1. Hitting The Rock A Biblical Understanding of Anger

2. There are two types of people in the world: Those who wrestle with anger Those who wrestle with anger Those who wrestle with other people’s anger Those who wrestle with other people’s anger

3. Clip from Network 1976 Meet Howard Beale who is really mad

4. The emotion of anger should be dealt with and understood ahead of time

5. David’s Near Miss… In an unexpected moment, anger can cause irreparable damage if not extinguished in the nick of time. I Samuel 25:10-13, 18-22, 32-33

6. I.Introduction to Anger Some questions to ask…

7. Question #1 Is doing a study on the topic of anger really worth it?

8. "You have heard that the ancients were told, 'You shall not commit murder' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Matthew 5:21-22 Matthew 5:21-22

9. If murder is the oak tree, then anger is the acorn Therefore: Rash anger is heart murder

10. Question #2 How do men and women generally differ when it comes to anger?

11. Situation… A husband and wife are getting ready for bed when the phone rings. It is the local police station. Their seventeen year old son has been picked for driving under the influence. As they drive to the station…

12. He is Exploding

13. She is Imploding

14. Question #3 How would one define anger?

15. Definition of Anger: Generally, a negative emotional response to an event or circumstance counter to one’s personal desire. The rational often takes a back seat to the emotional. Hence, irrational behavior occurs. Often in direct opposition to one’s values and code of ethics. In more extreme cases, elevated blood pressure, an adrenaline rush, and a high emotional peak are experienced.

16. Spiritual Dimension of Anger: When you reduce anger to its root issue – it comes down to shaking one’s fist in God’s face and saying, “You didn’t give me the world I deserve to live in.”

17. Aspects of sinful anger: Extreme self-entitlement Extreme self-entitlement High negative emotions High negative emotions Pride Pride Irrationality Irrationality Sin Sin

18. Question #4 Does all anger express itself in an outward outburst of emotion?

19. No! No! There is a There is a passive-aggressive expression of anger passive-aggressive expression of anger

20. Passive-Aggressive Behavior Passive-Aggressive Behavior “Forgetting” to do something on purpose “Forgetting” to do something on purpose Making a habit of putting off or being late with social and/or job tasks Making a habit of putting off or being late with social and/or job tasks Failing to do one’s share of the work or doing sub-standard work on purpose Failing to do one’s share of the work or doing sub-standard work on purpose Having a constant negative attitude Having a constant negative attitude Criticizing authority figures, not openly, but in subtle ways Criticizing authority figures, not openly, but in subtle ways

21. The goal of passive-aggressive behavior is to frustrate the wishes of others and make others angry. This anger is most often directed at bosses, roommates, spouses, parents, teachers, or anyone who has power or authority. But, sometimes, people are not aware that their behavior is purposeful. From: Minding Your Mental Health http://www.mcg.edu/students/mentalhealth/PAbehavior.htm

22. Question #5 What sin is anger most akin to? Answer: Pride

23. The Relationship Between Pride and Anger King Herod Agrippa I Acts 12:20-23

24. Question #6 Is all anger sin? Answer: No

25. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:26-27 Ephesians 4:26-27

26. Question #7 Who is most angry in the Bible? Answer: God

27. Conclusion… Since the Lord cannot sin, then there must be proper or righteous anger and sinful anger. Righteous anger stems from God’s righteousness and holiness. Sinful anger stems from man’s pride

28. "But the Lord was angry with me on your account, and would not listen to me; and the Lord said to me, 'Enough! Speak to Me no more of this matter. Deuteronomy 3:26 Deuteronomy 3:26 Other examples…

29. Now the Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, I Kings 11:9 So the Lord was very angry with Israel, and removed them from His sight; none was left except the tribe of Judah. II Kings 17:18