How to Handle Anger Part 2
Proverbs 20:2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul Jealousy Sometimes, anger has its roots in envy. When we focus on the abilities, possessions, or position of others. We can easily become resentful. Let’s look at how to handle envious feelings so that they don’t turn into hostility. 1.A Biblical Example: A. King Saul Saul’s jealousy of David began almost immediately after David killed Goliath. Read 1 Samuel 18:5-16. Look at the wrong conclusion about his kingdom. That Saul draw concerning the younger man’s triumph 1 Samuel 18:8 And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? What was the real reason that Saul would lose his kingdom found in 1 Samuel 15:1-3 Samuel also said unto Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the LORD. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. Also see 1 Samuel 15: 13-26 And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel. Scripture says that Saul was troubled by an evil spirit v. 10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand. In order to find relief from the torment. The king commissioned David to play the harp 1 Samuel 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. How did Saul try to kill David 1 Samuel 18:10-11 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice. When the king failed, what did he decide to do 1 Samuel 18:13 Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. When we become angry with others. We sometimes try to punish them by holding a grudge.
However, because David had the Lord’s favor. He was “prospering in all his ways,” despite the fact that the king.
Who held the highest position in the country hated him 1 Samuel 18:14-15 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him. Nothing could stop God’s blessing on David . What lesson can you learn from this. Regarding harboring anger or trying to hinder the success of someone you envy? When those in authority either overlook or expressly dislike you. How can this principle bring encouragement? B.Handling Jealousy Correctly This emotion, sometimes called “covetousness” in Scripture. Is so harmful that the Lord forbade it in the Ten Commandments Exodus 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. Here are a few practical steps we can take to avoid its temptation.
1.Seek the Lord for all good things. God not our ability, appearance, or connection to the right people. Gives us favor & places us in positions of influence in 1Sam. 2:6-8 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.
When you begin to feel jealous of another person. Turn your emotions into a prayer. Ask the Lord to bless your abilities, friendships, ministry, & finances. To give you contentment with what you have. James tells us that every good & perfect gift is from the Lord. How does he describe God in this passage James 1:17? Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Why does Psalm 34 tell us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” See Psalms 34:8-10 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Note: Verse 10 is not a promise that Christians will have everything they want. Instead, David is making a general statement that when we seek the Lord. He supplies our most basic needs Matt. 6:21-34 The key is found in Matthew 6:33-34 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. 2.Make a commitment not to compare yourself to others. Western culture encourages competition & ambition. It’s easy to find that we’re measuring ourselves against what we see in others. Unfortunately, discontentment & even anger often result.
What did Paul give as a reason for not comparing ourselves with others in 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves,and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. As believers, we can sometimes feel inferior within the church Because of our position & talents or lack thereof. What analogy does Paul use to demonstrate that all members of the church are equally important to its functioning in 1 Cor. 12:12 -26?
First Corinthians 12 teaches. That we should be content with the spiritual gifts God has given us. What responsibility or ministry do you believe the Father has planned for you?
What does selfish ambition introduce into the church, according to James 3:13-16? Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
If you are in the right position, serving the Lord will be a joy. Enjoy where He has placed you, & seek to develop your gifts & talents.
Hey be yourself. God choose you to the task. If he wanted so & so. The one you are trying to be like. God would have called him to the task that He wants you to do.
I’m Harold Hansen not Jack Hyles or John R. Rice. God wanted me to start churches in South Texas. Me!!!!!!! Think about it God wanted & choose Harold Hansen. Who is he? A Nobody. Just a child of God doing what God called me to do. A sinner saved by Grace through the Blood of Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God the Father. This keeps from getting angry when I’m just myself. In that way, you can keep jealous feelings at bay. 3.Praise & thank the Lord for His blessings to you. When we choose to meditate on what God has done for us. Then encouragement & contentment usually follow. I think of Hebrews 13:5 this helps me out every time. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. What should describe our thoughts, according to Philippians 4:8? Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Make a brief list of things that you are grateful for in your life. 4.Look for ways that you can bless others. Jealousy is self-seeking. An envious person looks at what others have & wants it for himself. One way to break the power of jealousy! That is by deliberately seeking to bless others. Either the person whom you envy or someone in need. In Romans 12:9-21, the apostle Paul describes some practical ways that believers should treat others. Jot down three of his instructions that speak to you. Then briefly explain why. 5.Pray for the person you envy. We are called to pray for fellow believers Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; A jealous individual focuses on one or two areas of someone else’s life that are going remarkably well. But everyone still has needs, hurts, & wants. Think about what the other person may be battling. Then base your prayers on those needs. When you don’t know what to ask. Try looking for prayers in Scripture. One example is Philippians 1:9-11. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Consider praying this right now for someone you envy. Conclusion: Seek to rejoice in the gifts, talents, & blessings God has given you. Trust Him to shower you with good things in His timing. Then determine to serve others instead of focusing on what you lack. Then jealousy and the anger that can result from it. It will not maintain a grip on your life. Prayer: Father, forgive me for looking at how You have blessed others & wishing that I was the one with that blessing instead. Please give me a selfless heart that rejoices when others prosper. Guard my heart from envy, & help me trust You to supply all the good things I need. Amen. The altar is now open for business. As the music plays please come. Salvation, join, or just to spend time with the Lord. As the Bible says in Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (A promise from the Lord to all of us) Please come now!
