Page 55 - Biblical Counseling I Textbook

• Against perceived evil – arises from personal perception or interpretation
• Anger is murder! (Matt. 5:21-22)

Is anger always wrong?
• God always expresses righteous anger
• Leon Morris identifies 20 different Hebrew words that refer to God’s anger. There are several hundred
references to God’s anger in the Bible.
• We can feel righteous anger.

When is our anger good?
• It is a reaction against actual sin (as defined by a proper interpretation of the Scriptures).
• It is focused on God’s kingdom, God’s rights, God’s reputation, NOT my own.

• It is expressed in godly ways (e.g. it is under control, it is earnest, it seeks for repentance, it is tempered
with compassion and mercy, etc.)

5 Questions you should ask about your anger (adapted from David Powlison)
1) Did you get angry about the right thing?
2) Did you express your anger in the right way?
3) Did your anger dissipate quickly?

4) Was your anger under control?
5) Was the effect of your anger God-honoring?

We can express sinful anger.
The most frequent OT term for anger (aph) refers to human anger 47 times. At least 42 of those times (89%)
refer to sinful anger. James 1:19-20

Anger as a gracious indicator. Your anger reveals a problem in your heart that only the Lord can heal.
God allows provocations in order to make you see that you need Him.

What is the source of quarrels and conflicts? James 4:1-5

The progression of anger:
I want it  I need it  I deserve it  I’m not getting it  I’m angry!

I want it  I need it  You owe it to me  You’re not giving it to me  I’m angry!

Identifying your idols (James 3:4-5).
• What kinds of things provoke you to anger?
• What are you wanting when you get angry?
• Why do you want it?
• What are you doing when you don’t get it?
• Do you see that you are loving this more than you are loving God, His provisions, and people?

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