======================================================================== SERIES ON ANGER by Dr Sm Davis ======================================================================== Davis's series of teachings on the subject of anger from a biblical perspective, examining the causes, manifestations, and remedies for sinful anger in the Christian life. Chapters: 7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TABLE OF CONTENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. 1. Anger the Destroyer 2. 2. Freedom from the Spirit of Anger 3. 3. How to Help a Man With His Anger 4. 41-25 5. 41-25. Scorn and Mockery 6. 5. What Impatience Does 7. Addendum ======================================================================== CHAPTER 1: 1. ANGER THE DESTROYER ======================================================================== Anger the Destroyer (Matthew 5:21-24) Discussing what Anger Is and Does and How to be Delivered from It Introduction: The Sermon on the Mount is a reclarification of the Old Testament Law. With the Jews unscriptural response to the invading Roman Empire, Israel lost the spirit of the Old Testament Law. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount reclarifies what the people of Israel once knew. Jesus opens the sermon by focusing on Anger. I.Anger Deceives A.Anger Feels Justified qAnger leads to Murder qRaca = “empty headed fool” qAnger almost always communicates rejection! B.Anger Sometimes Seems to Work qDon’t let Intensity become Indignation qDon’t let High Spirited become Harsh qIt’s OK to be Judicious, it’s not OK to be Judgmental qIt’s OK to be Emphatic, it’s not OK to be Enraged qIt’s OK to be Watchful, it’s not OK to be Wrathful qIt’s OK to be Determined, it’s not OK to be Destructive qThe excuse, “but it keeps the family in line,” violates Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: The Greatest Quality a Husband and Father can Demonstrate is Genuine Love, and the Most Destructive Attitude a Father can Have is Anger. qThe Angry Person Feels Like He has a Cause C.There is No Justification for Anger q“ Without a Cause” means, there is no cause Cease from anger and forsake wrath - Psalms 37:8 For the wrath of man seeketh not the righteousness of God - James 1:20 qThe Number One thing killing our Christian children today is the anger of one or both parents. qAnger also destroys the oneness between husband and wife. qMany times a child’s rebellion is caused and fed by their parents anger, causing the strife to grow in intensity. Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man, thou shalt not golest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. - Proverbs 22:24-25 qWe must have a Christ-like Response I will have mercy and not sacrifice. - Matthew 12:7 qAngry Correction is An Attack on the Child’s Character qGood Parenting is Calm Attentive Firmness! Key Statement:“Anger is not caused by what is happening outside of you, it is caused by what is happeninginsideof you.” II.Anger Described A.Anger is Like a City Without Walls (Proverbs 25:28) qAnger creates weakness in those under your authority allowing sin and destruction to enter in. qAnger creates and promotes health problems. B.Anger is Like an Unbearable Load (Proverbs 27:3) A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fools’ wrath is heavier than them both. - Proverbs 27:3 qA child is carrying an unbearable load when they are under an angry parent. qSatan’s goal is to use anger to destroy any possibility of a godly seed. C.Anger is Like a Flood (Proverbs 27:4) Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; - Proverbs 27:4 qOutrageous = “like a downpour or flood” D.Anger is Like a Poisonous Snake (Proverbs 27:4) qWrath = “pictures the cruel venom of asps” q“when a man gets mad, he goes mad” E.Anger is Like a Fire Breathing Dragon (Proverbs 27:4, Job 41:10) qCruel is used to describe the Leviathan in Job 41:1-34. qJob 41:19-21 describes a fire breathing dragon. III. Anger Discovered Key Statement:“Anger is not caused by what is happening outside of you, it is caused by what is happeninginsideof you.” A.Anger Comes from Pride (Proverbs 21:24) qWe forget what God has done for us qFirst step to conquering anger is to take responsibility for your anger and to humble yourself. qThe only one who has a right to be angry is God Himself, because He is the only one who has the right to take vengeance. B.Anger is Created from the Tension of Unresolved Guilt (Proverbs 26:28) A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. - Proverbs 26:28 qCain kills Abel because he becomes angry with God and does not resolve his guilt (Genesis 4:1-26) qBalaam and Balak (Numbers 22:1-41) oBalaam becomes angry at his donkey because of his unresolved guilt in his willingness to help Balak curse Israel. qKing David, Bathsheba, and Uriah IV.Anger Defeated A.Quit Justifying Your Anger B.Accept Personal Responsibility for Your Anger qRemember that the source of anger is inside of you and not outside of you. C. Confess any Pride by Humbling Yourself before God and Others and Asking for Help. D.Deal with Any Unresolved Guilt from the Past E.Forgive Others Who Do You Wrong and Leave Vengeance to the LORD. F.Seek to Become Meek and Gentle Like Jesus q“Meekness is Strength Under Control and Anger is Weakness in Control.” G.Think of the Blessings that Will Be Yours When You Cease to Be an Angry Man or Woman. q“God is helping me get control!” ======================================================================== CHAPTER 2: 2. FREEDOM FROM THE SPIRIT OF ANGER ======================================================================== Freedom From the Spirit of Anger Luke 9:51-62.The Bible mentions both personal and impersonal spirits. Greek. word, “pneuma” can refer to the Holy Spirit, evil spirits, or other spirits. A division needs to be seen between: qyour spirit, qgood and bad spirits, whether personal or impersonal that affect your spirit, qand the spirit others sense coming from your spirit. 