Feb
Some thoughts on overcoming anger
Matthew 26:1-16
Peace: the calm assurance that what God is doing is best
- The beginnings of betrayal
Matthew 26:1-13
- The act of betrayal
Matthew 26:14-16
It began in his heart – James 1:13-15
It started small – John 12:4-6
It ended “out of control” – Matthew 27:3-5
Simon the leper was healed, the woman was Mary (John 12:3), the sister of Martha and Lazarus
Matthew 26:8 – indignant
– angry with
– a state of strong opposition and displeasure
Unhappy with Jesus, unhappy with GOD
I disagree, I’m disappointed – the opposite of peace
Perspective
- Mary, the woman – eyes on Christ
Worship
The cost of true worship
- Judas – eyes on the money
Rebuke
The greed of false compassion
- Chief priests and elders – eyes on tradition/their view of religion
Hatred
The hypocrisy of empty ritual
- The chief priests and elders
– we want to kill Jesus
- Judas
– I want to get from Jesus
- Mary
– I want to love and worship Jesus
What if I’m disappointed or angry with God?
Mike Philips – Questions to ask in life’s difficult moments
Depression: Who am I really angry at?
Anxiety: What do I think my planning will change
Paranoia: What can I verify as being totally real right now?
Loneliness: Who can I show love to?
Overcoming Anger
Anger is fueled by other emotions and factors such as fear, guilt, shame or pride: a sense of lacking control. Anger can be a control mechanism
Ephesians 4:22-24
Put on, put off, be renewed. All three!
Ephesians 4:26-27
Be angry and do not sin – put off the yelling, the hurtful words, the bullying, the sudden flash of emotions
Do not let the sun go down on your anger – put on reconciliation, forgiveness, kindness (stretch out passion), self control
Give no opportunity to the devil – be renewed – understand this as no one less than satan trying to divide and destroy. You are not helping you are hurting. You are not doing God’s will but the devil’s.
Proverbs 19:3
James 1:20