Session 1 – The Myth of Righteous Anger
Introduction
◼ Brant Hansen will challenge what we think about anger (“good” anger, “righteous” anger, “bad anger”).
◼ The word repent literally means to “think again.” Apprenticeship to Jesus is a lifelong process of deepening surrender to Jesus. That means we need to do a lot of “re-thinking.”
◼ Discuss:
o How would you describe your primary goal or hope for participating in this study? (Why are you here?)
o On a scale of one (rarely) to ten (regularly), how often do you experience the emotion of anger in a significant way?
Video (Feel free to take notes)
◼ The main idea of this study is counterintuitive, and it might even seem a little crazy at first. But here it is – we can choose to be unoffendable.
o We want to be affirmed…and if we’re not, we get angry!
o As Christians, we have been taught that anger is sometimes awesome and sometimes terrible. We’ve been taught that there is righteous anger and non-righteous anger.
o We believe that we are supposed to get offended at times because there is righteous anger. And we are to stay angry because we are supposed to stand up for what is right.
Notes:
◼ The reality is that while the Bible has a lot to say about anger, very little of it is positive – especially when it comes to human anger.
o A verse that people often memorize to justify their anger is Ephesians 4:26: When you are angry, do not sin (NCV). Anger is not a sin…so therefore we should get angry.
o But this is not the whole verse. The second half of Ephesians 4:26 tells us to “be sure to stop being angry by the end of the day” (NCV). We are supposed to get rid of it.
o The Bible is very consistent on this point. But unfortunately, what we often do is try to justify our anger and conflate it with God’s anger.
Notes:
◼ The reality is that there is no such thing as righteous anger in the Bible for humans. It doesn’t exist.
o There is such a thing as righteous anger in the Bible – it just belongs to God. He is entitled to vengeance because he can be trusted with it. Instead, we are supposed to do something very different, radical, and countercultural. We are supposed to forgive other people.
o In James 1:20, we read that our anger can’t be used in the service of producing God’s righteousness. The world needs us to take action, not to get angry.
o Our anger doesn’t do anybody any good. In fact, it only clouds our judgment. What the world needs are people who actually do things motivated not by anger but by love.
Notes:
◼ The work of a follower of Jesus is to serve as an instrument of forgiveness in the world.
o Jesus told a story about an unmerciful servant to demonstrate how important forgiveness is in our lives. We have been forgiven of a great debt, just like the servant. For us to then turn around and not forgive others is counter to how the kingdom of God works.
o Jesus is giving us an easier life. Yes, forgiveness is hard, but it’s way better than living our entire lives thinking we’re supposed to be angry at everybody for what they’ve done.
o We can actually say at the beginning of the day, “I’m going to forgive people. Stuff is going to happen, but this is what it means to follow Jesus, and I’m going to do it.”
Notes:
◼ Discuss:
o Our foundational beliefs and opinions about anger are often formed in our younger years, especially in light of our families. We learn what anger is and how to process it by observing those closest to us. What were you taught about anger as a child?
o The phenomenon of “righteous anger” is not only prevalent in the church but also in our culture. There is a sense that sometimes we are correct to be angry or even that we are supposed to be angry. How has your life been shaped by the idea of righteous anger?
o Forgiveness is the antidote to anger. It’s what helps us let go of anger. Thinking back to your past, when you have experienced the power of forgiveness in a meaningful way?
o Another key to successfully letting go of anger in your life is to recognize (and remember) just how good, gracious, and merciful God has been with you. What are some of the biggest ways you have been influenced by God’s goodness and grace?
o Let’s say you decided right now to forgive someone – to let go of your “right” to be angry at that person and instead to offer the same forgiveness to him or her that you have received from God. What would that process look like?
◼ The Word of God –25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 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. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
o What is the main message that these words from God through Paul communicate about anger?
o When have you been able to “get rid” of something harmful in your life?
o What commands are contained in this passage that followers of Jesus should obey?
◼ If you are reading the book:
o Read chapters 5-8 before next week.