You’re Not The Boss Of Me, Part 4: “Anger”
October 22, 2023

Download a printable version of this guide

Message Review

When we feel anger, our emotions tell us it’s 100 percent someone else’s fault. But James, the brother of Jesus, has something different to say. When we take a step back and acknowledge what the problem is, anger will no longer be the boss of us.  

Main Point: When you realize you are partly responsible because you aren’t getting what you want, anger will not be the boss of you.  

Scripture References: Matthew 15:17-20, Philippians 2:5-7 

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was James 3:13-18 Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (i.e. when it was written, who wrote it, who it was written to, what was going on before and/or after this specific passage, etc.)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage?  What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was Jesus’s original intent in this passage?  What main point(s) was he trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you would like to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon and why?  

  • What’s something other drivers do on the road that makes you angry?  

  • How do you typically react to anger? Do you tend to become more extroverted and louder, or do you withdraw and become silent?  

  • Pastor Matt said that the anger that controls us and messes up our relationships comes from inside us because ultimately, we're not getting what we want. What about not getting what we want makes us so angry?  

  • Reread James 3:16 as a group. Why do you think selfish ambition often leads to anger?  

  • Read James 4:1-2 as a group. What are the potential consequences of unacknowledged anger? 

  • James is saying as long as you think the source of anger is out there, you’re never going to deal with it. Why must we confront the root of our anger to prevent it from controlling us? 

  • How would recognizing and acknowledging your desires affect your relationships during episodes of anger? 

  • Read Philippians 2:5-7 as a group. How does Paul suggest we should treat each other in this passage? How can this attitude be beneficial when frustration starts to boil over? 

  • What practical step can you take the next time you feel anger bubble up inside you? 

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.