How Do We Do God’s Will? (Cont)
A “ROOT of bitterness” comes when we allow disappointment to grow into resentment, or when we nurse grudges over past hurts. Bitterness brings with it jealousy, dissension and immorality. When the Holy Spirit fills us; He heals the hurt that causes bitterness.
“Root of bitterness.” A “root of bitterness” refers to a deep-seated resentment in one’s heart that continues to grow and has consequences for others. Here it may refer to an attitude of bitter resentment toward God’s discipline, instead of humble submission to His will for our lives.
Bitterness can also be directed toward person who is bitter, i.e., making him or her unfit to approach God in prayer. If not dealt with, the root of bitterness can also spread and defile many others in the church community, destroying the “holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (v.14).
(6) Let God Guide You. Nothing Must Take God’s Place
Read Ps 32:1-11. A Prayer During Distress
Forgiveness brings true joy. Only when we ask God to forgive our sins will he give us real happiness and relief from guilt. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. 9: Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you,” (Ps 32:8,9).
God describes some people as being like horses or mules that have to be controlled by bits and bridles. Rather than letting God guide them step-by-step, they stubbornly leave God only one option. If God wants to keep them useful for Him, He must use discipline and punishment (Rev 3:19; Heb 12:5,6). God longs to guide us with love and wisdom rather than punishment. He offers to teach us the best way to go. Accept the advice written in God’s word and don’t let your stubbornness keep you from obeying God.
• Remain Totally Consecrated To God
Ex 20:3: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” This command prohibited the polytheism that characterised all the religions of the ancient Near East. Israel was not to worship or call upon any of the gods of other nations, but was commanded to fear the Lord and serve only Him (cf. Deut 32:39; Josh 24:14-15).
When applied to NT believers, this command means at least three things:
1• Believers’ worship must be directed to God alone. There may be no worshiping, praying to, or seeking guidance and help from any “other gods,” any spirits, nor angels (Col 2:18) or the dead (cf. Lev 17:7; Deut 6:4; 32:17; Ps 106:37; 1 Cor 10:19-20). The first commandment is, especially directed against the worship of spirits (i.e., demons) through spiritism, divination and other forms of idolatry (cf. Deut 18:9-22).
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