Dealing With Anger In Your Inward Man (Clip)
Zac Poonen teaches that true righteousness involves controlling inward anger, emphasizing inner transformation over outward appearances.
This sermon emphasizes the enduring nature of Jesus' words compared to the passing nature of heaven and earth. It encourages focusing on inner righteousness rather than external appearances, highlighting the importance of addressing internal issues like anger. Jesus challenges His followers to surpass the righteousness of the Pharisees by delving deeper into matters of the heart.
Full Transcript
Heaven and earth will pass away, these words will not pass away. And I want to say to you in Jesus' name, concentrate on the inside, don't worry about the outside. And after Jesus said these words, your righteousness must be more than the righteousness of the Pharisees.
He said, okay, I will now explain it to you. That's what he said in the next verse. Pharisees said, don't commit murder.
I say, don't get angry. Murder is on the outside, anger is on the inside.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Jesus emphasizes the permanence of His words over heaven and earth
- Focus on inward spiritual condition rather than external appearances
- True righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees
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II
- Pharisees taught against murder as external sin
- Jesus teaches that anger is the internal root of murder
- Controlling anger is essential for true righteousness
Key Quotes
“Heaven and earth will pass away, these words will not pass away.” — Zac Poonen
“Concentrate on the inside, don't worry about the outside.” — Zac Poonen
“Murder is on the outside, anger is on the inside.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Examine your heart regularly to identify and control hidden anger.
- Prioritize inner spiritual growth over external religious appearances.
- Seek God's help to develop righteousness that exceeds mere rule-keeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Zac Poonen emphasize inward anger?
Because anger is the root of outward sins like murder, and controlling it is key to true righteousness.
What does it mean to have righteousness greater than the Pharisees?
It means living with a pure heart and controlling inner emotions, not just following external rules.
How can focusing on the inward man help in spiritual growth?
It helps believers address the root causes of sin and develop genuine holiness.
Is anger always sinful according to this sermon?
The sermon highlights uncontrolled anger as sinful, urging believers to manage it rightly.