
HOW TO DEFLATE THE IRATE
April 18th 2021 | Pastor Brian
“Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26–27, NLT)
4 WAYS PEOPLE EXPRESS ANGER
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Example: Cain
Cain became furious, and he scowled in anger…When they were out in the fields, Cain turned on his brother and killed him.” (Genesis 4:5,8, GNB)
RESULT: Regret
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Example: Jeremiah
“…I stayed by myself and was filled with anger. Why do I keep on suffering? Why are my wounds incurable? Why won’t they heal?” (Jeremiah 15:17–18 sel, GNB)
RESULT: Sickness
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Example: The Prodigal’s Brother
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in [to the party]. So his father went out and pleaded with him.” (Luke 15:28, NIV)
RESULT: Depression “Frozen anger.”
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Example: The Pharisees
“At this, the enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to discuss what to do with him.” (Luke 6:11, NLT)
RESULT: Paranoia / Bitterness
WHAT TO DO WHEN ANGRYMAKERS PUSH MY BUTTONS
1. Count the
“An angry person causes trouble; a person with a quick temper sins a lot.” (Proverbs 29:22, NCV)
“Hot tempers cause arguments…” (Proverbs 15:18, GNB)
“People with a hot temper do foolish things…” (Proverbs 14:17, GNB)
2. Look past their words to their
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11, NIV)
Anger has 3 root causes:
😮Hurt.
😮Frustration.
😮Fear.
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13, NLT)
3.
“Fools vent their anger…” (Proverbs 29:11, NLT)
“Wise people think before they act;” (Proverbs 13:16a, NLT)
Questions to ask:
🧐Why am I angry?
🧐What do I really want?
🧐How can I get it?
“A gentle answer quietens anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.” (Proverbs 15:1, GNB)
4.
“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.” (Proverbs 17:27, NLT)
“Lord, help me control my tongue; help me be careful about what I say.” (Psalm 141:3, NCV)
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5, NLT)
5.
“The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.”
(Proverbs 29:25, The Message)
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience…” (Galatians 5:22, NIV)
I can’t remove my buttons, but I can choose