Series: Mixed Emotions - Angry Like Jesus Message 3 of 5

Icebreaker

1. When you think of anger, what’s the first word or picture that comes to mind?

2. Share a funny Sunday-morning-chaos story. What usually sets off frustration in your household?

Discussion

Read Ephesians 4:26–27 (NIV) 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.

3. What does it mean to “give the devil a foothold”? Where might there be cracks in the door in your life?

Read Matthew 21:12–14 (NIV) 12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” 14 The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them.

4. Who was being mistreated, and what system was Jesus confronting?

5. Why is it important that Jesus flipped tables — not people?

LEARNING FROM JESUS’ ANGER

6. When are you most tempted to “flip people” instead of the issue?

7. What helps you slow down so your anger is loving, not destructive?

PERSONAL REFLECTION

8. Where do you need supernatural strength to forgive or to let something go?

APPLICATION

9. Where is God calling you to stand up for someone who is hurting or overlooked?

10. What “tables” might Jesus want to flip in your life—habits, attitudes, or systems?

CLOSING PRAYER

• Thank God for canceling our sins, instead of canceling us.

• Pray for unity in our families, Life Groups, and church.