2. We must “try” the spirits coming from ours and other people’s spirits to make sure they are of God. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. - 1 John 4:13. There I a great possibility that we may not realize it when our spirit is putting off the wrong spirit. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. - Proverbs 16:2 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? - Matthew 7:3 * Ask yourself if your father or grandfather had the problem of anger. What is the Difference Between Anger and an Angry Spirit? A. An angry spirit manifests itself in a harsh spirit that keeps others around us on edge. B. An angry spirit cuts back on a person’s life potential. C. The spirit of anger is the very opposite of the spirit of Christ. D.The spirit of anger is sometimes noticed in a person’s voice, attitude, and demeanor, even when he is carrying on a normal conversation. The fullness of the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit so controlling your spirit that no spirit that is a wrong spirit is able to doSong of Solomon 4:1-16.Victory in the area of the spirit others sense coming from you is more important than victory on the area of actions others see you doing. It is good to obey the letter of the law. It is better to obey the spirit of the law. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. - Galatians 5:18 Where there is victory in the spirit there is far more likely to be victory in the outward manifestations. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak,slow to wrath: - James 1:19 5. There is no Biblical Justification for either anger or the spirit of anger. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. - Psalms 37:8 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. - Proverbs 19:19 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? - Proverbs 17:4 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. - Ecclesiastes 7:9 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations,wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, - Galatians 5:19-20 You don’t bring X-Rated movies into your house and watch them with your family! You don’t bring an idol into your house and worship it! You don’t bring a witch into your house to perform a sŽance! You don’t bring anger and wrath into your house to harm your loved ones! Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: - Ephesians 4:31 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. - Colossians 3:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands,without wrathand doubting. - 1 Timothy 2:8 (holy hands are without wrath) For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled,not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; - Titus 1:7 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. - James 1:20 The wrath of man is always wrong! It is always carnal It is never spiritual It is never righteous But isn’t there anything such as Righteous Indignation? Righteous and Indignation are two words never used together in Scripture. But didn’t Jesus get angry? Jesus is God! God’s anger is spiritual and always produces justice Man’s anger is carnal and always produces injustice Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. - Romans 12:19 IMPORTANT: THE PURPOSE OF WRATH IS VENGEANCE! For her blood is in the midst of her; she set it upon the top of a rock; she poured it not upon the ground, to cover it with dust; that it might cause fury to come up to take vengeance; I have set her blood upon the top of a rock, that it should not be covered. - Ezekiel 24:7-8 But wouldn’t you need anger to defend your family? No. You will need courage and discernment above all! The Results of an Angry Spirit in the Pulpit 1. Continual strife among the pastor and deacons, pastor and the people, and between the people and people. 2. Empty pews and people going to churches that don’t preach the Bible. 3. A plague of anger is spread throughout the homes, businesses, and society. 4. Vengeance is being handled by someone not Biblically qualified to handle it. 5.It causes us to lose the battle to spread God’s truth among the nations of the world. But what aboutEphesians 4:26. “Be ye angry and sin not”? Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: - Ephesians 4:26 “Be ye Angry” is a Present Passive Imperative There are going to be times when there will be things acting on you, to try and make you angry. It’s actually saying, “Though you are angered, don’t sin by getting angry.” You can’t help it if something makes you feel angry, but you don’t express that anger, allowing it to deepen and turn into wrath. The World’s Way of Controlling Anger Some reason that if you hold in your anger you will hurt yourself. They believe you must have a controlled release of that anger (punching out a pillow). Two Things Wrong with this Reasoning: 1. Anger is not something you can properly control. 2. It causes us to miss God’s Way to control anger. God’s Way to Control Anger 1. Put your mind under the command of Christ and His Word. 2. Have the mind tell the will what to do, so that the emotion of anger is unplugged before it gets to be turned on. There are some who would still want to defend their anger. God’s Word says not to: Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. - Proverbs 21:24 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife. - Proverbs 30:33 10Steps to Conquer the Spirit of Anger 1.Recognize the problem and its seriousness. 