSTILITY THAT KILLS

This is a spirit filled with deadly hostility. This pharisaical (religious) spirit killed Abel, crucified Jesus, stoned Stephen and tried to do away with Paul. Its target is still the life of Christ, and it will try to destroy the Christ-life that dwells within believers today. By nature the pharisaical spirit hates the grace of God but loves legalism. The Pharisees rejected Jesus as He preached the good news of the Gospel to the poor. Though He was the chief cornerstone on which God was building His kingdom, they rejected Him for their own interpretation of the Old Testament and for their religious traditions. Through these traditions, while receiving the praise of men they could manipulate and control the lives of people for their own benefit.

When they tried to judge Jesus according to their traditions, He challenged the legalism they held so dear. Upholding their laws was more important to them than building a relationship with the Living Word.

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

I have some Good News for you today! Whether you realize it or not, God has done something absolutely wonderful for you, and has a gift for you to receive. Who wouldn’t want what their Creator has for them? What is this Good News? We call it the Gospel. Did you know that “Gospel” means “Good News”?

This is it: God, our Father, so loved the world that He gave His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. If you never think anyone does anything for you, remember that your Heavenly Father gave you something, His Son! The BEST thing He could possibly give to you! You know, it’s a misconception that God is in heaven full of anger and wrath at people. He actually loves people, in fact, He loves you very much! 

Romans 5:8 says “God shows His love for us in this, while we were yet sinners Christ died for you”. Think about that. While you were at your absolute worst, God gave you His best. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is!

2 Cor 5:21 says that God made Jesus to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God. That scripture means that the punishment we were to receive for our sin and disobedience, Jesus took upon Himself. The wrath God would have poured out on us, He poured out upon Jesus on the cross. 

Romans 2:4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

God’s goodness is intended to lead us to repent. Repent means we turn from sin and turn to God. In other words, I don’t want to do the thing that put Jesus on the cross. God’s been too good to me for me to even want to live in that sort of way any longer.

Whatever we lay down, and give up for the Gospel, God sees to it that we get something so much better. The Bible says in 1 Tim 4:8 that living a Godly Life is profitable unto ALL THINGS “promising benefits in this life and in the life to come”. In fact, Jesus said in John 10:10 “I have come that you may have an abundant life”. Think about that, God has a life of abundance and blessing that He wants you to live!

Romans 6:23;10:13 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Are you ready to receive the gift He has for you? Say this simple prayer out loud and mean it in your heart: “Dear Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive me of my sin. Wash and cleanse me. Set me free. I confess with my mouth, Jesus is Lord. I turn my back on sin, and I follow You Lord Jesus! I believe You have died on the cross; I believe you’ve risen from the dead, and I believe you’re coming back again for me. I receive forgiveness, I am saved, I’m born again, I have Jesus in my heart. AMEN!