Heb 12:15  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

I. Truth is found at the Convergence of Revelation0/Reason/Reality (context & consistency)

II. Three Root Problems

Js 4:6…"God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 7  Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

A. Bitterness and Rebellion open the door to demonic influence

1Sam 15:22..Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23  For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king."

Develop a spirit of Gratitude 1Th 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Acts 24:16  "This being so {future judgment v 15}, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

B. Temporal Values .. result in greed, anxiety, insecurity, etc.

Yield Rights and Expectations Ps 62:5  My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation  is from Him

Lk 9:23  And he said to them all, If any will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

C. Moral Impurity..

result in guilt, anger, bondage, satanic strongholds

1. Confess the sin (bitterness, impurity, pride) "I deserve better than I receive"  1Jn 1.9 If we confess our sins…

2. Claim forgiveness in the blood of the Lamb 1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. Cf Col 2.14-15

Rev 12:11 they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

3. Verbally ask God to take back the ground given to Satan Ps 23.3 “God, I ask You to take back the ground I’ve yielded to Satan.”

III. The Root Cause of our Problems is the Violation of  Seven Scriptural Principles

1. The Principle of Design

Understanding the specific purposes for which God created each person, object, and relationship in my life and living in harmony with them.

Thanking God for my design brings Self-Acceptance.

2. The Principle of Authority

Recognizing that God works through human authorities to accomplish His purposes and to give me protection, direction, and provision.

Honoring my authorities brings Inward Peace.

3. The Principle of Responsibility

Realizing that I am responsible to God for all my thoughts, words, actions, attitudes, and motives and that I must clear up every past offense against God and others.

Asking for forgiveness brings a Clear Conscience.

4. The Principle of Suffering

Welcoming the chastening of the Lord and the sorrows and hurts of life as necessary for my maturity and future leadership.

Forgiving offenders brings Genuine Joy.

5. The Principle of Ownership

Knowing that everything I have or will have is entrusted to my by the Lord and is to be used in ways that will benefit the Lord and the lives of others.

Yielding my rights to God brings True Security.

6. The Principle of Freedom

Enjoying the desire and the power to do what is right rather than claiming the privilege to do what I want.

Regaining surrendered ‘ground’ brings Moral Purity.

7. The Principle of Success

Filling my soul with the Scriptures so God is able to direct my daily decisions according to the wisdom of His Word.

Meditating on Scripture brings Life Purpose

Questions for Reflection/discussion/Response:

1. How does legalism differ from a rigorous scrupulous application of the Truth? Which is worse, legalism or demonic domination?

2. Why are bitterness, temporal values, and moral impurity so destructive? Why would someone resist “resolving” them?

3. Why would someone resist the grace of God? What would be the consequences? Why do most people not know they’re bound?

4. How can you better experience the freedom God has designed for you? Jn 8:31-32 What are the consequences of that freedom?