THE DANGER OF ANGER

The Sinister Seven | Pastor Daniel Norris

Text: Matthew 26:47-52 (ESV)

47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus [Peter Jn 18:10] stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.

How can I be angry and not fall into sin?

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26–27, ESV)

Wrath puts your anger in the driver’s seat while wisdom puts anger in its proper place.

Why did Peter have a sword in the first place?

“Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And Jesus answers, “It is enough.” Luke 22:38 (ESV)

Peter chose a sword. Jesus chose surrender. Not surrender to the enemy, but surrender to the Father.

1. Scripture teaches us… “THERE IS A PROPER PLACE FOR ANGER”

“Put your sword back into its place.” (Matthew 26:52, ESV)

“Be angry and do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26, ESV)

We should be angry about sin and its consequences. 

Anger often points us in two directions.

1. Anger is pointing to something in you.

Let anger be a warning light, not a steering wheel.

2. Anger is pointing to something around you.

Be careful what face you put to your fight.

Wisdom Puts Anger in the Proper Place…

What is this anger revealing in me?

Where is this anger trying to take me?

What response would actually honor God?

2. Scripture teaches us… “NEVER DRAW A SWORD IN ANGER.”

“All who take the sword will perish by the sword,” (vs 52).

OFFENSE → INTERPRETATION → REACTION → CONSEQUENCE

OFFENSE — Something happens.

INTERPRETATION — I decide what it means.

REACTION — Anger takes control.

CONSEQUENCE — Damage is done.

Wrath will turn anger into action before wisdom has had time to govern it.

3. Scripture teaches us… “DON’T LET ANGER CREATE A FOOTHOLD”

“Give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:27, ESV)

17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” John 2:17 (ESV)

How Do I Remove The Foothold?

James says, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19, ESV)

1. Is it a personal offense?

Is this something I need to deal with between me and God? 

If so, forgive it and release it.

Pray until you can put the sword down.

2. Is it a private offense?

Is this an issue between you and another person?

Scripture says go to your brother and have the conversation.

Remember the goal is to understand and to seek reconciliation.

Reconciliation doesn’t always mean restoration.

3. Is it a public offense?

Has the offense created public damage?

The response should match the scope of the damage.

Be slow to anger and quick to forgive.