Wrath

Message Notes:

Opening Scripture passage:

•Matthew 5:21-24

21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Byron leads off his message with the sad and disturbing story of the Columbine school shooting from 1999.

•The moral to the story is that “anger has the power to destroy.”

•And, we have not learned anything since then — we are still angry.

Quote by anger researcher, Laura Beth Moss:

•“What’s scary about our culture right now is we’re kind of getting addicted to DIVISIVENESS. It’s becoming part of our identity.”

•It was hoped that America would improve after the election. Not yet…..

Importantly and honestly — the Bible speaks to both “righteous anger” and “unrighteousness anger.”

•Not all anger is bad.

•Righteous — Ephesians 4:26; Jesus cleansing the temple.

Anger and Wrath (like envy) are a “second emotion.” The first emotion is:

•Hurt

•Frustration

•or, Fear

Differentiating between anger and wrath:

•Anger — an INTENSE emotional state induced by displeasure (rooted in hurt, frustration or fear)

•Three components of Wrath — (1) it is anger in EXTREME, (2) it brings HARM to others, (3) it desires vengeance

•One can see wrath in both stories — Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37)

Matthew 5

•(v.21) stop murdering.

•(v.22) not just murder, but your angry murderous thoughts need to be addressed.

•(v.22) Stop using harmful, belittling language with which to attack others.

•(v.23-24) reconcile with those you have sinned against (implies confession / apologizing /healing relationships).

Discussion Questions:

Do you think it was acceptable for the father of one of the Columbine massacre victims to tear down the crosses of Delan Klebold and Eric Harris? Why or why not?

Would you want your pastor to officiate and/or your church to host the funeral for one of the perpetrators (in your building)? Why or why not?

Byron talked about anger as a “second emotion.” As you look at issues of anger in your own life — could you see if hurt or frustration or fear was at its root?

Does the use of internet chat rooms or social media contribute to your struggles with anger? Does Facebook generate more love in you? Or, does it tend to make you depressed or angry?