Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Cody Bren explores the concept of righteous anger through the story of Lazarus's resurrection in John 11. He distinguishes between destructive human anger and Jesus's holy anger, which is directed not at people but at death, devastation, and unbelief. Jesus's anger at Lazarus's tomb wasn't merely sadness but righteous indignation against the enemy who brings death and despair into God's world.

The sermon challenges believers to redirect their anger from harming relationships to fueling God's mission. Rather than lashing out at people or letting anger fester internally, Christians are called to get angry at what angers God: death, addiction, abuse, and the lies that steal hope. This holy anger should drive us toward healing, protection of the vulnerable, and trust in Jesus who conquered death through his resurrection.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the nature of righteous anger, we ask that You would open our hearts to understand the difference between destructive human anger and Your holy indignation against sin and death. Help us to see anger through Your eyes, Lord Jesus, who stood at Lazarus's tomb and raged against the enemy of life. May our discussion today transform how we handle our emotions, and may we leave with a clearer understanding of how to direct our passion toward Your purposes rather than our own. Guide our conversation and help each person receive what You have specifically for them today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What was the last thing that made you really angry, and how did you respond to that situation?

Key Verses

1. John 11:35
2. John 11:25-26
3. Ephesians 4:26-27
4. 1 Corinthians 15:26

Questions

1. In the sermon, Pastor Cody describes Jesus as being 'snorting mad' at Lazarus's tomb. How does this image of Jesus challenge or confirm your understanding of who He is?
2. What's the difference between destructive human anger and the righteous anger Jesus displayed? How can we tell the difference in our own lives?
3. The sermon mentions that anger is often a secondary emotion. Can you think of a time when your anger was actually masking a deeper feeling like fear, pain, or grief?
4. Pastor Cody says, 'The enemy is not your spouse, your child, your neighbor, your boss, or people on the other side of your political beliefs.' How might this perspective change how you handle conflict?
5. What are some things in our world today that should make Christians righteously angry? How can we channel that anger toward healing instead of harm?
6. How has unprocessed anger affected your relationships with others or your relationship with God?
7. The sermon challenges us to 'get mad at death, devastation, and unbelief.' What would it look like practically to direct our anger at these things rather than at people?
8. Jesus asked, 'Do you believe this?' regarding His claim to be the resurrection and the life. How does truly believing this change how we respond to the brokenness in our world?

Life Application

This week, pay attention to what triggers your anger. When you feel yourself becoming angry, pause and ask: What is this anger really about? Is it directed at a person, or at something that breaks God's heart? Then, choose one situation that genuinely deserves righteous anger (injustice, addiction, abuse, etc.) and take one concrete action to bring healing to that situation. This might mean volunteering, having a difficult but necessary conversation, praying specifically, or advocating for someone who needs support. Remember that holy anger doesn't just feel outrage—it fuels resurrection and restoration.

Key Takeaways

1. Anger itself is not sin, but how we respond to anger can lead to sin. Jesus demonstrated righteous anger that was directed at death, devastation, and unbelief—not at people.
2. Human anger often destroys, but God's anger restores. Jesus's anger at Lazarus's tomb didn't wound the grieving but cleared space for resurrection.
3. We often direct our anger at the wrong targets. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil.
4. Righteous anger should move us toward protection of the vulnerable, reconciliation, and healing rather than division and destruction.
5. When surrendered to Jesus, our anger can become fuel for His kingdom purposes instead of destroying our relationships and ourselves.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, we thank You for showing us what holy anger looks like—anger that burns against darkness and fights for resurrection. Forgive us for the times we've allowed our anger to wound others or fester within us. Transform our anger into a force that fights against the real enemy, not against the people You love. Give us discernment to recognize when our anger is selfish and when it aligns with Your heart. Help us to grieve with hope, to channel our passion toward healing instead of harm, and to trust You as the One who has already conquered death. May we leave this discussion with a renewed commitment to direct our emotions in ways that advance Your kingdom and bring life where there has been death. In Your powerful name we pray, amen.