From Anger to Grace

Introduction:

· An angry outburst at a violent offender at victim impact hearing: What would you do?

· An angry world – and sometimes our problem isn’t too angry, but not angry enough

WHERE DOES ANGER COME FROM, AND WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT?

I) Anger Rooted in our Questioning of God’s Providence

A. Anger Reflects Standards of Righteousness

i. Anger assumes a standard:

1. Consider examples of anger: at home; injustice (protests); suffering;

2. At the root: We assume moral principles; righteous anger àviolated

3. EXAMPLE: Letter from a Birmingham Jail

ii. Righteous Anger Expressed in unrighteous Ways

1. Quick tempered: every little things sets you off

2. Disproportionate anger: Mike Kjellman & the TV over the balcony

iii. Unrighteous anger expressed in unrighteous ways

1. We get angry about things we shouldn’t be angry about:

2. EXAMPLE: The cashier makes an honest mistake

B. Anger Exposes our idols of Control

i. God’s People Challenged God’s Gracious Provision (vs. 1, 2-5)

1. History doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes: Will Israel repeat earlier mistakes?

2. Nope – though their need was legitimate, their complaints were not

3. At least two main complaints: (vv. 3-5)

a. God’s purpose was irresponsible, or even malicious

b. God is incapable or unwilling of caring for his people

ii. Anger stems from our doubt of God’s Providential over our lives

1. Anger comes from a heart that challenges God’s governance of our life

2. How to fix the world: “Do it my way!”

3. EXAMPLE: Your job? Your kids? Health?

ANGER OFTEN STEMS FROM QUESTIONING GOD’S PROVIDENCE – BUT THERE’S A SECOND CAUSE. LET’S READ ON.

II) Anger Rooted in Questioning God’s Sovereignty

A. Can we Trust God to Do Justice?

i. Moses & Aaron Flee to God

1. Fearing for their lives M&A flee to God (vv. 6-7)

2. We expect that God will provide Refuge, justice, vindication

ii. God’s (Counter-intuitive) Plan

1. Would God’s glory consume? Strike a rock…again?

2. Instead: “God, I’m going to give them water!” (vs. 8)

B. We doubt God’s Sovereign Justice

i. What was Moses’ Serious Sin?

1. Moses’ sin à NO promised land… (But isn’t that disproportionate?)

2. A temper (two strikes on the rock)? Deviating from the plan (maybe)?

3. Ultimately: M & A do not “believe in God” to do right (vs. 12)

ii. When we fail to trust God, anger follows

1. How many of us have ever held a grudge? Wished ill for someone?

2. Ultimately this reflects our failure to trust God’s justice

ANGER IS OUR FAILURE TO TRUST GOD’S PROVIDENCE, AND HIS JUSTICE; BUT WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT IT?

III) How Grace is The Anitidote To Anger I

A. The Power of Grace

i. God Provides for an Undeserving People (vs. 11)

1. Rebellious Israel & Moses deserved no water, 40 more years

2. Instead, God graciously gives water to His people

ii. Grace Meets undeserving people with kindness

1. Even in a “Vox” article, the answer for our angry world is grace

2. Challenge yourself to repay evil with kindness

3. APPLICATION: cut off  in traffic, meet with grace

4. The discipline of confession & surrender: “Where do I seek control?”

B. The Power FOR Grace

i. Does Grace Minimize Evil?

1. You might be thinking: “You don’t understand…”

2. EXAMPLE: Traffic is easy…BUT their betrayal cost me everything

ii. Grace anticipates a gracious God

1. Paul references this event in 1 Cor. 10 as a “type” or pattern of Christ

2. Moses was presuming to be a judge – a role that only God has

3. God would “strike” the “rock” with the “Rod of justice” for my sin

4. So: “vengeance belongs to God” – that he is judge – I can show kindness

Transition:

Conclusion

Rachel den Hollendar forgives