Temper, Temper!
By Rev. Richard Lehmann
After reading the introduction, read the passages listed (note how many are from Proverbs) and then work through the questions. Then check your answers with those given. May God bless your study of his Word!
Tempers
Who doesn't have a temper? What destruction they cause! What unhappiness they bring! How much they discourage love and closeness! It is not without reason that God expects His blood-bought children to handle their loveless temper. We do find occasions when anger can be justified - when God's Word or will is being defied. But by and large, when we lose our tempers, that's not what is at stake. Use the questions below to work through the questions that follow and discover God's will and encouragement to guard our temper as we seek to glorify Him and serve those around us.
God's Word
Questions
1) Come up with at least 3 or 4 reasons why you or others lose your tempers:
2) Notice that several of the Proverbs passages speak of "wisdom" or "knowledge." What do you think that "knowledge" is all about?
3) Why isn't it good to maintain angry feelings? (Identify some Scripture passages for your answer.)
4) Our temper often reveals itself through our mouths. In James 3:9-12, what's the lesson taught in the pictures of fresh and salt water or with the fig trees and grape vines?
5) 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns us, "Bad company corrupts good character." What, then, can you expect will happen if a person regularly watches TV shows/movies with filthy language or hangs around with filthy-languaged ill-tempered people? Why does this happen?
6) In what way is Proverbs 17:14 true?
7) What is James 1:19 advising as a good way to "keep cool?"
8) In Matthew 26:41, what is the command Jesus gives regarding any temptation (including the temptation to lose your temper)?
9) 1 Corinthians 13:4.5 and Matthew 5:44 tell us how to take the steam out of our tension. What is the "key" to overcoming anger? How do you obtain this "key?"
10) What should we do when we realize that we have sinned by losing our temper?
Prayer
Dear Father in heaven, there are times when I fail to love others as I should and when I fail to glorify you as I should by losing my temper. Forgive me for my sins, for the times I have hurt others and you by giving into the temptation to become angry. Guard me by your great power from the devil's attacks and the inclinations of my sinful nature that urge me to lose my temper. Help me, through your Holy Spirit, to glorify you by loving others with the same type of love you demonstrated for me in my Savior, your Son, Jesus. Help me to be patient, kind, and selfless. Grant this for Jesus' sake, Amen.