Anger

1. Anger A Deadly Poison

2. Definition • Orge (or-gay): Anger, Wrath: “Originally any ‘natural impulse, or desire, or disposition,’ came to signify ‘anger,’ as the strongest of all passions (Vine’s). • Thumos: Indignation, Wrath “…hot anger or passion” (Vine’s). • Anger is not just an innocent or simple emotion. • It can be very destructive to the one who is angry and to those around him/her.

3. The Anger of God • Orge: John 3:36, anger toward those who do not believe in His Son. • It is controlled and will result in wrath only at the appropriate time (Rom. 1:18). • Thumos: Such “outbursts” are never attributed to God. • He does not have fits of anger. • He does not throw things. • His anger is always controlled, thought out, and righteous in character and outcome! • His righteous indignation against Judah (Jdg. 2:11-16). • He always did what was best for the people (Ezek. 18:31-32).

4. The Anger of Men • James 1:20: “For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” • Orgee: Such anger is often full of bitterness, envy, and self-seeking (3:14-16. • Contrary to all that God stands for! • The anger of man is one of the most devastating sins we can commit.

5. The Anger of Men God’s Anger Man’s Anger Destroys: Lives, Nations, Friendships Churches Families • Precise • Accomplishes Righteousness Chaotic DestructionPsalm 37:8

6. The Sin of Anger • Anger is common in our society, often justified even by Christians. • But God shows us its true nature. • Matt. 5:21-22: Danger of judgment. • 2 Cor. 12:21: Danger of condemnation. • Eccl. 7:9: Anger rests in the bosom of fools. • Psalm 37:8: It only causes harm. • We must emphasize the sin of anger that we may flee from it!

7. Righteous Anger • Eph. 4:26a: There is such a thing, but not according to the worlds standards. • Does not lash out at others. • Does not seek to harm another person at all (Rom. 12:19). • Such anger is selfish, divisive, and worldly to the core.

8. Righteous Anger • Righteous anger is limited to righteous reasons. • False teachers. • Become angry, but not unto wrath. • Use God’s word to overcome (2 Cor. 10:5). • Careful how we speak (Col. 4:6). • Sin • Indignation, not toward others, but toward the sin (2 Cor. 7:11). Toward own sin. • When toward other’s sins, approach with meekness (Gal. 6:1).

9. Righteous Anger • Righteous anger is short lived. • Eph. 4:26b: Not let sun go down on anger. • With the Lord time has not bearing (2 Pet. 3:8). • But with man the longer we stay angry for whatever reason the greater opportunity to sin. • “…do not give the devil opportunity.” • If anger endures it is not righteous, but selfish and bitter.

10. Righteous Anger • Righteous anger does not lash out. • The world seeks to do harm to others. • But God’s people only seek to do good (Matt. 5:43-48). • Overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21). • Ill treatment of self is not reason to be angry! • When we lash out (words, throw things, fists, etc.) we are in sin! • Toward the world—seek to save souls. • Toward brethren—desire their repentance (Matt. 18:15ff).

11. Righteous Anger • Righteous anger acts in a righteous manner. • Prov. 15:1: Soft answer turns away wrath. • Prov. 15:18: Slow to anger allays contention. • James 1:19-20: Slow to wrath. • Col. 3:8: Put off anger. • Eph. 4:31-32: Replace anger and wrath with kindness and forgiveness.