Text: Ephesians 4:26–27
“Be angry, and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are angry. And do not give place to the devil.”
Introduction.
Anger is a natural human emotion. Even godly people become angry at times. The issue is not whether we become angry, but how we handle our anger. In this passage, Paul teaches believers that anger can either become a tool for righteousness or a doorway through which the devil gains access into our lives, families, and relationships.
Many homes, churches, friendships, and destinies have been damaged because anger was left unchecked. God wants us to learn how to control anger before anger controls us.
1. ANGER ITSELF IS NOT SIN.
Paul says, “Be angry, and do not sin.”
This means there is a kind of righteous anger. Jesus Himself was angry when He saw people turning God's house into a marketplace (Mark 11:15–17).
Examples of righteous anger:
°Anger against injustice.
°Anger against sin and wickedness.
°Anger when God's name is dishonored.
However, righteous anger must remain under the control of the Holy Spirit. The moment anger leads to hatred, revenge, insults, violence, or bitterness, it becomes sin.
Lesson:
You cannot always control what makes you angry, but you can control how you respond to it.
2. DO NOT LET ANGER LINGER
Paul continues:
“Do not let the sun go down while you are angry.”
This is a command against prolonged anger.
Anger that is not resolved becomes:
°Bitterness
°Resentment
°Hatred
°Unforgiveness
A small spark can become a destructive fire if left unattended.
Illustration.
If you leave a wound untreated, it becomes infected. In the same way, unresolved anger infects the heart and poisons relationships.
God wants His children to settle conflicts quickly and seek reconciliation before anger takes root.
Lesson:
Deal with anger today; do not carry it into tomorrow.
3. UNCONTROLLED ANGER GIVES PLACE TO THE DEVIL.
Verse 27 says:
“And do not give place to the devil.”
The devil looks for opportunities to enter through unresolved anger.
When anger is nurtured:
>Marriages break down.
>Friendships are destroyed.
>Churches become divided.
>Spiritual growth is hindered.
The enemy often uses anger to push people into saying words they later regret and making decisions they later mourn.
Illustration
A burglar cannot enter a house unless there is an open door or window. Anger left unresolved is an open door through which Satan enters to steal peace, joy, and unity.
Lesson:
Every time we choose forgiveness over bitterness, we close the door against the enemy.
4. HOW TO OVERCOME SINFUL ANGER.
A. Pray before you react.
Ask God for wisdom and self-control.
B. Guard your tongue.
Many wounds are caused by angry words.
“A soft answer turns away wrath.” (Proverbs 15:1)
C. Forgive quickly.
Forgiveness is not weakness; it is spiritual strength.
D. Allow the Holy Spirit to rule your heart.
The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control.
E. Remember Christ's example.
Even when He was insulted and abused, Jesus responded with love and forgiveness.
Conclusion.
Anger is a dangerous servant but a terrible master. God does not forbid anger, but He forbids sinful anger. We must not allow anger to become bitterness, and we must never give the devil a foothold in our lives.
Whenever anger arises:
>Control it.
>Resolve it.
>Surrender it to God.
A believer who masters anger preserves peace, protects relationships, and maintains spiritual victory.
Altar Call
Perhaps anger has been ruling your heart. Maybe there is someone you have refused to forgive. Today the Lord is calling you to release that burden.
Come to Jesus and ask Him to cleanse your heart from bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. Let Him fill you with His peace and love.
Prayer Points
1. Father, deliver me from every form of sinful anger in Jesus' name.
2. Lord, uproot bitterness and unforgiveness from my heart.
3. Holy Spirit, help me to control my words and reactions.
4. Every door I have opened to the enemy through anger, let it be closed today in Jesus' name.
5. Fill me with the love, patience, and peace of Christ.
6. Lord, restore every relationship that has been damaged by anger.
Amen.
-Kunle Solomon.
Minister.
SheepGate evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t
Or call +2347051874707
Email: sheepgateevangelicalministry@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment