January 26, 2025

The Sin of Anger

Preacher:
Passage: Matthew 5:21-26, Ephesians 4:20-32
Service Type:

Introduction

  • Looking at the sin of anger
    • Jesus was correcting the Pharisees about the sin of murder
      • Not just the physical act – as the Pharisees thought
    • Jesus says the sin of murder is the sin of anger and the sin of anger the sin of murder
      • This makes us murderers in the sight of God – as we have all been angry
      • Example of David
  • We are to be angry at sin
    • But our anger must be proportional and not misplaced
    • We should be angry at our sin
    • Example of David and Nathan, Judah
  • Be slow to anger, quick to listen and understand
    • The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God
    • Example of James and John
  • Is our anger righteous?
  • Reading Matt 5:21-26
    • The Problem: the sin of anger
    • The Remedy: Peace Makers
  • Overview:
    • The Problem
    • The Answer
    • The Warning that Jesus Christ gives

The Problem (v21-22)

  • The Pharisees ‘externalised’ the laws of God – examples
    • Jesus begins to expand the truth on the Sermon on the Mount
    • Jesus is like a prophet unto Moses, Matt 2:13-15, Matt 3:11,16; Matt 4:1,8
  • ‘You have heard of old, but I say to you’
    • Jesus comes with the authority of Moses and the other prophets
    • Not just an interpretation but the full authority of God
      • ‘No one speaks like this man’
  • Not the act itself but the intent of the heart
    • Not loving enough
    • Jesus looks not at the outer but the inner person
  • Jesus amplifies the law and gives its true meaning
    • Not the judgment of man but the judgment of God
    • We must not make excuses
    • We must not be angry without a righteous cause
  • Raca – ’empty head’
    • To break the sixth commandment
  • Fool – leads to the English word ‘moron’
    • Jesus used this word – but not in a malicious way but in a judicious way
      • He sees into peoples hearts
    • John the Baptist – a prophet of God, speaking truth, nothing malicious in what he said
  • We must watch ourselves
    • We must not follow society in using derogatory language
      • This simply shows the truth of the human heart
    • Examples of anger
    • There is forgiveness for sin
    • Jesus understands the temptation of anger
  • Jesus commands us to take sin seriously
    • When wounded – do not become bitter
    • Eph 4:31-32
  • The problem is the heart of man
    • The root cause of murder, killing, wars – is anger
    • Only God can deal with the heart

The Answer (v23-26)

  • Positive teaching on being a peace maker
    • Forgiveness of sin does not remove the responsbility of putting things right
  • Come to church with good intentions – but if you remember something against your brother
    • Go to them
    • Reconcile with them
    • Do not leave it
    • Be the peace maker
    • Make every effort – even if they do not receive it
  • Love is the answer to hate
    • Reconcile first to your brother, then come to God
      • Otherwise your acts of worship will not be beneficial
    • Pay your debts
      • Put things right quickly – as soon as you can
  • Be serious about your sin – do not leave it
    • Be a peace maker, seek reconciliation, pay an debts, seek forgiveness

The Warning

  • Some people say the judgment of the people, the Sanhedrin council, hell fire
    • Not about graded sins and graded judgment
    • Different warnings about sin
  • Jesus is concerned about sin
    • Come to Jesus
      • Respond to His word
      • Be forgiven in His blood
      • It is all of grace
    • Pray about the situation