Sunday School Lesson December 27, 2020

Subject: Redirecting Anger

The Point: Take your anger to God and leave matters in His hands.

The Passage: Psalm 35:1-3, 13-18

Study The Bible: Psalm 35:1-3

1). When you face opposition, take your anger and desire for vindication to God.   

1. Oppose my opponents, Lord; fight those who fight me.
2. Take your shields—large and small—and come to my aid.
3. Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers, and assure me. “I am your deliverance.”

Lasting truths from Psalm 35:1-3

• When we are innocent of wrong doing, we can boldly call on the Lord to defend us as David did.
• There are times when we need to step back and let God fight our battles and defend us against accusations.
• Sometimes God elects to judge our enemies in this life, and some matters will not be cleared up until God’s day of final judgment. Remember His timing is perfect.
• For the Christian, God is always our deliverance.

2). Treat others with love and grace, not anger.

Psalm 35:13-16

13. Yet when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer was genuine.
14. I went about mourning as if for my friend or brother; I was bowed down with grief, like one mourning for a mother.
15. But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; they gathered against me. Assailants I did not know tore at me and did not stop.
16. With godless mockery they gnashed their teeth at me.

Lasting truths from Psalm 35:13-16

• Like David, we can expect to be painfully wounded by disloyal friends.
• Sometimes people we sincerely care about will turn against us, but the Lord can always be trusted to act in our best interest.
• Enemies will celebrate and pile on when we go through difficult times.

3). Leave matters in God’s hands.

Psalm 35:17-18

17. Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages; rescue my precious life from the young lions.
18. I will praise you in the great assembly; I will exalt you among many people.

Lasting truths from Psalm 35:17-18

• When the frustrations and burdens of this life bring us to our breaking point, we can cry out to the Lord and place our care on Him.
• God loves us. He longs for us to turn to Him with our problems and to fully trust Him with all of our needs.
• We should praise God not only at church but as we go about our daily lives.

Live It Out

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions.

1. Do you have any unresolved anger in your life? How can you address it biblically?
2. What revenge or vindication do you need to turn over to God?
3. When you face opposition, how can you take your anger and desire for vindication to God?
4. Do you consistently treat others with love and grace of anger?
5. What is in your life that you need to place in God’s hands today?

Closing Prayer:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You, In Jesus’ name, Amen”