From Children of Wrath to Children in Christ

Passage: Ephesians 2.3-4; 4.26-27, 31-32

Date: February 19, 2023

Anger, bitterness, or wrath can wreak havoc, especially in important relationships. Unlike the other issues that we've been reflecting upon over the past few months, anger is usually directed toward someone in a very traumatic way and can thus create gaping wounds that never fully heal. Sadly, anger has already shaped or is shaping many of us--whether we were exposed to an outburst during our formative years as children or whether our own anger has created open scars on our loved ones, such as our spouses or children. As destructive as anger can be, this sermon will explain how the gospel of Jesus Christ can provide transformative hope and power in this sensitive area.

We must begin once again with the death, resurrection, and life of Jesus Christ. As it clearly states in Ephesians 2.3-6, we were all children of wrath. In other words, we were enslaved to destructive passions and emotions. However, it is only because of God's rich mercy and great love that we have been made alive with Christ through the death of Christ. This includes our resurrection with Christ so that we can live like Christ. Despite feeling hopeless or powerless against anger, we can find true confidence that we will overcome by living like Christ because of his death, resurrection, and life.

The sermon will then explore in greater detail what is happening in our heart, mind, and practice when we are tempted to give into anger. In our heart, there are idols that are being violated, which triggers rage within us; in our mind, we are succumbing to lies that make us feel deeply and unfairly offended/unloved; and in our practice, there are destructive habits that need to be replaced with the disciplined life of Christ.