Anger/Wrath

I. Introduction
   A. What is probably one of the most destructive feeling that comes 
      upon man?
   B. Most would agree that anger would fit the bill!
   C. How much suffering and difficulty would end if people could 
      control anger?
   D. What is the nature of anger or wrath? What does God have to say 
      about it?
   E. Let us consider the Scriptures

II. Anger and Wrath
   A. We recognize what anger is
      1. "A violent passion of the mind excited by a real or supposed 
         injury" (Webster's)
      2. It involves that feeling we get when we feel hurt, slighted, 
         abused, rejected, and the like
      3. The automatic impulse involves getting back or getting even
   B. Wrath a term not used as much
      1. "Violent anger; vehement exasperation; indignation" 
         (Webster's)
      2. Probably the best translation of the Greek thumos, "passion, 
         angry, heat" (Thayer's)
      3. Wrath tends to involve a greater level of anger, or anger of 
         long duration
      4. Condemned in Galatians 5:20, Ephesians 4:31, and Colossians 3:8
   C. But is not anger just a natural reaction to events?  
   D. Let us dig deeper into the Scriptures

III. Anger in Scripture
   A. There are many instances in Scripture when people are angry
      1. Genesis 27: Esau at Jacob
      2. Genesis 39: Potiphar at Joseph
      3. Exodus 32:19: Moses at Israel
      4. Numbers 22:27: Balaam at his donkey
      5. And these are just a few of many instances!
   B. The LORD also is often angry with His people!
      1. Numbers 11:1
      2. Joshua 7:1
      3. Judges 10:7
      4. 2 Samuel 6:7
      5. 2 Kings 17:11
      6. The LORD's anger led to destruction and death of many!
   C. So if God can even be angry, does that mean that we can be angry?  
   D. Important concept: Ephesians 4:26
      1. "Be angry, and do not sin"
      2. The statement indicates that it is possible to be angry without 
         sinning!
   E. Paul here reference to an Old Testament idea
      1. Psalm 4:4
      2. There the Psalmist says to be angry, and sin not, but to think 
         about it on one's bed
      3. Contrast-- do not let it even get to the point of being angry 
         at night, according to Paul?
      4. Perhaps a complement-- consider what one will say and do before 
         acting in anger?
      5. Both?
   F. How is it that we can be angry and yet not sin?

IV. Handling Anger
   A. God understands that we will get angry at times
      1. God has His moments of anger
      2. Jesus Himself was angry at times (Mark 3:5)
   B. The issue, then, is not whether we will get angry-- the issue 
      involves what we are going to do about it
   C. Anger and Control
      1. Are we going to control our anger, or will our anger control 
         us?
      2. How many people have allowed their lives to be consumed by 
         their anger toward others?
      3. We must strive to control our anger, as with all things 
         (1 Peter 4:7)
   D. Anger and Retribution
      1. One of the major impulses that one feels when angry is the 
         need to take vengeance or to gain retribution for the wrong 
         suffered
      2. Yet God constantly exhorts us to do no such thing!
      3. Matthew 5:21-23; 38-48, Luke 6:27-36, Romans 12:16-21
      4. Whatever retribution is necessary should be left to God who 
         judges more righteously than man!
   E. Controlling Anger
      1. How do we control anger?
      2. We must learn to be slow to anger, as God is slow to anger 
         (cf. Exodus 34:6, James 1:19-20)
      3. When angry, we must consider the wisdom of Solomon
      4. Use soft, not harsh, words (Proverbs 15:1)
      5. Quieting contention (Proverbs 15:18)
      6. Being kind and providing gifts (Proverbs 21:14)
      7. Avoid hot-tempered people prone to anger (Proverbs 22:24)
      8. The need to stop, deliberate, and consider the other side is 
         quite important!
      9. How many times have we been angry for no good reason?
      10. How many times would it have been wiser to wait and 
          deliberate, and speak later?
   F. We can see, then, that while we can be angry, we must not let it 
      turn to wrath, let it control us, or lead us to speak rashly!
   G. There is great wisdom in Psalm 4:4 / Ephesians 4:26!

V. A Word About "Righteous Indignation"
   A. But what about "righteous indignation"?
   B. Sometimes people justify anger under that idea
      1. People will often get angry at sin
      2. There is good reason for this-- sin is the source of all kinds 
         of difficulty and suffering!
   C. Should we let loose with righteous indignation?
   D. Consider the wisdom in James 1:19-20
      1. The anger of man is unable to accomplish God's righteousness
      2. This is the difficulty with "righteous indignation"-- it too 
         often turns to unrighteousness!
      3. It does no one any good to sin because of one's anger 
         toward sin!

VI. Conclusion
   A. We have considered the nature of anger and wrath
      1. While anger might be a natural reaction, it must be kept under 
         control
      2. We cannot allow ourselves to be continually angry
      3. If it turns to wrath, or takes control of us, or leads us to 
         speak foolishly, we have sinned!
   B. Ephesians 4:26 and James 1:20 are good verses to live by!
      1. Be angry, do not sin, and do not let the sun go down on your 
         anger
      2. Remember that the anger of man cannot produce the 
         righteousness of God
   C. Let us be self-controlled and gentle people, and turn away 
      wrath!
   D. Invitation/songbook