WRATH
Define and Describe:
There is an array of different words that is used in both the Old and New Testament
to describe the fleshy sin of wrath. It would be good for the reader to take a
concordance to study each variety for a replete (through) understanding of this
sin. For brevity we will just define the word Paul describes in Galatians 5:20
in the catalog of the works of the flesh. In the Greek this word is θυμός thumos meaning passion, fierceness, and indignation G. 2372.
Webster defines “wrath” as “intense
anger, rage and fury, or any action carried out in great anger especially for
punishment or vengeance.”
Wrath is a
work of the flesh that was first manifested in the evil feelings which Cain
developed for his brother, Abel, after God refused Cain’s offering. Wrath is
anger that is out of control and is an emotional reaction which is closely
associated with rage. Wrath represents a work of the flesh which often results
in some form of retaliation against others. It can be in the form of a physical
or verbal attack and has no regard for the feelings of others; it is strictly for
self-satisfaction.
“But unto
them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness,
indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man
that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile” (Rom. 2:8, 9).
Often
wrath embodies the idea of “an eye for an eye”; however, this is the reasoning
of the flesh, and not the Spirit. Christians may have relatives and friends who
have been brutally attacked and murdered by individuals possessed by evil.
“Professing Christians” may feel such anger and outrage until they will declare
that these murderers need to die. The feelings being expressed are for an
opportunity to avenge the death of their friend or relative and this expression
is an indication of fleshly wrath seeking self-satisfaction.
“Dearly
beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it
is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19).
Anger is
not necessarily sinful. It is possible, according to the Word of God, to be
angry and not commit sin. Being a Spirit-filled Christian does not insulate one
from experiencing anger; however, a Christian will not commit sin because of
their anger. If we do not allow anger to quickly give way to peace, it will often
turn to wrath. When wrath is not quickly subdued it often leads to sinful
retaliation. In order to avoid sin, we are commanded in the Word of God to let
our anger be brief:
“Be ye
angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give
place to the devil” (Eph. 4:26, 27).
Paul
warned the Ephesians about wrath and anger. When someone is filled with
bitterness it will often manifest itself as wrath. Other elements of the flesh,
such as evil speech and malice, can also lead to the manifesting of wrath.
Wrath is often interwoven with other works of the flesh. It is necessary for
Christians to flee from wrath because it is not compatible with salvation.
“Let all
bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put
away from you, with all malice” (Eph. 4:31).
In the
parable of the prodigal son, Jesus gives an account of the intense anger the
older son experienced because of his self-righteous jealousy and envy. It seems
that he would have preferred that his younger brother never returned home, or
that he be made a slave, to avoid himself having to suffer an imagined
discrimination by his father. (Read Luke 15:25-32.) James tells us that being
slow to take action is a means of controlling wrath.
“Wherefore,
my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:19,
20).
Sometimes
fleshly wrath is disguised as “righteous indignation,” or false zeal in defense
of God’s righteousness. In reality, it is usually an unsanctified response to
opposition. Fleshly wrath cannot bring glory to God because it is carnal, and
God cannot be glorified by carnality. Too often professing Christians try to
substitute the actions of the flesh for spirituality. Wrathful anger will
destroy the Christian; therefore, he must cast it aside.
“But now
ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy
communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put
off the old man with his deeds” (Col. 3:8,9).
If you have never accepted or if you have fallen away from Jesus Christ here are three steps you need to take to be saved:
You must admit you are a sinner, confess your sin to Jesus, repent (turn from all you know is wrong), ask Jesus to come in your heart, and begin to follow Jesus by reading and obeying his word and go to a bible believing church that teaches his word. And tell someone what Christ Jesus Has Done For You (Rev 12:10)
May God through Christ bless you!
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