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God's People Must Put Away Bitterness
(Ephesians 4:31-32)

Introduction:

        1.    This morning we showed from Ephesians 4:26-27 how God's people are not to sin as a result
               of being angry.
        2.    This evening we are studying a similar subject mentioned in vs.31.
        3.    We are focusing our attention on the fact that "God's people must put away all bitterness."
               a.    We must put away all bitterness because it will prevent us from being kind, tenderhearted,
                      and forgiving (vs.32).
               b.    Also, bitterness will prevent us from "keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (vs.3).
        4.    1 Samuel shows us how Saul developed a spirit of bitterness against David.
               a.    His bitterness took control of his life, and it caused him to act shamefully.
               b.    We are examining a number of passages that relate to Saul's bitterness so we can avoid the
                      mistakes that he made.

Discussion:

I.                   (1 Samuel 16:21)  AT  ONE  TIME  SAUL  LOVED  DAVID  GREATLY

        A.   An evil spirit was troubling Saul.
        B.   It was suggested that someone be found who could play the harp for Saul.
        C.   David's name was put forth, and Saul requested that Jesse send David to him.
        D.   Saul became very fond of David.
        E.   It was quite an honor for David to be the king's armorbearer.

II.                (1 Samuel 18:6-9)  AFTER  DAVID  KILLED  GOLIATH,  SAUL'S  FEELINGS  TOWARD 
                   DAVID  CHANGED

        A.   Did David do anything against Saul?
        B.   Saul did not like the attention that David received, and Saul became jealous.
        C.   Notice how Saul's feelings toward David were changing.
        D.   Unfortunately, things got worse.

III.             SAUL  BECAME  SO  BITTER  THAT  HE  MADE  A  NUMBER  OF  ATTEMPTS 
                 TO  KILL  DAVID

        A.   (1 Samuel 18:10-11) Saul threw a javelin at David.
               1.    The evil spirit came upon Saul.
               2.    However, David's music did not refresh Saul.
               3.    This is the way that bitterness works -- if it is not put away it will fester.
               4.    (vs.29) Saul became David's enemy.
        B.   (1 Samuel 19:1) Saul commanded his son and his servants to kill David.
        C.   (1 Samuel 19:8-10) Saul threw a javelin at David again.
        D.   (1 Samuel 19:11) Saul tried to have David killed at his home.
        E.   (1 Samuel 22:18-19) Because David received some assistance, Saul had many priests and
               their city destroyed.
        F.    (1 Samuel 23:7-8) Saul tried to capture David at Keilah.
        G.   (1 Samuel 24:1-2) Saul tried to capture David at Engedi.
        H.   (1 Samuel 24) David could have killed Saul, but he did not -- for a time Saul seemed to change
               his heart.
        I.     (1 Samuel 26:1-2) Saul tried to capture David in the wilderness of Ziph.
        J.    (1 Samuel 26) David could have killed Saul again, but he did not.
        K.   (1 Samuel 27) David went to the land of the Philistines, and Saul stopped trying to capture him.
        L.   (1 Samuel 31:1-6) Saul eventually died a miserable death.

Conclusion:

        1.    Saul became bitter against David, even though David had done nothing against Saul.
        2.    Saul's bitterness took control of his life, and it caused him to act shamefully.
        3.    Examining what happened to Saul should help us understand why the Lord commands us to
               put away all bitterness.
        4.    Ephesians 4:1-3
        5.    Ephesians 4:31-32