With

Why So Angry

Matthew 2:13-23

 

“Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry…" - Ephesians 4:26

 Three Questions:

What is Anger?

God’s Anger:

 “The Lord’s anger burned…[Israel] wandered for 40 years” Numbers 32:13

 “At the breath of God they perish; at the blast of his anger they are no more.” Job 4:9 

Anger Warnings:

“…anger resides in the lap of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9

“In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” Ephesians 4:26

 

Why are we so Angry?

v16, “Herod was furious…”

We live Relationally Isolated Romans 12:18 “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”

We carry Excess Baggage

We believe the stories we tell ourselves

We fail to Trust God Romans 12:19, “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.”

What to do with Anger?

The key: When angry we must deliberately move from thoughtless reaction to thoughtful response.

 Matthew 18:15, “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.”

Move Toward People Not Away

Choose Forgiveness

Final thought: The cross is where anger and love met.