Bible Study 2010 Lesson/Week One

By Anonymous -
Lesson One/Week One
Bitter, as Webster’s Dictionary puts it is and adjective meaning 1. having a sharp, unpleasant taste 2. causing or showing sorrow, pain, etc. 3. sharp and disagreeable; harsh 4. resentful; cynical. Bitterly is an adverb and bitterness is a noun.
Bitterness is a state of being bitter. None of us want to continue to be in that state or dip our toes “into that pond”. This week we are going to explore some scriptures on the topic, read some thoughts by others and pray, pray, pray!
This is not what I want my epitaph to say, “Elizabeth was a bitter woman who bitterly responded to otheres and found herself drowning in bitterness.” I would prefer that it said, “Elizabeth was a forgiven woman who mercifully granted forgiveness and found herself thanking God for His forgiveness towards her.” I image you wouldn’t want others to remember you as bitter or to think of you now as bitter. Or if you know someone who is deep in this state, you want to lovingly encourage them out of that state.
Here is our memory verse for this lesson/week:
Hebrews 12:15
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (NKJV)
In the King James Version it reads like this: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Bitterness in this version comes from the greek work pikria which is a form of the greek word pikros meaning acridity, especially poison. Literally or figuratively, bitterness.
Here are some other verses to read. Try to read them in context, meaning – read a few verses before and after (sometimes even the whole chapter to see what is going on/who is speaking to who, etc.).
Bible Reading
James 3:11, 3:14
Acts 8:23
Romans 3:14
Ephesians 4:31
Hebrews 12:15

What Others are saying:
http://encouragementforwomen-alentar.blogspot.com/2009/01/anger-bitterness.html

Journal keeping and Prayer:
Take time to write down what God is saying to you about your life, heart and bitterness through His word. Record how He answers your prayers too. Then contact your trusted friend and discuss it and pray together.

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