His Anger vs. Ours
OPENING THOUGHT
Anger can be hot or cold. When it’s cold, it can be useful. When it’s hot, it will use you!
What is a “cold anger” that you can use?
What is “hot anger” that uses you?
EXPLORING GOD’S WORD
Micah 7:18-20
What does Micah say about God’s anger?
What makes God angry? Does he have a good reason to be angry with us? (see Nahum 1:6; Rom. 1:18; John 3:36).
What if the opposite of Micah’s statement were true and God held grudges?
Psalm 78:17-31
What incident is the psalmist recalling? (see Num. 11:31-33).
What brought about the Lord’s anger?
In God’s anger, “he gave them what they craved” (v. 29). The people had been grumbling about food, so God gave them an abundance of what they had been asking for, which made the people sick. Sometimes God punishes us by granting our requests. What does that tell us about always getting what we want?
Romans 5:6-11
Can we be saved from the wrath of God?
Where does our deliverance from God's wrath come from?
Who took the initiative in saving us?
Ephesians 4:26-27, 31
Is anger always sinful?
When does anger become sinful? Why and when should we put it away?
What are some of the causes of anger?
How can anger be destructive?
Why is our anger different from the Lord's?
FOR FURTHER STUDY
Suggestions for Controlling Your Anger (So It Doesn’t Control You)
Slow down your emotional response (James 1:19).
Set limits for your anger (Prov. 17:14; Eph. 4:26).
Learn to bridle your anger (Prov. 16:32).
Trace the causes of your anger. Is your anger aligned with God's, or are you getting angry over petty things?
Think! Use discretion (Prov. 14:29; 19:11).
