3.  Everyone gets angry from time to time.  It’s a natural reaction to certain things that happen to us.  God became angry: Num. 11:1  Jesus became angry: Jn. 2:13-17  The Bible tells us we can be angry IF we do it in the correct way: Eph. 4:26-28 3

4.  Why then is anger a sin to overcome?  orge: any natural impulse, desire or disposition; now signifies anger, one of man’s strongest passions: Eph. 4:31  thumos: more agitated condition; strong emotion that blazes up quickly and just as quickly subsides: Gal. 5:20  thumos is volatile in its manifestation; orge is deep-seated and long-lasting in nature. 4

5.  Anger is like fire:  If controlled, fire can do much good (e.g., heat your home).  If fire not controlled it can be highly destructive (e.g., burn down your home).  Same is true of anger: if controlled it enhances our ability to be an influence for good; if not controlled it destroys our influence for good. 5

6.  Anger can lead to sin: Eph. 4:26-28  Not a license to be angry; but a warning of anger’s connection with sin.  Anger can be the hardest passion to control.  Anger often leads to sin: Prov. 29:22  Remember Cain? Gen. 4:6-7 6 Angry words! O let them never, From the tongue unbridled slip, May the heart’s best impulse ever, Check them ere they soil the lip.

7.  Anger akin to murder: Matt. 5:21-22  There are legitimate reasons for anger, but not anger “without cause.”  Why? Anger without cause and murder come from the same place!  Remember Cain? 1 Jn. 3:15 7

8.  Anger is a work of the flesh: Gal. 5:19-21  “hatred” and “outbursts of wrath” will condemn us to hell!  “That’s just the way I am.”  No! That’s the way you choose to be: Rom. 8:5  Anger is a serious thing! 8

9.  Anger is characteristic of a fool: Eccl. 7:9  Anger brings shame: Prov. 12:16  When have you made the biggest fool of yourself?  A prudent/wise person realizes the foolishness and shamefulness of anger and seeks to control it. 9

10.  Anger’s fruits hard to overcome: Prov. 30:33  Anger produces bitter fruit: Prov. 30:33  Strife is a burden for ourselves and those around us: Prov. 27:3  Many with anger problems never seem to learn from their mistakes: Prov. 19:19  Self-control…just say “NO!” 10

11.  Anger does not accomplish God’s will: Jas. 1:19-20  A Christian’s highest goal is to promote the kingdom of God and His standard of righteousness: Matt. 6:33  Our wrath “does not produce the righteousness of God”; nothing good comes from uncontrolled anger! 11

12.  Patience: Prov. 14:17, 29; 15:18  Sometimes easy to be angry with others, even our brethren; but… Col. 3:12-14  The “elect of God” are not characterized by anger, quite the opposite: mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience and a disposition of forbearance.  Patience requires practice! Practice! Practice! 12

13.  Forgiveness: Col. 3:12-14  Eventually some brethren will do more than anger us; some will sin against us.  Must respond as Christ responded to us.  Can’t nurse grudges or stew over past offenses.  If we do it will lead to bitterness, resentment, alienation and depression. 13

14.  Self-Control:  Tremendous strength needed to control ourselves once fires of anger stoked: Prov. 16:32  Can’t control what happens to us, only how we react: Prov. 29:11  Pay extra attention to people, situations, things likely to challenge your anger and self-control. Anticipate! 14 “Anyone can become angry. But to become angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way—this is not easy.” --Aristotle

15.  A Soft Answer: Prov. 15:1  Take a deep breath and control the tone and cadence of our voice.  Hard to argue with someone who refuses to shout and argue back.  When tempers flare a Christian must strive to be calm and give a soft, measured response to calm the situation.  Never be afraid to say, “I’m sorry.” 15

16.  Discretion: Prov. 19:11  Discretion is the ability to discern and make the proper judgment before we react.  Will Rogers: “People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing.”  Must take the time to get all the facts, weigh them carefully then react properly.  Keep our wits about us instead of responding purely with our emotions. 16

17.  Remember the fire analogy?  Same is true of anger!  We must take anger seriously. If we have an anger problem we can overcome it! 1 Cor. 10:13  We must overcome it! Gal. 5:19-20 17