Sermon Central
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Overcoming Anger
Contributed by Patrick O'loughlin on Oct 28, 2009 (message contributor)
Summary: We all get angry but anger need not get the best of us.
Text: Ephesians 4:25-32
Title: Overcoming Anger
Introduction
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 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. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
What I should never do with my anger.
1.I should never deny my anger.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
A.Don’t lie about not being angry
B.The truth is I’m angry
2. I should never let my anger cause me to sin
26 "In your anger do not sin":
A. It is not a sin to be angry.
B. Both God and Jesus got angry
3. I should never refuse to deal with my anger
Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
4. I should never let the devil take control of my anger.
27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
What happens when the devil uses my anger to gain control over my life?
1. He will steal my potential
28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
A. The devil is a thief.
B. James 1
C. Marriages, jobs, friendships, freedom...
Quote: For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”
2.He will make me say things I will later regret
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Quote: “Speak when you are angry - and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.”
3.He will make me grieve the Holy Spirit
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
A.To grieve = offend, insult, distress
Quote: “Anger is only one letter short of danger”
How do we overcome anger?
1.Get rid of all anger.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
God wants me to be a kind and compassionate and forgiving person.
1.By receiving God’s forgiveness
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
“Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.” (1 Tim.1:13)
2.By giving God’s forgiveness to others.
We can not overcome our anger towards others in our own strength.