2. Desire the victory enough to cry out to God. 3. Repent of the Sin of Anger. 4. Confess the sin of your forefathers and ask God to break any curses coming down the generations (Nehemiah 1:6). 5. Ask God to take back the ground Satan has taken because of anger (Ephesians 4:26-27). 6. See the connection between anger and lust in Matthew 5:21-32. 7. Watch for people and things that are going to come in your way to make you angry (Proverbs 15:1, Ephesians 4:26). 8. Purpose to enter the presence of family members and business associates with praise (Psalms 100:4). 9. Ask God daily to fill you with the Holy Spirit and to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life. 10. Make yourself fully accountable (Proverbs 19:19, 1 Corinthians 11:31). ======================================================================== CHAPTER 3: 3. HOW TO HELP A MAN WITH HIS ANGER ======================================================================== How to Help a Man with His Anger Or How to Deal with Anger in Someone Else Ephesians 4:25-27 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. - Ephesians 4:25-32. Understand That There Are Probably Some Things You Don’t Understand. * The anger shown in the individual might be a spin-off of something else. 2.Deal Properly with Your Own Anger * You cannot help somebody else if you are not properly dealing with your own anger. (1)Recognize that Anger is Sin Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. - Psalms 37:8 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him , yet thou must do it again. - Proverbs 19:19 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? - Proverbs 27:4 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. - Ecclesiastes 7:9 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, - Galatians 5:19-20 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: - Ephesians 4:31 (2)Control Your Anger God’s Way and Not the World’s Way God’s Way to Control Your Anger 1.Putting your mind under the command of Christ and His Word. 2. Have the Mind tell the Will what to do. 3. And then the Will says to the Emotions, “You, calm down!” 3.Deflect Anger (1) Answer back gently and softly * Every time your mate’s voice goes up, your voice go down. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. - Proverbs 15:1 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. - Proverbs 19:11 A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. -Proverbs 12:16 (2) Give a Gift A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath. - Proverbs 21:14 4.Do Not Deliver an Angry Person from the Consequences of Their Anger. A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him , yet thou must do it again. - Proverbs 19:19 5.Use Emotional Word Pictures 6.Seek and Pray for the Skill of Patience But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love,patience, meekness. - 1 Timothy 6:11 qSkills are to be learned, and Patience is a skill qAsk God for patience! 7.Use a Spiritual Weapon to Defeat the Carnal Weapon of Anger qCarnal weapons are powerful, but not as powerful as spiritual weapons For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: - 2 Corinthians 10:3 qWeapons are just tools used in battles. Different weapons have been used during different times in history. Carnal weapons have been the same throughout history. q Hate q Anger q Jealousy q Slander q Nagging q Unforgiveness q Arrogant Pride q Vengeance qSpiritual weapons also have not changed. qCarnal weapons are deceitful because they seem to work! It just does not produce the peaceable fruit of righteousness. qSpiritual weapons are more powerful than carnal weapons. qThe spiritual weapon of meekness can defeat the carnal weapon of Anger. oLove and kindness conquers Hatred and Jealousy oPurity of heart, soul, mind, and body defeats Impurity oGentleness is a weapon against Harshness oForgiveness is a weapon against Unforgiveness oHumility almost always conquers Pride Illustration: A seminary professor was known to give colorful illustrations. One time, when the students came into class, they knew they were in for another eventful class. On the chalkboard was a great big paper target. The professor had each person draw a picture of someone they hated or really found to be unnerving. Each student drew a picture of someone else. One student drew a picture of another girl who stole her boyfriend. Another drew a picture of their brother. One student drew a picture of the professor himself. Once done, the students were allowed to paste their picture up on the target and throw darts at it. The darts flew and each student gleefully had fun striking at their hated individual. When it was over, the teacher had the students sit back down, and then he took down the target. Behind the hated pictures and the paper target was a picture of Jesus Christ Himself, ripped and torn into shreds by the darts that were thrown by the students. There was a hush in the class when the professor read the following Scripture: And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. - Matthew 25:40 ======================================================================== CHAPTER 4: 41-25 ======================================================================== 41-25. Scorn and Mockery Understanding What the Bible Says About Scorn & Mockery Galatians 6:7-8 and Mark 5:22-23; Mark 5:35-43 Scorn: q to mock or deride q to disdain q to reject with extreme contempt Mock: q to treat with scorn or contempt q to deride; ridicule; tantalize; jeer at; despise; disdain; spurn Mock or Scorn: Laugh 38 times in the Bible Contempt 22 times in the Bible Derision 15 times in the Bible Sport 5 times in the Bible “Aha” 7 times in the Bible -------------------- 178 times in the Bible 99% of the mockery and scorn, found in the Bible, are presented as NEGATIVES. 