If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Go to the source! Discover what the Bible says about …
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
Introduction
The life Jesus gives has amazing impact. He revolutionises our lives and changes our relationships. It is a shame to keep it to ourselves. The message gets out through people who have been changed. We need to pass on the news.
Bible Zone
So, what does the Bible say about anger? How is anger dealt with in the Bible? Which leads on to questions of reconciliation. How are Christians reconciled when anger is such a powerful emotion?
- Don’t Murder - God forbids murder, the extreme outworking of anger.
- Judgement over anger - Jesus points out that God is upset over anger.
- Reconcile my offence - If I offend someone, I must seek reconciliation.
- Reconcile another’s offence - If someone else offends me, I must reconcile.
- Change way of life - We must seek to change and remove anger from our lives.
- God values life - The Lord made man in His image. So murder violates Him.
The 10 commandments are very explicit about not murdering people. Exodus 20:13
- What is the command?
- What is murder?
Exodus 20: 13 "You must not murder.”
Jesus identified anger in the heart with murder. This was not to put murder and anger on a level. Rather Jesus was identifying both as being against God.
- How does Jesus adjust the bar on the command not to murder?
- How does Jesus want us to relate with one another?
- How has Jesus dealt with the consequences of our failure?
Matthew 5: 21 "You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.'*22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone,* you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot,* you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone,* you are in danger of the fires of hell.*
Jesus goes on to highlight the need for reconciliation while here on earth. Note the second part is likely to be a parable, with God as the judge. Matthew 5:23-26.
- Under what circumstances are we called upon to seek reconciliation?
- Why does Jesus council against making an offering to God while not reconciled?
- Why does Jesus council on the urgency of reconciliation?
Matthew 5: 23 "So if you are presenting a sacrifice* at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.
25 "When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.26 And if that happens, you surely won't be free again until you have paid the last penny.*
When someone else has done something wrong against us, it is our responsibility to seek reconciliation. Jesus describes a sequence of steps here in Matthew 18:15-17
- Under what circumstances are we called upon to seek reconciliation?
- What is the purpose of the broadening scope of witnesses?
- Why would we be called upon to treat the person as a pagan?
Matthew 18: 15 "If another believer* sins against you,* go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses.17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won't accept the church's decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.
The way of life that God is looking for is not consistent with anger and bitterness against others. God calls on us to change in order to be like Christ.
- How are told to change? V20-24 & v31-32
- How are we told to deal with anger?
- What is the impact of our anger on the Holy Spirit?
Ephasians 4: 20 But that isn't what you learned about Christ.21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
... 26 ... "don't sin by letting anger control you."* Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry,27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
... 30 And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,* guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
After the flood the Lord introduced a new covenant with Noah. In it attention is focused on murder and the importance of life to God. Genesis 9:5-6
- What is the basis of God’s value of life?
Genesis 9 5 "And I will require the blood of anyone who takes another person's life. If a wild animal kills a person, it must die. And anyone who murders a fellow human must die.6 If anyone takes a human life, that person's life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings* in his own image.
ANGER & RECONCILIATION
