Our Anger

Introducing YHWH: Slow to Anger

Exodus 34.6-7

Outline

How do we handle anger before it handles us?

“Slow to anger” = long of nose/nostrils

• Genesis 39: Joseph and Potiphar
  • Nose burned hot

God’s Anger

Our Anger

stems from a parent-like love for his children

usually from wounded pride/ ego

protective of his people

inherently selfish

the punishment fits the crime

disproportionate to the offense

on tempo, patiently building up to the right moment

quick to flare up

The source and cause of anger: what and why?

• People dragging his name through the mud
• People mistreating other people

The motivation: Love

• “Anger is love in motion to protect what you love most.” Tim Keller

Jesus in the temple 

 If anger is love in motion to protect what you love most, then what does your anger communicate about what you love?

The intensity and pace of anger: how and when?

God’s response seems delayed

• 2 Peter 3.10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
• 2 Pet 3.8-9 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

• God’s patience isn’t ignoring your sin; it’s inviting you in – to repentance.

God deals with anger in passive ways

• Romans 1.18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness…
• 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts… 

• Ex 34.7 …maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation. 

How can we do anger well?

1. Name it honestly

• Ephesians 4.26a In your anger do not sin…

2. Neutralize it effectively. 

3. Navigate it immediately. 
   • Eph 4.26b Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold…

• 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.