1.The Power of Scorn & Mockery - A Negative Emotional Force There are powerful forces of emotion that are positive Power of LovePower of Compassion Power of GentlenessPower of Joy Scorn and Mockery are mostly Negative Emotional Forces! Mockery is mostly used to put down, slow down, or destroy that which is good and godly. And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: - Hebrews 11:36-37 Mockery almost caused Jeremiah to quit! O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me (Jeremiah 20:7). . . Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. - Jeremiah 20:9 The Power of Scorn & Mockery is also a False Power Scorn and mockery is often used as a substitute for truth, because errors and lies have little or no truth substance to them, they usually have enough truth in them to deceive somebody. Mocking is when a person’s mind is out of gear and their emotions are in control. IMPORTANT: When you find yourself agreeing with a mocker, it is possible that your mind is out of gear, and that your emotions are in control. 2.ThePretenseof Scorn & Mockery - The Person Doesn’t Usually Know What They Think They Do They are usually mocking something he doesn’t understand or refuses to believe. Genesis 17:15-18First time mockery is used in the Bible (“Laughed”) Genesis 18:12-14Sarah laughed Genesis 19:14Lot’s son-in-laws thought he was mocking Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. - Proverbs 14:9 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. - Proverbs 19:29 3.The People Who Use Scorn & Mockery - A Proud Person in a Group Using Peer Pressure to Wrongly Influence Others Pride is usually the motivating force behind scorn and mockery The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. - Psalms 119:51 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud. - Psalms 123:4 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. - Proverbs 3:34 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. - Psalms 1:1 Mockers usually don’t mock alone. It’s usually with two or more mockers. Mockery is usually a team sport. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. - Mark 15:31 And he (Elisha) went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. - 2 Kings 2:23 Rarely is mockery used for good - Elijah mocks the priests of Baal in 1 Kings 18:1-46, but is it possible that this was not right? Because Elijah, immediately after this confrontation. Loses sight of God’s plans, and runs in fear from Jezebel. A person who feels they are being mocked and scorned will often react with anger or scorn Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. - Matthew 2:16 IMPORTANT: It is easy for you and me as Christians toamplifythe scorn of the world by using scorn in trying to correct the world’s errors. The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.-Proverbs 24:9 THE BEST RESPONSE TO SCORN IS SILENCE If the Christian walks away from a scorner in silence, the scorner is forced to ponder what they said. 4. The Purpose of Scorn & Mockery - To Stop the Work of God or the Truth of God. Nehemiah 2:19 Scorn and Mockery is used to try and stop the wall from being rebuilt. Acts 2:3 Scorn and Mockery is used to try and stop the preaching of God’s Word on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 17:32 Scorn and Mockery is used to try and hinder Paul’s preaching in Athens. Jeremiah 38:19 King Zedekiah was afraid that he would be mocked if he obeyed God. The most dangerous thing a rebellious child can do is to mock his parents, with his words and with his eyes. The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. - Proverbs 30:17 5.The Punishment of Scorn & Mockery Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. - Proverbs 19:29 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? - Proverbs 1:22 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; - Proverbs 1:26 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: - Proverbs 1:29 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. - Proverbs 3:34 And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. - 2 Kings 2:23-24 The most simple thing we can say to a scorner is what Jesus did for us personally! ÷5. What Impatience Does What Impatience Does Matthew 18:21-30 This might be the most important message in your life! Goal:To learn what patience is, and to have God develop His patience in you. In your patience possess ye your souls. - Luke 21:19 There is a freedom that comes into your soul with patience, And a bondage that comes into your soul with impatience. For ye have need ofpatience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. - Hebrews 10:36 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: - Romans 15:5 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and inthe kingdom and patienceof Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. - Revelation 1:9 qPatience is accepting a difficult situation without giving God a deadline to do something about it. qPatience is not tolerance of sin or evil or wrong, but patience is being willing to wait on God. qPatience is a calmness of spirit that trusts God even with the difficulties, trials, troubles, and frustrations of life. qPatience is giving God the time to do what only He can do once you