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Back to the title page for this study on Anger/Rage
This is not the primary focus in this study, but this concept occurs in the following passages:
Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:7; 21:23; John 3:36; Romans 1:18; 2:5,8; 3:5; 4:15; 5:9; 9:22; 12:19; Ephesians 2:3;. 5:6; Colossians 3:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:10;.2:16; 5:9; Hebrews 3:11; 4:3; Revelation 6:16-17; 11:18; 14:10; 16:19; 19:15
The Lord is also described as being "slow to anger" or "not quickly angry" (also translated as "patient" in at least one translation): Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:15; 103:8; 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Nahum 1:3. Yet he DID become angry when the people persisted in being stiff-necked and rebellious.
This concept also occurs in the New Testament, but the word "patient" is used, rather than the phrase "slow to anger." See Romans 2:4, 9:22, and 2 Peter 3:9, 15.
Be slow to get angry - James 1:19.
Overseers must NOT be "quick tempered" (prone to get angry) - Titus 1:7.
Warning: Make sure you don't sin in your anger. - Ephesians 4:26. [Quote from Psalm 4:4 - "When you are angry, do not sin..."]
Warning: Don't let anger remain in you for a long time. - Ephesians 4:26 (don't let the sun go down).
Get rid of it - Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:8. [Note: Both of these verses also contain the word translated wrath/rage.]
Do not encourage it in others (example: in one's children - a command to fathers/parents) - Ephesians 6:4 (do not exasperate / provoke to anger).
Join others in prayer WITHOUT anger present (a command specifically to men) - 1 Timothy 2:8.
Warning: Being filled with anger toward a brother will leave you in danger of judgment - Matthew 5:22. [Note: some manuscripts say "angry without cause." This just emphasizes that this anger is of the sinful type.]
Warning: This type of anger ("man's anger") does not achieve (bring about) God's righteousness in your life - James 1:20.
Do you ever get angry (sinful anger)? Why? What do you do about it?
Do you ever get angry when you see sin in the world around you? Do you ever get angry over sin in your own life? (Remember Matthew 7:5 - First take care of your own sin!) In these instances, what do you do about your anger? (Remember that even this type of anger can become sinful, if not handled properly.)
Look at the verses in the outline (especially Sections II & III). As applicable, think about ways they apply to you. Spend some time throughout the day thinking about what you have learned.
Opportunities will come your way, which will enable you to put into practice what you have learned. Prepare in advance, so that you will be less inclined to follow your "old ways." Think about the power God gave you when he gave you his Spirit. Think also about your responsibility to trust him and then to put what you have learned into practice. When the time of testing comes, consider your options (and obligations) before you act!
If you have a problem with anger, a study on what the Bible says about PATIENCE may be helpful.
Dennis Hinks © 1996
041224