Heart of Anger

Review

Last week we learned about how Jesus fulfilled the OT Law.

We were challenged to ask God to forgive us for our sinful behavior and thank Him for His love.

Did you do it?

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Introduction

Today we are going to learn about what Jesus says about anger.

I was home-schooled because I had an anger problem.

When we allow God to be the authority of our life, He teaches us how to handle our intense emotions.

Handouts

Passage

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 5

MURDER BEGINS IN THE HEART

21 “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister, will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire. 23 So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re on the way with him to the court, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny.

Main Points

It’s about relationships, not rules.

Remember, God has every right to be angry with us for breaking His Law.

As we discussed last week, Jesus fulfilled the requirements of that Law by taking God’s wrath from us.

God loves you and He desires your heart.

But the problem is, our hearts are deceitful (full of lies)!

Instead of trusting God with our lives, we want to take things into our own hands; we want to be the judge.

Others believe that if they just follow all the rules, they will be okay.

But here Jesus explains that it’s about the condition of our heart.

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 5

He argued that the law prohibits not just actual murder but murderous attitudes as well. Similarly, violent temperaments are condemned just as surely as violent deeds.

Christians can trust God with their emotions and to deliver justice.

What is something that makes you angry?

Story about school fight evasion.

When we use our anger to solve problems, we usually end up causing more problems.

It basically says, “No, God, I don’t trust how you’re going to handle this one. I’m taking charge!”

Do you believe God is untrustworthy?

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 1

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.

God is patient with us.

We can ask Him to help us be patient with others.

Christians should seek to make peace with others.

We are all sinners. Every single one of us. That makes us enemies with God!

But Jesus came and made peace between you and God.

Because of His death on the cross, our sins have been forgiven.

Because of His resurrection from the dead, we know that He is God.

Because of His ascension into heaven, we know that He is coming back to judge the earth one day.

How do you wish to be judged by God?

Application

When I feel angry this week, I will pause to pray and ask God to help me in my situation.