2. Anger

3. Ephesians 4:26-27 "Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”

4. Ephesians 4:31-32 “ Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.“

5. God’s Perspective on Anger Anger is an amoral emotion. –Ephesians 4:26 Out-of-control anger can be destructive. –We can become critical –We can become demanding –We can become explosive Be careful; physical and verbal explosions promote bad habits. –Jeremiah 22:21; Micah 2:1

6. “A strong feeling of intense displeasure, hostility, or indignation as a result of a real or imagined threat, insult, frustration, or injustice toward yourself or others important to you.”

7. Three Categories of Anger: EExplosive rage SSuppressed resentment RRighteous indignation

8. Righteous/Unrighteous Anger God can become angry. –Numbers 25:3-11 –2 Chronicles 36:16 –Romans 1:18

9. Righteous/Unrighteous Anger Jesus expressed righteous anger. –Mark 3:2-5 –John 2:13-17 –Revelation 6:16

10. Righteous/Unrighteous Anger Christians can have righteous anger –Ephesians 4:26 –James 1:19 –Romans 12:19-21 –Psalm 119:104

11. Can move us away from apathy to accomplish and achieve. –Exposing sin and false teachers (Ephesians 5:11) –Standing for truth (Jude 3) Righteous/Unrighteous Anger

12. Righteous anger is not vested in sinful self- interest. – Am I angry because I’m questioned or criticized? – Am I angry without justifiable cause? – Do I cherish anger? – Do I have vengeful thoughts? – Do I have an unforgiving spirit?” Righteous/Unrighteous Anger

13. Unrighteous Anger Share and gather information – Do you feel threatened like the Pharisees? – Do you feel disappointed and prideful as Jonah did? – Do you feel unjustly treated as the older son did? Listen and seek common understanding. – Luke 15:27-30 Promote positive change. – Luke 15:31,32

14.  “” – a spirit of resentment  “ Bitterness ” – a spirit of resentment  “” - a boiling agitated feeling  “ Wrath ” - a boiling agitated feeling  “” - seethes within a man and may break out in some word or action that attacks the person or character of the one against whom it expresses contempt  “ Anger ” - seethes within a man and may break out in some word or action that attacks the person or character of the one against whom it expresses contempt  “” - the outburst of noisy contentions. The original word meant to cry out.  “ Clamor ” - the outburst of noisy contentions. The original word meant to cry out.  “” – railing or accusing another. Same word used to describe those who blaspheme God’s name.  “ Slander ” – railing or accusing another. Same word used to describe those who blaspheme God’s name.

15. “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

16. “A quick tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.” (Proverbs 14:17)

17. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

18. “A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention.” (Proverbs 15:18)

19. “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)

20. “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.” (Proverbs 22:24,25)

21. :  Not getting our way : Some people grow angry when they lose control of a situation. :  Feeling rejected : Being excluded, overlooked, or mistreated :  Loss : Losing what we cherish, or simply fearing that loss :  Disappointment : Unmet expectations :  Injustice : When we are mistreated, we can become hateful, vengeful, or bitter. :  Feeling inadequate : Comparing our lives to the lives of others

22. .  The physical effects of anger are both immediate and long-term. It’s devastating to the body to carry bitterness, hatred, and an unforgiving spirit. –  Destroys relationships – families, friendships, churches, businesses, communities, etc.  Passive aggression occurs when we’re angry about something but express our negative feelings in indirect or passive ways (e.g., sulking, not communicating).,  Depression can be chemical, but it’s often the result of unresolved conflict in a person’s heart.

23.  Broken relationship with God ( Matthew 5:23, 24 ).  Broken relationships with others ( Ephesians 4:29 ).  Absence of peace ( Hebrews 12:14-15 ).  Critical spirit ( Matthew 7:1-5 ).  Emotional isolation  Frustration and anxiety ( Philippians 4:5 ).  Obstructionism – oppose everything  Loss of enthusiasm  Lack of focus Grieves God’s heart Hinders His work Prevents His blessing

24.  “Be angry and sin not” – Be sure your anger is justified and controlled.  “Do not let the sun go down on your wrath” – Do not internalize your anger.  “Do not give the devil an opportunity” – He is looking for an open door to lead you into sin.

25.  Own up to your anger.  Identify the anger’s source - don’t misdirect your response.  Deal correctly and quickly with anger – do NOT blow up or let it simmer.  Forgive others just as God forgave you - His willingness to forgive is our model.  Be proactive - learn to identify the things that cause you to be angry.

26.  Read God’s Word  Pray for wisdom  Always be ready to forgive – imitate Christ  Acknowledge God’s grace and count your blessings  Mental discipline (Philippians 4:6-8)