1. The devil’s Distractions Despair and the Root of Bitterness that leads to the loss of one’s soul. 1

2. 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 forget 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 1 2

3. WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?  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.” 3

4. Hebrews 12:12-17  “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;” 4

5. 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

6. James 3:13-18, WHAT KIND OF WISDOM DIRECTS YOUR LIFE?  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? 6

7. OUR FAITH IN THE RESURRECTION SHOULD GUARD OUR HEARTS AND MINDS.  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. 7

8. Bitterness blinds the minds of Christians from their Faith, Hope, and Love!  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. 8

9. 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

10. Pointed questions you should ask yourself. Is my bitterness the cause for the loss of my influence I once had among Christians? Is my bitter attitude causing children to stumble? Do I ever smile? 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 an elder in the Lord’s church? 10