Week 12: WISDOM AND OUTRAGE

 

If you would like to print this study, or have trouble viewing it on your screen, you can download the Microsoft Word document below.

 

On Sunday at church Kieran preached on what Biblical Wisdom has to say about outrage from James 1:19-25. Please make sure you have watched Sunday’s sermon before Community Group.

 
 

Read this overview

In our world, anger and hatred are exacerbated by media, especially social media to the point that our current propensity to shout, argue and attack others has been described as outrage culture.

As we continue our series on Biblical Wisdom, we’re looking at Wisdom and Outrage. What does Biblical Wisdom literature have to say to our current outrage culture?

Outrage and anger are tricky subjects. There are some things we need to call out as wrong, unjust or evil. There are some things that are worth getting angry about. So, what we really need to know is: how do we disagree with wisdom and grace in a world of outrage? How do we disagree with wisdom and grace in a world of outrage?

Begin with silence and prayer 

[5 minutes]

Sit down, get comfortable and ask someone to pray aloud for the study.

Then spend a few minutes in silence. Ask God to help us remove distractions from our minds, listen to what He is saying to and through each of us and change our lives accordingly.

 

DEBRIEF

Reflect on last week’s study application (smaller groups)

[10 minutes]

Last week when we explored wisdom and decision making, we were challenged to do 5 things:

  1. Know God

  2. Gather information

  3. Ask advice

  4. Pray

  5. Decide

We were reminded that trusting God grows like a muscle. The more it’s exercised, the bigger it grows.

How did you apply the decision making process, or the challenge to trust God in your life in the past week?

 

DEEP DIVE

Open to the Bible together (whole group)

[15 minutes]

Read James 1:19-21

James gives us a simple 3 part framework to help us engage in peaceful disagreement and dialogue. Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Quick to Listen

This is a call to prioritise listening over speaking.

  1. Share a time where your words got you into trouble.

  2. Proverbs 18:13 says: To answer before listening— that is folly and shame. Why is it foolish and shameful to speak before listening?

  3. Why is it difficult to be quick to listen?

Slow to speak

This is a call to speak clearly, honestly and informed of all the facts.

  1. Why is it important to be informed of all the facts before joining in an argument?

  2. Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Can you give examples of where tone of voice or choice of words has fuelled, or quenched an argument?

  3. Why do we so often resort to dirty tactics in our disagreements?

Slow to become angry

This is a call to reflect God who is “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love” (Psalm 145:8).

  1. Read Proverbs 19:11 and Ephesians 4:26. What framework do we get for dealing well with anger?

  2. Give an example of when anger is justified.

  3. Give an example of how anger could be expressed in a healthy way.

 

DISCIPLESHIP

Application for the coming week: 

[5 minutes]

Read James 1:20-21

The message we get from James’ teaching is that a life based on reading and believing God’s word will equip us as listeners, transform our speech and grow our patience so that we may be able to disagree with wisdom and grace in a world of outrage and shine a light in a world that needs a good example of how to shut up and listen and forgive.

When we fill our minds primarily with the word of God, we will be transformed through the power of the Spirit into the people we are called to be. Gracious, compassionate, slow to anger in abounding in love.

Work through these discussion questions 

 [10 minutes]

With the above in mind, here are some suggestions that will help us focus on God more than outrage and equip us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

  • Begin each day by reading God’s word and praying. This will centre your thoughts on Jesus, not on the things that anger you.

  • Limit your intake of news and social media. Of course it is important to engage with these things, but do so wisely.

  • When reading or hearing something you disagree with, listen to understand, not to judge.

  • When in an argument, don’t seek to win it. Instead seek to understand, gently persuade and seek common ground.

  • If possible, stay away from things that cause you offence and anger.

Discuss the following:

  1. What is causing you anger and outrage at the moment?

  2. How do you think focussing first on God’s word could help with that?

  3. Which of the above do you most need to apply to your life?

  4. How will you do so?

Close in prayer 

[15 minutes]