Anger Management

Introduction

Murder motives - money, sex, power

dyads vs triads

dyad - puts Jesus’ commands higher than OT standards.

Triad - puts Jesus’ teaching as a way to fulfill the OT standards.

Traditional Righteousness

The Vicious Cycle

The Transforming Initiative

The Transforming Initiative

Matthew 5:21–26 NIV

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister, will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there 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 to them; then come and offer your gift. 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Matt 5

1. Traditional Righteousness - Don’t Murder (v 21)

2. Vicious Cycle - Unchecked Anger Leads to Murder (v 22)

anger results in judgment, just like murder

name-calling (hyperbole)

feather-brain

moron (fool)

Flyboys by James Bradley - WWII named Japanese by names so that it would seem like they were not killing a person, but someone less than a person.

IL: There were these two Norwegians, Ole and Sven… two Hittites, Ole and Sven.

3. Transforming Initiative - Be Reconciled

Before Worship

Importance

1 Samuel 15:22 NIV

22 But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

Timing

distance between Galilee region and Jerusalem..

Before Escalation

Jesus and the courts - very skeptical

broader principle - fix it before it gets out of hand.

Are you in a conflict that seems unreconcilable? Maybe it began when you overlooked a fault (good thing to do), but kept a memory of it and never forgave (bad idea).

Conclusion

Think through the names that you accept as normal for people you don’t like.

Check your anger level at certain events and people.

Come to worship prepared - invite the HS to search your life for hidden anger and broken relationships.

Don’t let small things grow into large things.