Key Takeaways

We will never win the war within on our own.

Anger is something every one of us experiences, but we don’t have to let it control us. In Ephesians 4, Paul teaches us that anger, left unchecked, can grow into bitterness, resentment, and other destructive patterns. Winning the war within isn’t about trying harder to manage our own emotions on our own. It’s about bringing our hurt and anger to God and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform what is happening within us. God doesn’t just want to change what is happening around us, he wants to heal what is happening within us.

• Ephesians 4 – Paul teaches us not to let anger control us and to give the enemy a foothold in our lives. Instead, we are called to get rid of bitterness, rage, harsh words, and slander and replace them with kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness.
• Anger can look different for everyone – Anger isn’t always loud or explosive. It can look like shutting down, withdrawing, or holding onto resentment. What we do with our anger matters because unresolved anger can shape how we see ourselves, others, and even God.
• We will never win the war within on our own – We need the Holy Spirit to help us respond differently. God gives us the strength to forgive and let go even when we don’t feel ready.
• God wants to heal what is happening within us – We can change our circumstances or create distance from people, but true healing requires God to address what is happening in our hearts.
• Freedom begins with surrender – We can be honest with God about our anger and hurt. We don’t have to keep carrying what we have been carrying. God can heal us and bring freedom to the places we thought would never change.

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Pray

During your slot and spot, ask God to help you recognize your own shortcomings, receive his grace, and extend that same grace to others.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being righteous and forgiving. We daily fall short of the standard your son set for us.

We admit that we are often quick to recognize the faults in those around us while ignoring our own shortcomings. We become angry when we see others sinning against you, yet overlook the areas where we ourselves fall short of your glory.

When we are tempted to judge or react to the mistakes of others, remind us that it is only by your grace that we are kept from stumbling in the same ways. Help us to examine our own hearts before condemning the failures of someone else.

Keep our hearts pure and focused on the forgiveness made possible through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. May the grace we have received from you shape the grace we extend to others.

It’s in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set into your slot and spot this week and praise God for the victory over the war within.

Alleluia – Elevation Worship

I Know a Name – Elevation Worship

What a God – SEU Worship

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.  – Ephesians 4 :31-32

• Scripture – Ephesians 4:25-27, 31-32
• Read – [New Life New Way] Anger – a 5 day devotional
• Watch – ‘Erek’ Appayim/Slow to Anger from Bible Project
• Listen –Ephesians 4 from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your slot and spot/discussions with others.

Anger looks different for everyone. For some, it’s explosive. For others, it’s quiet.

• Do you think of yourself as an angry person? What comes to your mind when you think of anger?
• How does anger show up for you?

Read Ephesians 4:25-27 and 31-32.

• Do you struggle to let people know when you are angry?
• Do you forgive easily or is it a struggle for you?
• What anger have you been holding onto in your heart? How do you feel knowing that holding onto that anger is giving the devil a foothold in your life?
• Paul instructs us to replace anger with kindness and forgiveness. What is one place in your life you can begin to respond with kindness rather than anger, bitterness, or frustration?

We will never win the war within on our own.

• Think of a time you felt angry. How did you try to resolve that on your own? How did that go?
• What is stopping you from surrendering your anger to God? How do you think that surrender would impact your life and relationships?

Next Steps

• Grow closer to God every day this week, with a slot and spot – a time on your calendar, and a place you go alone – to read the Bible and pray.

• Sign up to lead a J-Group and create a space where others can find community, grow in their faith, and take their next step towards Jesus.

What’s one thing you learned from this message that you want to apply to your life this week? Share it in the comment section below.