WEEK 3 ¤ ANGER ¤ MATT 5:21-26

you have heard… Jesus did not say “you have read” He saw the real meaning of the Law, we need to follow His interpretations the heart of the matter- ANGER “for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34)

James 1:19-20 19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. quick to listen: quick to listen to the Word of truth quick to listen to the other person

James 1:19-20 19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires! quick to listen: quick to listen to the Word of truth quick to listen to the other person

anger -strong feeling of displeasure, hostility, or annoyance caused by a wrong or injustice “when angry, count to four. when very angry, swear.” -Mark Twain “a man is about as big as the things that make him angry” –Winston Churchill “for every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

anger “speak when you are angry - and you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret.” -Dr. Laurence J. Peter “it is wise to direct your anger towards problems -- not people; to focus your energies on answers -- not excuses.” –William A. Ward “when anger rises, think of the consequences” –Confucius

anger “anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it” - Seneca (Roman philosopher, 1st century AD) “we feel these slights or triggers so deeply. we aren’t always successful in controlling or processing them” –Shawn M. McCracken much of our anger comes from being self-centered and not others-centered

Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT) 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”… that means, we can be angry without sin severe rebuke and anger are allowed or even necessary: Matt 23:17 “You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?”

Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT) 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”… Mark 3:3-5 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” 4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts…

Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT) 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”… anger becomes sin when… it controls our thoughts and emotions (inward poisoning)

Genesis 4:6-7 (NLT) 6 “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? 7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT) 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”… anger becomes sin when… it controls our thoughts and emotions (inward poisoning) we have an expression of the anger- rage (outward outbursts)

Proverbs 29:11 Proverbs 25:28 (NLT) A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 25:28 (NLT) A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT) 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

coming before the Lord it is not possible for us to be reconciled with God if we fail to seek reconciliation with someone where there is offense Matthew 6:14-15 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

don’t let it fester settle quickly! conflict resolution for a Christian should not have to come to force our relationships with one another have impact on our relationship with God and His judgment