Scripture References: James 1:19-20; Exodus 34:5-7; Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 16:32; Nahum 1:3; Matthew 21:12-13
Intro: Welcome. We continue our series in James, today focusing on James 1:19-20: "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." Anger is a powerful emotion, 1 often destructive. James calls us not to eliminate anger (Eph 4:26 says "Be angry and do not sin"), but to be slow to it, modeling God Himself.
Key Points:
- The Problem: Human Anger (v. 20): James warns that our typical anger doesn't achieve God's righteous purposes. Why? It's often:
- Selfish: Stemming from wounded pride or unmet personal desires.
- Hasty: Quick to flare without full understanding (unlike being quick to listen).
- Disproportionate: Seeking revenge rather than justice ("two eyes for an eye").
- Destructive: Tears down relationships and people.
- God's Anger: Slow & Righteous (Ex 34:6): When God revealed His glory to Moses, He described Himself first as compassionate, gracious, abounding in love, and specifically "slow to anger" (erek apayim - "long of nostrils").
- Patient: God endures immense provocation (e.g., 150 years with Nineveh) before acting in wrath.
- Just: His anger is a "right and necessary reaction to moral evil" (Packer); He opposes injustice and ultimately does not leave the guilty unpunished (Ex 34:7; Nah 1:3).
- Loving: His anger flows from His love for holiness, justice, and His people, not capricious rage. (We misunderstand if we think love and anger are incompatible).
- Jesus' Example (Matt 21): Jesus cleansed the temple with clear anger against injustice and desecration. But this wasn't a sudden outburst; He'd observed the corruption repeatedly. It was deliberate, controlled, righteous anger focused on God's house.
- The Call: Imitate God (vv. 19-20): James urges us to be like God – quick to listen, thoughtful in speech, and slow to anger. This requires self-control ("He who rules his spirit" - Prov 16:32) and allows space for God's righteousness to work, rather than our destructive reactions.
Conclusion: Anger itself isn't necessarily sin, but human anger often is because it's quick, selfish, and destructive. God models righteous anger – slow, patient, just, and rooted in love. We're called by James to imitate our Father, cultivating slowness to anger so that God's righteousness, not our flawed reactions, can prevail.
Call to Action: Pay attention to your anger triggers this week. When provoked, intentionally practice James 1:19: Be quick to listen (understand the situation fully), slow to speak (pause before reacting), and slow to become angry (allow God's Spirit to produce self-control). Confess hasty or destructive anger and ask God for His patience.
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