Part 8 The Blight of BitternessHebrews 12:14–151. His Careless Choice — He Sold the BirthrightGenesis 25:29–34A. Consider the value of the birthrightDeuteronomy 21:17Picture: A biblical firstborn son receiving a double portion of his father’s estate.B. Consider the foolishness of the exchangePicture: Jacob cooking stew as Esau approaches, tired and hungry.C. Consider the condition of his heartGenesis 25:34Hebrews 12:16Proverbs 19:32. His Crushing Consequence — He Lost the BlessingGenesis 27:34●Don’t despise God’s blessingsGalatians 6:7●Don’t confuse regret with repentanceGenesis 27:34Statement: Esau cried “with a great and exceeding bitter cry,” but he was not truly repentant. He was bitter over the consequences of giving up his birthright.2 Corinthians 7:10 Hebrews 12:17●Don’t assume you will get another chancePhilippians 3:13–143. His Consuming Complaint — He Wept in BitternessGenesis 27:34A. Bitterness distorts our visionGenesis 27:36B. Bitterness defiles those around usHebrews 12:15C. Bitterness is defeated by graceHebrews 12:154. His Continuing Conflict — He Hated Jacob for YearsGenesis 27:41Picture: An older Esau, still resentful toward Jacob.A. Resentment breeds hatredGenesis 27:41B. Rehearsing the hurt keeps it aliveC. Redemption comes by graceEzekiel 36:26“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you…”Five Biblical Steps to Uprooting Bitterness1. Recognize The RootHebrews 12:15Psalm 139:23–242. Release The OffenseEphesians 4:31–32 Romans 12:193. Replace The ThoughtsPhilippians 4:84. Respond With LoveMatthew 5:445. Rest In God’s SovereigntyJeremiah 29:11