Be Angry, Sin Not
Tim Keller | January 27, 1991
Overview
The Bible gives us a wonderful and amazingly balanced understanding of anger. What does it mean to be angry and not sin? It means that anger is not wrong in and of itself, but it can very easily lead to a tremendous amount of trouble. This sermon will examine what it means to be angry, and what it means to not sin in your anger.
Outline
Ephesians 4:25–32
Ephesians 4 talks about how Christians should live, highlighting the need for honesty, truthfulness, and integrity. It emphasizes the importance of being consistent in what we say and do, and how we should be careful when telling the truth, considering the feelings and perspectives of others. It also discusses the topic of anger, acknowledging that it can both be justified and cause problems, and stresses the importance of honesty and unity in our relationships.
1. “Be ye angry …”
Contrary to the idea that Christians should never be angry, it’s important to recognize and understand our anger. Anger, the ability to take action against wrongdoing, is not necessarily bad and is even shown by Jesus and God. It’s a significant part of how we are made in God’s image, and if we suppress it, we become less like Jesus.
2. “… and sin not”
Anger, a powerful emotion, can have serious outcomes like wars, murders, and suicides, and can hurt our relationships. We can overcome anger by appreciating those we love, addressing the real reason behind our anger, and understanding the importance of forgiveness, as shown by Jesus’ sacrifice. As Christians, we should remember who we are and the forgiveness we have received from God, and we should seek help in controlling our anger to become more like Christ.
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