a different way: How to Overcome Anger

Jim Keena | Guest Speaker | October 6, 2024

Reflection Questions:
1. How did your parents resolve conflicts between you and your siblings? What's the best advice you've received for dealing with anger?
2. Matthew 5:21-26 is the first of what has been called the "Six Antitheses." It is a series of statements in Matthew 5:21-48, where Jesus contrasts the "You have heard it said..." in culture with the "But I tell you..." of Jesus' teachings. Dallas Willard created a chart highlighting the differences in his book "The Divine Conspiracy" (page 146). Please read and discuss his summary of the six antitheses.

Situation | Old Righteousness | Kingdom Righteousness
a. Irritation with one’s associates. (5:21-26) | No murder. | Intense desire to be of help. No anger or contempt.
b. Sexual attraction. (5:27-30) | No intercourse. | No cultivation of lust.
c. Unhappiness with marriage partner. (5:31-32) | If you divorce, give “pink slip”. | No divorce, as then practiced.
d. Wanting someone to believe something. (5:33-37) | Keep vows or oaths made to convince. | Only say how things are or are not. No verbal manipulation.
e. Being personally injured. (5:38-42) | Inflict exactly the same injury on the offender. | Don’t harm, but help, the one who has damaged you.
f. Having an enemy. (5:43-48) | Hate your enemy. | Love & bless your enemy, as the heavenly Father does.

3. Read Matthew 5:23-24. Is there someone the Holy Spirit is prompting you “to go and be reconciled to”?How does Jesus develop a connection between anger and murder? And why is it so essential to guard your heart against anger and contempt?
4. How do you distinguish between so-called righteous and unrighteous anger? Can you recall examples in the New Testament when Jesus expressed righteous anger? Read and discuss Paul’s teaching about anger in Ephesians 5:26-32.
5. In the sermon on Sunday, the question was asked, “How do we overcome anger when we’ve been overcome by anger?” What are some of the ways you have learned to overcome anger and contempt toward others?
6. Read Matthew 5:23-24. Is there someone the Holy Spirit is prompting you “to go and be reconciled to”?

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