have done what you’ve needed to do. qPatience is being confronted with frustration without becoming frustrated. qPatience is dealing with immaturity without acting immature. qPatience is dealing with impatience without becoming impatient. qPatience is dealing with anger without becoming angry. qPatience is facing evil without developing an evil attitude. qPatience is recognizing that God is in control, and being impatient will not speed God up. It will ultimately slow you down. What Impatience Does 1. Impatience Produces Anger, Bitterness, and Unforgiveness Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak,slow to wrath: - James 1:19 God’s anger is always righteous, while man’s anger is always unrighteous. Biblical patience must be a part of our lives, if we are to be productive and fruitful for God. Patience is Not Tolerance of Evil The Lord is notslack(slow or delaying) concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but islongsuffering(patient) to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thypatience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: - Revelation 2:2 Impatience fails to respect people as equals in the sight of God. Impatience is rooted in PRIDE! (Ecclesiastes 7:8) Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. - Ecclesiastes 7:8 IMPORTANT: The single biggest problem with raising children is not with the children, but with the parent’s own impatience and anger. Two Key Words When Raising Children: PATIENTFIRMNESS Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. - Psalms 103:13 2. Impatience Demonstrates a Lack of True Love (1 Corinthians 13:4) Charity(love)suffereth long(is patient), and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Impatience in the parent(s) will produce rebellious children. Our modern dating system in our society is the fruit of the lack of patience. We wind up playing with our emotions, because we are not willing to wait on God’s timing. Marriage without parental blessings is nothing more than refusing to be patient. Divorce is often the fruit of impatience. 3.Impatience Cuts You Off from All the Blessings that Follow Patience And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. - Romans 5:3-5 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God,in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, - 2 Corinthians 6:4 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among youin all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. - 2 Corinthians 12:12 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power,unto all patience and longsufferingwith joyfulness; - Colossians 1:11 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for yourpatienceand faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: - 2 Thessalonians 1:4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. - James 1:3-4 Impatience keeps you from spiritual maturity. Impatience guarantees an increase in irritations, trials, and tribulations. Trials will always develop patience or bitterness. 4.Impatience Stops the Production of Godly Fruit But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. - Luke 8:15 (it takes patience to produce fruit) How Do You Get Patience? 1.Seek and Pray for the skill of patience. (1 Timothy 6:11) 2.Learn from, instead of running from, your trials (Romans 5:3, James 1:3) 3.Model your life after those around you who have patience (Hebrews 6:12) 4.Study and meditate on the lives of the prophets (James 5:10) 5.Read the book of Job several times (James 5:11) 6.Yield to and be filed with the Holy Spirit and His fruit (Galatians 5:22) 7.Make yourself accountable to someone to not demonstrate impatience and anger (Hebrews 10:25) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but islongsufferingto us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9 ÷Addendum My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I cannot stress the improtance of dealing with anger in your personal life and walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My personal testimony is one of potential and of grief. Being a graduate of a solid Christian College, and married to a wonderful God-fearing woman, I had a lot of opportunities to serve the Lord. The problem I had was that I took my eyes off of Jesus Christ, and allowed a root of bitterness to grow in my heart (Hebrews 12:15). This root allowed a spirit of anger to grow and in the end, it destroyed my wife, enticing her to turn away from God, and fall into worldliness! Even though God has freed me from this horrible sin, my precious wife refuses to listen to God’s Word or to seek Godly counsel. I PLEAD WITH YOU, DON’T TAKE ANGER LIGHTLY!!! If I might encourage you, go to Dr. S.M. Davis’ web site () and order this series on Anger. I pray that God will speak to your heart and that He will keep you from the destruction that left my beloved family in a shambles. If God lays it on your heart, please, I ask that you would pray for my family, and that God would restore the years that the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). Pray that God will bring my dear wife back to Him, and that He would restore our family. Thank You, J.C.H. Idaho ======================================================================== CHAPTER 5: 41-25. SCORN AND MOCKERY ======================================================================== Understanding What the Bible Says About Scorn & Mockery Galatians 6:7-8 and Mark 5:22-23; Mark 5:35-43 Scorn: q to mock or deride q to disdain q to reject with extreme contempt Mock: q to treat with scorn or contempt q to deride; ridicule; tantalize; jeer at; despise; disdain; spurn Mock or Scorn: Laugh 38 times in the Bible Contempt 22 times in the Bible Derision 15 times in the Bible Sport 5 times in the Bible “Aha” 7 times in the Bible -------------------- 178 times in the Bible 99% of the mockery and scorn, found in the Bible, are presented as NEGATIVES. 