Anger

Anger

June 16, 2013 Evening Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: We must be controlled by the spirit, not by our anger.

Focus Passage: James 1:19-20

Supplemental Passage: He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. (Proverbs 16:32 NASB)

Introduction: God gave us twice as many ears as tongues.

I. Quick to Listen

a. Don’t jump to conclusions without hearing the whole story

b. "So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him." (Luke 8:18 NASB)

c. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel. (Proverbs 12:15 NASB)

II. Slow to Speak

a. Don’t interrupt; don’t try to get the last word in

b. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2 NASB)

c. When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19 NASB)

d. The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3 NASB)

e. A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 NASB)

III. Slow to Anger

a. A fool's anger is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor. (Proverbs 12:16 NASB)

b. BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. (Ephesians 4:26-27 NASB)

c. Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah (Psalms 4:4 ESV)

d. A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger calms a dispute. (Proverbs 15:18 NASB)

Invitation: We should check our attitude as well as our motive before becoming angry with others. Paul gives us some sound advice on the appropriate approach: Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21 NASB)

[The audio of this sermon can be found at http://sermon.net/rboyne/sermonid/1200046682]