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“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20, ESV)

Pastor Abel’s sermon on this passage is titled, “Defeating Anger”.

There is much that we could be angry about in the world today. The internet is full of what is now called ‘rage bait,’ content specifically designed to ignite anger in us to lure us into clicking on it. The above passage is a reminder that our anger, as justified as we feel it to be in the moment, cannot produce the righteousness of God.

However, in calling out the anger of man specifically, James invites us to consider the anger of God. Robert Rothwell in an article titled “What Is the Wrath of God?” says:

“The wrath of God is the response of our holy and righteous God against sin and sinners that have not been covered by the atonement of Christ. Although many people do not like to think of God as being wrathful, Scripture frequently refers to the exercise of the Lord’s wrath against wickedness. Both the Old and New Testaments amply testify that God executes wrath on unrighteousness (see Deuteronomy 9:8; 2 Kings 23:26; Psalm 21:9; 90:11; Isaiah 13:9; Micah 5:15; Zephaniah 1:18; John 3:36; Romans 1:18; Ephesians 5:6; Revelation 16:1).“

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans clearly declares, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” (Romans 1:18, ESV)

God’s wrath against sin is real, and, being uncorrupted by sin itself, it is the only anger that can produce the righteousness of God. This is why Paul says later in Romans, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:18-21, ESV)

As children of God, we can be free from the need to respond in anger to all the injustices in the world. When someone wrongs us, we can be free to respond with peace, knowing that God’s wrath is perfect, and he will have perfect vengeance against all sin, whether through the wrath poured out on Christ on our behalf, or poured out on those who do not repent and believe the gospel.

 

Further Study

 

Small Group Questions

  • Have you ever witnessed the destructiveness of anger?
  • How does man’s anger differ from God’s anger?
  • Why is revenge such an appealing concept to our culture today?
  • What practical steps can we take now, to help us not respond in anger when the moment comes?
  • How does the gospel free us to respond in peace instead of anger?