The Credibility Crises
(Consistency will produce credibility)
Credibility means: “The quality of being trusted and believed in”.
By: Pastor George Lehman
James 1:19-22 (Amp) – 19 Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. 20 For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]. 22 But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].
I want to focus on what James’s thought was important to address:
Anger is just one letter short of danger.
Ephesians 4:1(Amp) – I therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service,
If we are going to live a life that is credible, we will have to learn to act rather than REACT. Act out the word; not to react in a manor that destroys your testimony.
They say the world needs more warm hearts and fewer hotheads.
Story about Moses:
The day begins like any other day but ends like no other day.
For on this day Moses gives full vent to his anger and finds himself running for his life.
Moses is part of a mistreated minority who were grievously mistreated.
Not for doing something wrong but for being perceived as a possible threat.
He grew up privileged in the palace of a king. He himself was spared such heartless treatment. However, year after year he sees his people suffer.
One day he snaps. He is filled with rage as he sees one of his own being beaten.
That day Moses kills an Egyptian and hides his body.
The Pharaoh hears about it and Moses flees for his life from Egypt.
Question: Have you ever become so angry to the point that you acted rashly?
Looking at the life of Moses you can see the result of the power of anger…
We all have a choice, whether to act wisely or to react foolishly.
We must learn to keep our anger under control.
Proverbs 29:11 (NIV) – He who being often reproved* hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy.
*reproved = being spoken to about your conduct
Injustice provokes many people to anger.
Moses felt understandable anger over the injustice of his brothers.
What he did got him into trouble. What he revealed is his true character and inability to fulfil the task ahead of him.
God sent him into a desert place for 40 years to learn to do it God’s way.
Acts 7:24-30 (Amp) – The story about Moses how he killed the Egyptian and fled into the desert
What is the meaning of anger that James is talking about?
Fire-fighters know the danger of letting a flame get out of control. They respond quickly because they are trained to.
We need to train ourselves to respond quickly to the flame of anger before it consumes our life and destroys relationships.
Proverbs 14:17 (NIV) – A quick tempered man does foolish things…
Anger:
A strong emotion of irritation or agitation* that occurs when a need or expectation is not met.
*agitation = disturbed mental state (Agitasie)
Proverbs 29:22 (NIV) – An angry man stirs up dissension* and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.
*dissension= problems arising from difference of opinions
Proverbs 22:24 (Amp) – Make no friendship with a man given to anger and with a wrathful man do not associate.
What is the magnitude of anger? Anger, the word, covers many levels of emotions.
Anger is like heat – it ranges from mild, controlled irritations to hot uncontrolled explosions.
The bible uses many words to express the word ANGER
We see this in the Book of Ephesians 4:
Indignation[verontwaardiging]:
It’s an anger provoked by something appearing unjust or unworthy. It’s often seen as justified.
Mark10:14 (NIV) – …Not allowing the children to come to Jesus; when Jesus saw (it) He was indignant…
Wrath[toorn/woede]:
Is burning anger accompanied by a desire to avenge.
Wrath often moves from the emotion of anger to an outward expression of anger.
God expresses His wrath as divine judgement upon those who commit willful sin.
Fury[ontplof]:
Fury is fiery anger. It’s so fierce that it destroys common sense. Fury suggests a powerful force wanting to harm or destroy.
The Jews were so angry with Peter and the apostles:
Acts 5:33 (Amp) – When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.
That’s why the Bible says in Proverbs 27:4 – Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming…
Rage[woede/uitbars]:
Rage is blazing anger. It involves loss of self-control, violence and temporary insanity. Many people after an outburst of rage, have remorse. “I can’t believe I did that”.
Proverbs 19:3 (NIV) – A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord.
What are some of the misconceptions about anger?
Do you view your anger as negative and sinful? If you hide your anger from others and even yourself, you’ll place yourself in bondage and false guilt.
Is it a sin to be angry?
NO! The initial feeling of anger is a God-given emotion. The way you respond or express these feelings determines whether you have allowed your anger to become sin.
Ephesians 4:26-27 (Amp) – When angry, do not sin, do not ever let your wrath, your exasperation, your fury or indignation last until the sun goes down. Leave no (such) room or foothold for the devil (give no opportunity to him).
How can I keep from feeling guilty when I’m angry?
Anger is a signal that something is wrong- -like a red light on a dashboard). Stop, take action. Deal with what is causing your anger.
Colossians 3:8 (Amp) – But now put away and rid yourselves (completely) of all these things: Anger, rage, bad feelings towards others, curses and slander, and foul-mouthed abuse and shameful utterance from your lips.
It’s a choice!!!
James is dealing with our credibility [geloofwaardigheid]
How we conduct ourselves says a lot about what’s happening within us.
What do you need God to help you with in the area of anger?
