This passage talks about the importance of managing anger. It shows that although anger is sometimes necessary, when it is out of control it is not beneficial. It emphasizes that not all anger is bad and that it can be an expression of love. It encourages us to take a step back, put a time limit on our anger, and not let our wrath settle in us to avoid giving the devil a foothold in our lives.

- There is a limit to our anger
- Anger is okay when we are still in control when we’re angry
- Anger out of control is not beneficial.

1. Distinction
   - Not all anger is bad. We can have a righteous anger.
   - When we are angry at sin alone.
   - Psalm 119:53
   - Psalm 139:21
   - Be bothered by what bothers God, not personal provocation (pet peeves).
   - Acts 17:16 - Paul was provoked
   - Anger can be an expression of love, not the opposite of it… wife abuse should anger us, world hunger, drunk driving, trafficking, abortion, etc. are all examples of righteous anger.
2. Delay
   - Don’t let wrath settle in us…
   - If anger settles into us as a life style, it can easily become a sin. We can’t always be angry… not a righteous person expressing anger, but just an angry person.
   - James 1:19-20 - slow to anger
   - Ephesians 4:26, 31 - settles in
   - Put a time limit on our expressions of anger, don’t be given to it.
   - Proverbs 29:22
   - “Sun sets” v26
   - Put a reasonable limit on the length of how long you’re angry.
   - Duet 22:13-14
   - Matt 5:21-25
3. Danger
   - If you don’t, you’ll give the devil a foothold v27
   - Anger is one letter short of danger.
   - Christian’s cannot be possessed by Satan, but we can be oppressed and impressed upon by him.

Ways to Apply This To Your Life:

1. Take a moment to pause and think before responding when feeling angry.
2. Remember that not all anger is bad and allow yourself to feel righteous anger when it comes to sin.
3. Be careful not to let your anger consume you or reach a limit it shouldn't.
4. Make sure to take time for yourself after expressing anger and allow it to pass.
5. Remember to avoid giving the devil a foothold in your life and guard against letting anger stay long term.
6. Consider setting a personal time limit on your angry responses.
7. Use anger as an expression of love rather than a negative response to an issue.
8. Ask yourself if your reaction to something is motivated by what bothers God or what personally provokes you.
9. Study how Paul and Jesus responded when provoked and aim to follow their examples.
10. Remember that anger should be used as a tool and not something to that controls you.