1.The Power of Scorn & Mockery - A Negative Emotional Force There are powerful forces of emotion that are positive Power of LovePower of Compassion Power of GentlenessPower of Joy Scorn and Mockery are mostly Negative Emotional Forces! Mockery is mostly used to put down, slow down, or destroy that which is good and godly. And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: - Hebrews 11:36-37 Mockery almost caused Jeremiah to quit! O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me (Jeremiah 20:7). . . Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. - Jeremiah 20:9 The Power of Scorn & Mockery is also a False Power Scorn and mockery is often used as a substitute for truth, because errors and lies have little or no truth substance to them, they usually have enough truth in them to deceive somebody. Mocking is when a person’s mind is out of gear and their emotions are in control. IMPORTANT: When you find yourself agreeing with a mocker, it is possible that your mind is out of gear, and that your emotions are in control. 2.ThePretenseof Scorn & Mockery - The Person Doesn’t Usually Know What They Think They Do They are usually mocking something he doesn’t understand or refuses to believe. Genesis 17:15-18First time mockery is used in the Bible (“Laughed”) Genesis 18:12-14Sarah laughed Genesis 19:14Lot’s son-in-laws thought he was mocking Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. - Proverbs 14:9 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. - Proverbs 19:29 3.The People Who Use Scorn & Mockery - A Proud Person in a Group Using Peer Pressure to Wrongly Influence Others Pride is usually the motivating force behind scorn and mockery The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. - Psalms 119:51 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud. - Psalms 123:4 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. - Proverbs 3:34 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. - Psalms 1:1 Mockers usually don’t mock alone. It’s usually with two or more mockers. Mockery is usually a team sport. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. - Mark 15:31 And he (Elisha) went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. - 2 Kings 2:23 Rarely is mockery used for good - Elijah mocks the priests of Baal in 1 Kings 18:1-46, but is it possible that this was not right? Because Elijah, immediately after this confrontation. Loses sight of God’s plans, and runs in fear from Jezebel. A person who feels they are being mocked and scorned will often react with anger or scorn Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. - Matthew 2:16 IMPORTANT: It is easy for you and me as Christians toamplifythe scorn of the world by using scorn in trying to correct the world’s errors. The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.-Proverbs 24:9 THE BEST RESPONSE TO SCORN IS SILENCE If the Christian walks away from a scorner in silence, the scorner is forced to ponder what they said. 4. The Purpose of Scorn & Mockery - To Stop the Work of God or the Truth of God. Nehemiah 2:19 Scorn and Mockery is used to try and stop the wall from being rebuilt. Acts 2:3 Scorn and Mockery is used to try and stop the preaching of God’s Word on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 17:32 Scorn and Mockery is used to try and hinder Paul’s preaching in Athens. Jeremiah 38:19 King Zedekiah was afraid that he would be mocked if he obeyed God. The most dangerous thing a rebellious child can do is to mock his parents, with his words and with his eyes. The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. - Proverbs 30:17 5.The Punishment of Scorn & Mockery Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools. - Proverbs 19:29 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? - Proverbs 1:22 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; - Proverbs 1:26 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: - Proverbs 1:29 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. - Proverbs 3:34 And he went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. - 2 Kings 2:23-24 The most simple thing we can say to a scorner is what Jesus did for us personally! ======================================================================== CHAPTER 6: 5. WHAT IMPATIENCE DOES ======================================================================== What Impatience Does Matthew 18:21-30 This might be the most important message in your life! Goal:To learn what patience is, and to have God develop His patience in you. In your patience possess ye your souls. - Luke 21:19 There is a freedom that comes into your soul with patience, And a bondage that comes into your soul with impatience. For ye have need ofpatience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. - Hebrews 10:36 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: - Romans 15:5 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and inthe kingdom and patienceof Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. - Revelation 1:9 qPatience is accepting a difficult situation without giving God a deadline to do something about it. qPatience is not tolerance of sin or evil or wrong, but patience is being willing to wait on God. qPatience is a calmness of spirit that trusts God even with the difficulties, trials, troubles, and