On Anger

This past Lord’s Day, we began to look at Eph. 4:26-27, and the serious, sensitive topic of anger:

 

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.

 

The heart of Paul’s exhortation is that Christians should be angry about sin, and yet without sin.  When we are provoked by the sin of others (Paul is writing to Christians in the context of a local church!), we need to be careful that we respond in godly, rather than ungodly ways.  As we all know, this is much easier said than done!  In fact, it is impossible apart from the indwelling empowerment of the Holy Spirit.  But God’s grace enables us to do what He commands, and we must learn to conquer and control our anger.

 

Because the issue of anger is so prominent for many of us, I’m taking 2 weeks to preach from Eph. 4:26-27.  Last week focused on understanding the nature of the anger Paul identifies.  This coming Sunday, we’ll zero in on the three warnings he gives:  don’t sin in your anger, don’t sleep with your anger, and don’t supply Satan an opportunity through your anger.  Oh, how careful we must be in responding to our anger!

 

Let me also commend to you a message on this topic from Pastor Jim Newheiser, of Grace Bible Church in Escondido, CA.  It’s entitled “Anger Mismanagement:  Only Grace Transforms the Heart”.  You can find the video here, the outline of his notes here, and more information about his message here.

 

Beloved, may we grow in the grace of being “slow to anger”, for the glory of Christ.  Please pray for me to this end, even as I’m praying for you!

 

Greg