Reality Check (sermon notes from Johnny Fain, FBC Dothan)

This morning Dr. Fain had a wonderful message and one that I needed to hear. One that I needed to hear about 8 or 9 years ago, and for the last two years and probably many other times in my life. His sermon was on bitterness. I do not like to be bitter. I do not like to be around those who are bitter. They are quite unpleasant! Yet I have been that person so many times. I have also allowed others to affect me. And I hate to think that at times my bitterness has more than likely rubbed off on others. I don't want to be that kind of person. If this subject hits home with you too, please keep reading.
The sermon was taken from Acts 8:9-25 about Simon. Here are my sermon outline notes:

Notice how he was not right with God. There were two things that showed how serious his condition really was.
1. Simon was full of bitterness (v. 23)
What is bitterness?
An unpleasant taste, poison.
Bitterness is one of the post crushing problems that a person could ever deal with.
Several things about bitterness:
A. It shows itself in different ways:
jealousy, resentment, revenge, hatred, self pity, a critical spirit, vindictiveness, etc. (and the list goes on. I am adding unforgiveness to the list. All of these make me cringe because I know I have felt/done these things)
B. Bitterness always causes harm in relationships.
C. Bitterness goes much deeper than what you see.
Bitterness has a root.
2. Simon was in bondage to sin.
Bitterness is a stronghold.
Question Comes: How can one be delivered from this stronghold of bitterness or any other stronghold?
Here are some important steps that will help lead to deliverance:
1. Ask God to search out the roots of bitterness.
2. Acknowledge it when it is revealed.
3. Admit that you are captive and in bondage in this area.
4. Confess the area revealed as sin.
5. Ask God to forgive you and fill you with His Holy Spirit.