frustrations of life. qPatience is giving God the time to do what only He can do once you have done what you’ve needed to do. qPatience is being confronted with frustration without becoming frustrated. qPatience is dealing with immaturity without acting immature. qPatience is dealing with impatience without becoming impatient. qPatience is dealing with anger without becoming angry. qPatience is facing evil without developing an evil attitude. qPatience is recognizing that God is in control, and being impatient will not speed God up. It will ultimately slow you down. What Impatience Does 1. Impatience Produces Anger, Bitterness, and Unforgiveness Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak,slow to wrath: - James 1:19 God’s anger is always righteous, while man’s anger is always unrighteous. Biblical patience must be a part of our lives, if we are to be productive and fruitful for God. Patience is Not Tolerance of Evil The Lord is notslack(slow or delaying) concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but islongsuffering(patient) to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thypatience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: - Revelation 2:2 Impatience fails to respect people as equals in the sight of God. Impatience is rooted in PRIDE! (Ecclesiastes 7:8) Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. - Ecclesiastes 7:8 IMPORTANT: The single biggest problem with raising children is not with the children, but with the parent’s own impatience and anger. Two Key Words When Raising Children: PATIENTFIRMNESS Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. - Psalms 103:13 2. Impatience Demonstrates a Lack of True Love (1 Corinthians 13:4) Charity(love)suffereth long(is patient), and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Impatience in the parent(s) will produce rebellious children. Our modern dating system in our society is the fruit of the lack of patience. We wind up playing with our emotions, because we are not willing to wait on God’s timing. Marriage without parental blessings is nothing more than refusing to be patient. Divorce is often the fruit of impatience. 3.Impatience Cuts You Off from All the Blessings that Follow Patience And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. - Romans 5:3-5 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God,in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, - 2 Corinthians 6:4 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among youin all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. - 2 Corinthians 12:12 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power,unto all patience and longsufferingwith joyfulness; - Colossians 1:11 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for yourpatienceand faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: - 2 Thessalonians 1:4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. - James 1:3-4 Impatience keeps you from spiritual maturity. Impatience guarantees an increase in irritations, trials, and tribulations. Trials will always develop patience or bitterness. 4.Impatience Stops the Production of Godly Fruit But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. - Luke 8:15 (it takes patience to produce fruit) How Do You Get Patience? 1.Seek and Pray for the skill of patience. (1 Timothy 6:11) 2.Learn from, instead of running from, your trials (Romans 5:3, James 1:3) 3.Model your life after those around you who have patience (Hebrews 6:12) 4.Study and meditate on the lives of the prophets (James 5:10) 5.Read the book of Job several times (James 5:11) 6.Yield to and be filed with the Holy Spirit and His fruit (Galatians 5:22) 7.Make yourself accountable to someone to not demonstrate impatience and anger (Hebrews 10:25) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but islongsufferingto us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9 ======================================================================== CHAPTER 7: ADDENDUM ======================================================================== My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I cannot stress the improtance of dealing with anger in your personal life and walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My personal testimony is one of potential and of grief. Being a graduate of a solid Christian College, and married to a wonderful God-fearing woman, I had a lot of opportunities to serve the Lord. The problem I had was that I took my eyes off of Jesus Christ, and allowed a root of bitterness to grow in my heart (Hebrews 12:15). This root allowed a spirit of anger to grow and in the end, it destroyed my wife, enticing her to turn away from God, and fall into worldliness! Even though God has freed me from this horrible sin, my precious wife refuses to listen to God’s Word or to seek Godly counsel. I PLEAD WITH YOU, DON’T TAKE ANGER LIGHTLY!!! If I might encourage you, go to Dr. S.M. Davis’ web site () and order this series on Anger. I pray that God will speak to your heart and that He will keep you from the destruction that left my beloved family in a shambles. If God lays it on your heart, please, I ask that you would pray for my family, and that God would restore the years that the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). Pray that God will bring my dear wife back to Him, and that He would restore our family. Thank You, J.C.H. Idaho ======================================================================== Source: https://sermonindex.net/books/davis-dr-sm-series-on-anger/ ========================================================================