OVERCOMING ANGER Ephesians 4:25-27

OVERCOMING ANGER This is the third in a five part sermon series on overcoming certain personal problems: 1.Overcoming Anxiety. 2.Overcoming Loneliness. 3.Overcoming Anger. 4.Overcoming Grief. 5.Overcoming Guilt.

Third in a series on how to overcome certain personal problems. This lesson is on how to use anger. Anger can be destructive; when it persists as aggression, un-forgiveness, or revenge. Anger can be constructive; if it motivates us to correct an injustice or to think creatively. OVERCOMING ANGER Introduction

The Bible never criticizes the anger of God but it warns against human anger repeatedly. This is NOT evidence of a double standard. 1.God never misinterprets a situation, never loses control, and is always angered by sin and injustice. 2.Humans, misinterpret circumstances, make mistakes in judgment, and sometimes respond with vengeance and vindictiveness. Man’s anger can be harmful and dangerous. OVERCOMING ANGER The Bible and Anger

1.Human anger is normal and not necessarily sinful. 2.Human anger can be harmful. 3.Human anger often results from distorted perception. 4.Human anger often leads to sin. 5.Human anger can be controlled. OVERCOMING ANGER Five Things to Consider

A.Injustice. B.Frustration. C.Threat and/or hurt. D.Learning. OVERCOMING ANGER Causes

1.Admit your anger. 2.Consider the sources of your anger. 3.The art of evaluation. 4.Avoid anger-arousing situations & people. OVERCOMING ANGER Preventing & Handling Anger

5.Avoid ruminating. 6.Self-control. 7.Emphasize humility, confession, and forgiveness. 8.Grow spiritually. OVERCOMING ANGER Preventing & Handling Anger

A.Rom. 8:31 says, “If God is for who can be against us?” B.Rom. 8:35 says, “What shall separate us from the love of Christ?” C.Rom. 8:37 says, “we overwhelmingly conquer through Him”. D.You can overcome your anger! OVERCOMING ANGER Conclusion