STEP 7. IMPLEMENT the new structure with humility and flexibility.
Below is a video from the “Overcoming Anger” seminar of The Summit Church (Durham, NC). For the various counseling options available from this material visit www.summitrdu.com/counseling.
NOTE: Many people have asked how they can get a copy of the seminar notebook referenced in this verbal presentation. You can request a copy from Summit’s admin over counseling at counseling@summitrdu.com (please note this is an administrative account; no individual or family counsel is provided through e-mail).
“Plans are easier than life. They exist outside my sinful heart and broken world. Trying to live out my plan has taught me more about my self, my sin, and my Savior. As I have had victory, the old expressions of sin have taken new forms. I have had to remember that my plans are merely how I intend to rely on God and not, themselves, my deliverer. Here are the unexpected challenges I faced [list], how I failed [list], where I succeeded [list], what I learned [list], and how God was faithful [list]. I now see that [list] is really the most important part of my plan.”
Equip Seminars – Anger Pt7 from The Summit Church on Vimeo.
The PDF implementation evaluation tool from chapter 7 — Plan Eval Form
Memorize: Luke 6:27-31 (ESV), “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To the one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” As you memorize this passage reflect upon these key points:
- “You who hear” – These are hard words and difficult teachings. Will you hear them or return to anger?
- “Love your enemies” – Through the lens of anger, everyone becomes an enemy. Will you love?
- “Curse… strike… take” – Godly anger will always be expressed in the context of real evil.
- “Give” – Godly anger will cost you. You probably began this study for your relief. Will you continue?
- “As you wish… do so” – Again we see that the skill level expression of overcoming anger is not complex.
Teaching Notes
“Patience is the evidence of an inner strength. Impatient people are weak, and therefore dependant on external supports—like schedules that go just right and circumstances that support their fragile hearts (p. 173).” John Piper in Future Grace
“Self-control is the ability to consistently make wise decisions and fulfill responsibilities on the basis of God’s Word rather than on the basis of one’s feelings (p. 51).” Lou Priolo in Getting a Grip
“Godly anger does not need to ‘win…’ Its purposes are more modest on the surface, but more extravagant under the surface: the glory of God and the eternal well-being of God’s people (p. 53).” David Powlison in “Understanding Anger: Part 1” in JBC (Fall 1995).
“Here [on earth] walked the Lord of glory with His own creatures. Every human being that Jesus met owed Him life and utter loyalty. He is YHWH, to whom temple sacrifices were offered in repentance and gratitude. Yet most of these people ignored Jesus, misunderstood Him, tried to use Him, reviled Him, plotted against Him (p. 38)… Jesus dealt gently with the ignorant and misguided, even when He suffered at their hands (p. 39).” David Powlison in “Getting to the Heart of Conflict: Anger, Part 3” in JBC (Fall 1997).