How to Deal with Anger | Feb 27, 2022

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re
mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between
(1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing?
● What can you thank God for this week?
● When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least
aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
● Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed
for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17,
Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes

Primary Passage: Matthew 5:1-26
● Read Matthew 5:1-26. What is Jesus changing in vs. 21-22?
○ What does this teach us about Jesus’ fulfillment of the law “Do not
murder”?

● If you look into our culture today, where do you see anger leading to?
● Take the next minute or so to slow down and take a diagnostic of where your
heart is. Take some time alone with the Lord and ask him to reveal if there is any
anger or contempt lingering in your heart.
○ As God is reframing and revolutionizing our hearts to be more Christ-like,
our first move has to be bringing our anger to him.

● Where does your anger lead to?
○ How do you respond when you are angry? Do we have a natural
response? Or do we have a kingdom (supernatural) response?
○ Do you notice any resistance in your heart to forgive?
○ Are you finding it hard to recognize resentment early and keep short
accounts?
○ Or maybe are you struggling to initiate reconciliation with someone?
○ Is there someone God is asking you to move towards?

● Read Matthew 15:18-20. Here we see the same theme of heart issues being His
focus. Matt taught us that “Jesus shifts our attention from particular behaviors
we must avoid to internal orientations we must cultivate.” How can we personally
cultivate our heart orientation to reflect what Jesus is calling us to.
● Read Matthew 5:23-26. Here Jesus gives us a practical “how-to” to follow when
anger and contempt are found in our hearts. What do you notice about this
“how-to”?
○ God values other people so much that part of worshiping him is valuing
other people. It’s not that we have to disagree less, but disagree better.
○ How do you value others who disagree with you?
● If we are going to walk into the righteousness of God’s new kingdom, it is more
than following rules. It has to start in our hearts.
○ How can we choose this righteousness this week?

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s
Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans
3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer?
● What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus
with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin,
make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends
us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever
we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look
like during this season?
● Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite
these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them
soon?

● Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to
connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take
next steps toward Jesus.