Be Ye Angry And Sin Not

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:26—“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.”This message explores how believers can handle anger biblically without falling into sin.

I. The Reality of Anger

A. Anger is a God-given Emotion

God Himself expresses anger (Psalm 7:11 — “God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.”)
Jesus showed righteous anger (John 2:15 — when He cleansed the temple)

B. Not All Anger is Sinful

Ephesians 4:26 commands us to “Be ye angry” — implying anger in itself is not sin
It’s what we do with our anger that determines if we sin

II. The Risk of Sin in Anger

A. Anger Can Turn into Wrath

James 1:20 — “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
Anger becomes sin when it is driven by pride, revenge, bitterness, or malice

B. Warning Against Lingering Anger

“Let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26b)
Prolonged anger leads to bitterness (Hebrews 12:15)
Harboring wrath opens the door to the devil (Ephesians 4:27)

III. Righteous Ways to Handle Anger

A. Respond, Don’t React

Proverbs 15:1 — “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Control your tongue; don't let emotions dictate your response (Proverbs 14:29)

B. Bring It to God in Prayer

Psalm 37:8 — “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”
Vent vertically (to God) before venting horizontally (to others)

C. Seek Reconciliation

Matthew 5:23-24 — Be quick to resolve conflicts
Colossians 3:13 — “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another...”

IV. The Example of Christ

A. Controlled Zeal

Mark 3:5 — Jesus looked around “with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts”
His anger was always rooted in love and justice, never selfishness

B. Forgiveness at the Cross

Luke 23:34 — “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Even when wronged, Jesus did not retaliate in anger

Conclusion:

Ephesians 4:31-32 (KJV) — “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you... And be ye kind one to another...”

Let God shape your heart so anger doesn’t control your actions
Be quick to forgive, slow to speak, and always seek peace

Application/Call to Action:

Examine your heart: Is your anger righteous or selfish?
Commit to dealing with offenses biblically and promptly
Ask the Holy Spirit for self-control and a heart of mercy