Sermon on the Mount: Part 6

The message for this week really focused on anger and how in most cases this can turn into a dangerous situation.

Manifestations of Anger:
1. Sulk, pout
2. Silent Treatment
3. Appease, placate
4. Sarcastic
5. Passive-aggressive
6. Full of anger
7. Go to a third party

Read Matthew 5:21-22. The attitude of being angry is harmful, just as acts fueled by anger are harmful. Read Exodus 20:16 "Do not murder" also means "Do not be angry"; God was calling us to something much more than what we thought. Read Genesis 4:5-6; Cain and Abel were the first example of murder in the Bible. But what led to this murder? Cain's anger. The anger itself was not wrong, but when this anger led to action is when it became dangerous. There is a difference between anger and righteous anger against sin. Read Matthew 5:23-24. We need to make things "right" with others, do not let the sun go down on your anger. If you've wronged somebody, apologize. Read Matthew 5:25-26. Go directly to the person who is making you angry. It's not just about your actions, it's about your heart and your words. "Stir and stones my break my bones, but words will kill me" is what this phrase should say. The only way to deal with anger is to get a new heart and let God fill us with His love, grace, and forgiveness so it spills out of us.

Other Verses on Anger:
James 1:19
Proverbs 15:1
Matthew 18:15
Ephesians 4:26-27; 4:31-32

Discussion Questions:
1. How does anger tend to manifest in you?
2. What easily stirs up anger in you?
3. Do you draw closer to or farther away from God when you are angry?
4. Do you think acts of anger and an attitude of anger are weighed equally? What about in the eyes of God?
5. Is "sorry" a familiar word in your vocabulary? Why? Why not?
6. Does "making things right" with somone always mean continuing the relationship?
7. How does pride get in the way of "making things right"?
8. How do you handle confrontation? Is it working?