LIFE GROUP Discussion Guide

August 17 , 2008

SERIES: THE FUSE

TITLE: Getting Mad Without Going Mad (III)

REFERENCES: Ephesians 4:25-32; Mark 3:1-6

SPEAKER: Frank Wevers

Ephesians 4:26 “In your anger, do not sin.”

1. Quote from a blog: “When I first became a Christian, I thought Christianity was, at its course, about being very nice to everybody. I've always wanted everyone to be nice, even when in my own life, I have fallen miserably short of that particular standard. When I became a Christian, I hoped to find the spiritual tools to make me an even nicer person, the sort who NEVER lost his temper, raised his voice, or said anything remotely nasty to anyone! Somehow in my head, I have to admit I had gotten Jesus confused with Miss Manners.”

Can you identify with the blogger? Have you confused Jesus with Miss Manners in any way?

2. Read Revelation 6:12-16. How does the scene make you feel? Does the phrase “wrath of the Lamb” seem strange to you? Why are we more comfortable with Jesus as the sacrificial lamb than the wrathful lamb?

3. Why is “righteous anger” so critical in the life of the Christian? What should righteous anger lead to? Can you think of a time in your own life when you were in the grip of a righteous, godly anger? Did it lead to anything?

4. Is there anything in your own life at the moment that you should get angry about?

5. Frank claimed that part of parenting is to get righteously angry about certain things? What kind of things do you think kids should see their parents getting angry about? Do you find it hard to do this?

6. Christians have a history of getting angry about minor stuff in their local church. Why do you think we easily get angry over petty issues and remain apathetic about major issues?

7. All the examples of Jesus getting mad have to do with anger directed at religious persons. Should Christians confine their anger to the Christian community? What are the pro's and con's of getting angry over stuff happening in our culture and in our world? Are there issues that Christians should be getting angry and active about in our society and world?