Sunday School
TOPIC -SAY NO TO ANGER
Memory Verse
“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools. ” Ecclesiastes 7:9
Lesson Text
Ephesians 4:26-27
LESSON INTRODUCTION
Anger is a negative emotion characterized by bitterness towards someone or something especially when there is a perceived wrong. It often ignites powerful, restless, aggressive feelings and behaviors. The feeling of anger arises due to how we interpret or react to certain situations. Anger is termed “temporary madness’ because it takes over the mind and body and removes the ability to reason with no respect for dignity and friendship. Anger Management is gaining control over our emotions and the ability to regulate rage. We can be angry but it must be managed and not degenerate into sin. Ps. 37:8; Eph. 4:26-27
LESSON OUTLINES
A.ANGER TRIGGERS AND ITS EFFECTS
B. SUBDUING ANGER
A. ANGER TRIGGERS AND ITS EFFECTS
As humans, we have triggers that make us angry and this could be, from trivial to serious concerns (Lev. 10:16-17). Anger issues also stem from a strong feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance (Num. 22:27). Other causes of anger include hatred/frustration (Jonah 3:10, 4:1); lack of rule over one’s spirit (Prov. 25:28); hasty judgements (2 Sam. 12:5-7); quick temper (Prov. 14:17); acting foolishly (2 Chron. 16:8-10); transferred aggression (Dan. 2:11-12), and unjustifiable reasons (Matt. 5:22).
Anger is dangerous because it can result in murder and alter destinies (Gen. 49:6-7), stir up strife (Prov. 29:22), ruin/halt good relationships (PrOV. 22:24-25), make one do irrational things (Ex. 32:19), make one what should not be said (1 Sam. 20:30). stand in the way of God’s plan (1 Sam. 17:28-30), and make one say
B. SUBDUING ANGER
To manage anger, every believer must develop the ability to control his/her temperament (particularly in stressful situations) with the help of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). We must show proper behavior and/ or disagree appropriately without losing control of our emotions (Eph. 4:26). Self-control is a good regulator for anger (Gal. 5:23). We must consciously put anger far away from us (Eph. 4:31). Anger is a vice we must cease from (Ps. 37:8). Anger must be deliberately put off (Col. 3:8) so we are to employ strategies such as being slow to speak (Jam. 1:19), providing a soft and gentle answer (Prov. 15:1), being discreet (Prov. 19:11), walking away from an angry person/scene (Prov. 26:4), talking to oneself “why am I angry?” (1 Cor. 9:27), looking inwards with divine assistance for unresolved issues which trigger anger (Ps. 139:23-24), staying calm (Prov. 14:29), learn to be quiet (Prov. 13:3), and attend to issues with knowledge (Prov. 17:27, 13:16). Not allowing anger to run for days depicts maturity. If you lose your temper at the slightest provocation, you must acknowledge that you have an anger issue and deal with it decisively. See a therapist if need be and ask God for help.
CONCLUSION
God has given us the Spirit of self-control (Galatians 5:23a), so, our anger can be managed when we work at it and ask God for help. Control anger before it ruins you.
QUESTIONS
- Identify four triggers of anger.
- Mention three ways to subdue anger.
FURTHER READINGS – SUN: Jam. 3:2; MON: Ps. 39:1; TUE: Col. 3:5; WED: Rom. 8:13; THUR: Rom. 12:2; FRI: 1 Pt 4:11; SAT: Eph, 4:7.
Freedom of the Mind
There is “Freedom from” external interference and there’s also” Freedom to” act based on your abilities .
Being committed to a religious doctrine without any real understanding of what the religion is about is a form of bondage.
To be loyal to a religion doctrine without investigating its core doctrines and substance is ignorance masquerading as faithfulness.