Three Essential Questions
After watching the message take some time reflect on the following three questions.
- What did you hear? What point in this message was most impactful for you?
- What do you think? How did this message challenge, change, or affirm your thinking?
- What will you do? How will you put into practice what you’ve learned today?
“A gentle answer turns away wrath…” Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
“Be angry and do not sin.” Ephesians 4:26a (ESV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23a (ESV)
ACTION PLAN:The beloved disciple John, recorded seven “I AM” statements of Jesus. He said, “I Am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35); “I Am the Light of the World” (John 8:12); “I Am the Door of the Sheepfold” (John 10:7); “I Am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11); “I Am the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:25) “I Am the Way, Truth, and Life” (John 14:6); and “I Am the True Vine” (John 15:1). In Matthew 11:30, Jesus gave us another I AM statement when he said, “I am gentle and humble in heart.” Between now and the end of the year, devote yourself to learning more about Jesus by reading through the I AM statements of Jesus. Write down the eight I AM statements (including Matthew 11:30), and journal about what each of these statements, mean as Jesus speaks them to you.
An Unexpected Emotion: Anger
Raging anger attacks people
Righteous anger attacks problems especially problems that attack people
ACTION PLAN:As a church, we are hugely invested in attacking the giants of spiritual emptiness, self-serving leadership, poverty, pandemic disease, and illiteracy through The Peace Plan. There are hundreds of opportunities to join in the fight. Consider volunteering in one of the ministries that are helping fight the effects of CoVid-19 by going to this website where you will find ways to help:https://saddleback.com/connect/ministries. If you are not sure how you are best suited to help, sign up to take CLASS 301 the next time it is offered at your campus.
An Unexpected Surprise: Behind God’s Gentleness Was Anger
Weekly Action Steps
We recommit our lives to Jesus Christ. Text NEWSTART (1 word) to 83000 or email newstart@saddleback.com
We express our gratitude to God for his goodness by giving back to him. Your generosity online is feeding tens of thousands of out-of-work families and serving many other needs. Give at saddleback.com/give,or give a special Thanksgiving offering at saddleback.com/thanksgiving.
We meet in small groups online to discuss what we have heard. To join a group, text SMALLGROUP to 83000 or email smallgroup@saddleback.com.
To be baptized, email mYBAPTISM@saddleback.com.
Listen to our “Doable Discipleship” and “The Well” podcasts from our Saddleback Growth team at Saddleback.com/learn
Listen to Pastor Tom’s “Drive-Time Devotions” podcast this week as he shares a special series on thankfulness.