Anger Axiom 1
Anger Axioms
Dealing with life’s irritations.
Introduction:
•Everyone experiences anger.
•Anger manifests itself in many different ways.
•Anger can provide positive direction and motivation.
•The negative expression of anger is evidence that “self” is alive and well.
1. The issue of “self-consciousness”
•Self-consciousness and God-consciousness are inversely proportional.
•Self-consciousness and negative expressions of anger are directly proportional.
•God-consciousness and negative expressions of anger are inversely proportional.
•If I wish to conquer anger in my life I must increase my sense of God-consciousness.
2. The imperative of “self-control”
" Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:13, NIV) [1]
"Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:5-9, NIV) [2]
If you choose not to live out of your own priorities someone else will enlist you to serve theirs.
•Christ followers are admonished to live self-controlled lives.
•Self-control is not “law-control”. I don’t need laws to tell me that I shouldn’t do certain things. They come as a part of an inward nature or persuasion. It’s not easy or natural to do right in each situation but there is a higher law that speaks to the Christian who chooses to listen to God’s voice. All things . . . but not all things . . . “
•Self-control is something that we often associate with resisting temptation. It seems to be more “won’t” power than “will” power.
•Self control has more to do with doing “right” things than not doing “wrong” things.
•Self-control is “grace-control”.
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age," (Titus 2:11-12, NIV) [3]
3. The intentionality of “self-crucifixion”
" So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:16-24, NIV)
•There is no such thing as “accidental” growth in Christlikeness.
•Spiritual formation is a deliberate pursuit motivated by love for God.
•The more room that we occupy the less room there is for God.
•[4]It involves “training ourselves” toward godliness.
"If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:6-8, NIV) [5]
•The secret of getting over anger is getting over “you”.
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[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
[2] The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
[3] The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
[4] The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
[5] The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.