Stumbling Over Anger

Sermon Reflections from Stumbling Over Anger | Alex Hardt | March 4,2024

Pastor Alex took time this week to instruct us on the makeup, use and disposition of anger in our lives. It is an emotion all of us have from time to time and the intensity of our anger varies. Often times we are angry without knowing the root cause of our anger and as in the case of an iceberg it is often very deeply hidden. In Ephesians 4 Paul speaks of this root as sin in 26-27 “ Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. “ Misuse of anger leads to sin. James is very plain in James 1:20 “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Knowing that anger needs to be ‘handled’ so as to not to lead us to sin, we need to take it seriously and seek God’s help in controlling, recognizing and dealing with it. Pastor Alex said the recognizing the source urges us to uncover our emotions leads towards healing instead of destruction.

How can we do that? Scripture gives us ways to see anger for what it is. Ephesians 4:26 would imply that anger can be continued day to day. It can fester and grow. By not letting the sun go down on our anger we are containing and addressing it right away. Letting it fester produces bitterness, more anger and strife. We do not want to let our anger grow. James 1:20 tells us “for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” The anger of man for man’s sake or reasons is sin, it is not anger expressed righteously for something done against God. Man’s anger is self-driven and does not produce the righteousness of God. That anger causes us to sin and sinning does not work towards God but away from Him. 1 Corinthians 13:5 is speaking of love but also teaches us about anger. “It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” Anger helps us keep a record of wrongs done to us for which we may want to seek revenge.

Back to the question, how do we get rid of anger or overcome it? Scripture gives us advice on this in Ephesians 4:30-31 we are given a reason to be rid of it as well as what it includes. “ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Our sinful anger grieves the Holy Spirit, it saddens Him as it is not from God and of God. Paul advises us to get rid of it. Put it out of your life, leave it behind, make be inaccessible in your mind through the power of God. Pray, study, confess and ask God for His help. “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil’. Is the advice of the psalmist in Psalm 37:8 Proverbs 15:8 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” As you can see, scripture has much to teach us about anger. If this is an issue for you, pray and search scripture for comfort and strength to help with your anger issues.

Pastor Alex wanted us to realize too that Satan is pleased with anger and as we have said it does not lead to God’s righteousness or right behavior. Satan wishes to destroy our witness and lead us away from God. He cannot take our salvation but he can destroy our witness, make us unhappy and lead us farther away, bringing grief to the Holy Spirit within us. I love the verses in 1 Peter 5:8-9 that Pastor referenced. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” Overcoming Satan’s power to draw us into anger requires resisting, standing firm, being aware of this pitfall and taking him seriously. He is not a threat to God but is to us if we are not rooted, grounded and firmly focused on God. That’s why Peter, who experienced this first hand, tells us to be on guard- watchful and serious. Remember 1 John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Take Heart in Jesus!

What does one conclude about anger and dealing with it in a godly way? Lean on Jesus, seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit to root out the causes of your anger. Be alert and seek to not give in to Satan’s schemes and devices to lure you into sinning with anger. God’s plan is for you to live righteously and glorify Him in your words and deeds. Ponder James 4:17 “ If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” Be strong in Jesus!
Linda

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