We continue our mini-series in Ephesians 4: “Living it out.” Paul writes, "Be angry and sin not." In the midst of what many have labeled "culture of outrage," how is that possible? What would anger rightly ordered look like? Let's talk about how anger can lead us to our joy.
Discussion Questions
What is driving you nuts!? Seriously, how can you be a prisoner of your anger? Give an example.
What is your reaction to the Churchill quote, “A man is about as big as the things that make him angry”?
The Surprise
How do you understand revenge and anger when it comes to God? Respond to the charge from those who believe God is an angry, murderous, and vengeful God – He’s downright evil Himself!
“If God were not angry at injustice and deception and did not bring an end to violence, He would not be worthy of our worship.” (paraphrase of Miroslav Volf) Nobody is angrier about injustice than God. Do you agree with this?
What little things make you angry? What does your anger reveal about yourself, your idols, and your blind spots? Tell a short story about a recent moment when you got angry, or maybe when you totally lost it! What was that about, aside from the presenting thing?
The Danger
Give an example of rightly ordered anger. Give an example of disordered anger.
We don’t always grieve about the things that grieve the heart of God. What might those things be that need more of your attention and response? How can you care about better things?
The Goal
Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of targeting the problem not people. In our anger we can be very personal in response, out to destroy the offender. How is God’s anger intended to heal?
Revelation 6:16 talks about “the wrath of the Lamb.” Explain this in terms of the Gospel, as if you’re trying to explain it to a child or skeptic.
When we rightly understand the Gospel, and we’re transformed by it, healing occurs. What kind of healing do you need at this point in your life - often revealed by our anger?
Can you find God’s love through all of this talk about anger, wrath, destruction? How does all of this show God’s love, exactly?
How are you better equipped now to react to someone who gets angry at you? What are your new “particular set of skills” to handle those situations? How is any of this different from anger-management skills or coping mechanisms?
Gospel: If the judgement you deserve came down on you, it would destroy you. But God redirects His wrath to Jesus on the cross. We are healed by God’s love, not destroyed by His wrath. Now we’re empowered to be healing agents of His, sent out to face injustice with love.
