Facing Giants – Part 2: Dealing With Anger

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Genesis 4

”For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.”
1 Thessalonians 5:9 (p.907)

Series Memory Verse: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 (p.901)

“I was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.” Hebrews 11:4 (p.926)

“And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.” Genesis 3:21 (p.5)

  • Anger Managed Is Wisdom Gained.
  1. Recognize anger.

“‘Why are you so angry?’ the Lord asked Cain. ‘Why do you look so dejected?’” Genesis 4:6 (p.5)

“And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26–27 (p.897)

  1. Pursue righteousness.

“You will be accepted if you do what is right.” Genesis 4:7a (p.5)

“Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” James 1:20 (p.930)

  1. Master self-control.

“But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” Genesis 4:7b (p.5)

“So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.” 1 Peter 1:13 (p.934)

My Next Step This Week:

____ To gain the wisdom God has for me, I will memorize Ephesians 4:26-27 and make it my daily prayer.

LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION

One Thing: Anger Managed Is Wisdom Gained.

Memory Verse: Philippians 4:13 (p.901)

Bible Background: Cain and Abel – Genesis 4

CONVERSATION STARTER

// What are the biggest differences between anger and wisdom?

WEEKEND REVIEW

Anger Managed Is Wisdom Gained.

  1. Recognize anger
  2. Pursue righteousness
  3. Praise Master self-control

// Was there anything that stood out to you or maybe confused you?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

// Read Genesis 4:2-8 (p.5).

  • How does God’s question to Cain help us understand the importance of recognizing our anger?
  • What is God’s warning to Cain, and us, about our anger in verses 6 and 7?

// Read James 1:19-22 (p.930).           

  • What does this verse tell us about God’s expectations regarding our anger?
  • How can we pursue righteousness if we are dealing with anger?
  • How does being “quick to listen, slow to speak” help in managing your anger? Think of a specific example.

// Read Proverbs 29:11 (p.502).

  • Discuss the importance of self-control in managing anger. How can practicing self-control in moments of anger lead to wisdom?
  • Can you think of a situation where you saw wisdom displayed through anger management?

// Read Genesis 4:9-12 (p.5).

  • Cain’s punishment involved being a “restless wanderer on the earth.” What significance might this have for understanding the internal turmoil caused by our anger?
  • What does this verse teach us about the seriousness with which Jesus views anger?

// Read Galatians 5:22-23 (p.893).

  • How can we cultivate these qualities in our lives to better manage situations that may provoke anger?
  • In what ways does practicing the fruit of the Spirit create a deeper spiritual and personal transformation, particularly in the context of anger and self-control?

NEXT STEP

My Next Step This Week:

____ To gain the wisdom God has for me, I will memorize Ephesians 4:26-27 and make it my daily prayer.

DIGGING DEEPER 

Read these verses and reflect on how you can master self-control over anger.

Colossians 3:8 (p.903) Proverbs 16:32 (p.492) James 1:19-20 (p.930) Proverbs 15:18 (p.491) Psalm 37:8 (p.430)