For The Week of Jan 16 2022

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All Nations Church

Life Group Study

“Jesus Said”

Study 2 of 7

Week of January 16^th, 2022

Study by Wayne Arcand

There seems to be a lot of anger in the world today. We see it expressed on our news and in much of social media. It is magnified to the point where it is almost all we are exposed to. Is it any wonder that the first response to a negative situation or comment can often be a feeling of anger or lashing out. We become what we feed on: angry input breeds angry people; positive, loving input will help us become positive, loving people. What are you feeding your emotional self? In this study we will look at what Jesus said about anger. His words in Matthew 5 go beyond the requirements of the Old Testament and talks about our attitudes, not just our actions. As a child of God, our goal is to let the love of Christ abide in us and work through us.

Matthew 5:²¹ “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.

1. Verse 21 of Matthew 5, references the Old Testament teaching of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:13 where the command is “you shall not murder”. The Pharisees were teaching the literal application of this command, but Jesus expanded on the intent of the command.
   1. How does the attitude and actions of Matthew 5:22 break Jesus command in Matthew 22:37?
      1. What happens when we let anger control our actions?
      2. How can we keep anger from controlling our responses or consume all of our attention?

2. Paraphrase and put in the first person Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:23 and 24.
   1. Who is required to take the initiative?
   2. How hard would this be? Why?
   3. What attitude of heart does this require on my part?

3. Consider the phrase in verse 25, “settle matters quickly with your adversary”.
   1. What is the benefit of settling a dispute quickly?
   2. What often happens when differences drag on for an extended period of time?

4. James 1:19-21: 19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
   1. What is the command in verse 19?
      1. What does this verse mean to you? How do you practically apply this principle when facing an emotionally charged situation?
   2. What is the righteousness that God desires in our life?
      1. How does anger get in the way of producing this righteousness in our lives?
   3. When a seed is planted in a garden, you weed the garden, water it, do all you can to provide conditions that will allow it to grow, mature and bear fruit. Considering this example, how do we nurture the word planted in us that we may become complete and mature not lacking any good thing? Give practical examples.

2. Bottled up anger can have an emotional impact on us and a relational impact on those around us. Ephesians 4: ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold.
   1. What is the emotional impact on us when we do not deal with our anger?
   2. How can undealt with anger affect our relationship with others?
   3. How can anger give the devil a foothold?
   4. Can you see a link between Ephesians 24:26 and Matthew 5:23,24? Explain the connection.

3. We all need encouragement when faced with situations that can make us angry. It might be very helpful to remember who we are as children of God. Colossians 3: ¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
   1. How can these verses in Colossians help you when faced with a situation where you are either on the receiving end of someone’s anger or you find yourself in a situation where you can feel yourself becoming angry?

For Personal Reflection:

There will be situations that will make us angry. How often is that anger the result of something in my life and not just the situation? How often do I find myself viewing a person or situation with a critical spirit? Do I feel compelled to confront the person? Why? Is there something in my past that I have not dealt with that leads me to have a heart that is critical in nature? Reread Colossians 3:12-14 above and ask the Lord to guide you by his Spirit that you might become the embodiment of these verses. I will end with this prayer for you from Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”