8-8-10 Sorrell AM: How to Hold a Grudge and Why

How to Hold a Grudge and Why

Text: Luke 7:36-50

I.          What is a Grudge?

Grudge – Sullen malice or a desire to harm; ill will; secret enmity

Psalm 55:21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.

Proverbs 26:24-28 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; ²⁵When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. ²⁶Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be showed before the whole congregation. ²⁷Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. ²⁸A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Luke 7:39-40

II.        The difference in holding a grudge and seeking true reconciliation

A.        Is Jesus holding a grudge –  Luke 7:44-47

            B.        Does God hold a grudge?

                        Prodigal Father – Luke 15:11-32

III.       Why hold a Grudge? (may be with or without cause) –Natural for the flesh

Colossians 3:8-9 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. ⁹Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Titus 3:3-5 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. ⁴But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, ⁵Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost

IV.       Results of holding a grudge

A.        For Simon – Hell

B.        For Saved – Living in the wilderness.  Murmur in Bible in some form 33 times.  Are the children of Israel in wilderness.

V.        Its just sin.

James 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.