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God’s Righteous
Anger
Introduction:
Both the Old and New Testaments tell us of God’s wrath—His divine
anger—described in Scripture as “flaring nostrils.” This righteous
anger is grounded in His justice and holiness. (Deuteronomy 4:25–26)
One of the primary purposes of God’s anger is to turn His people
from sin and lead them back to faithfulness. (Deuteronomy 13:16–18)
Scripture reminds us that Jehovah is a consuming fire who will
ultimately destroy all who oppose His holiness. Because He is a
jealous God, He demands complete commitment and loyalty from His
people.
A Jealous God
God is not indifferent toward unfaithfulness. He demands exclusive
loyalty to Himself and His covenant. (Exodus 34:14) When He gave the
Ten Commandments, He began by requiring that His people have no
other gods before Him. (Exodus 20:3–6) Idolatry in any form—whether
of physical images or misplaced devotion—is spiritual adultery. It
is unfaithfulness to the covenant relationship God has established.
(Deuteronomy 4:23–24; Psalm 78:58–59) Whenever Israel turned from
Him to idols, destruction followed. (Deuteronomy 32:16–22) Joshua
warned the people that God is holy and jealous; He will not forgive
those who persist in serving other gods. (Joshua 24:19) God’s
jealousy is not petty—it is holy passion. His love is so pure that
it cannot coexist with divided allegiance.
A Consuming
Fire
The psalmist wrote, “The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice…fire
goes before Him and burns up His enemies round about.” (Psalm
97:1–5) This image is echoed in the New Testament: “Our God is a
consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:25–29) There are two sides to this
consuming fire. First, it purifies His people. Christ redeemed us so
that we might be purified and zealous for good works. (Titus 2:14)
Peter teaches that our souls are purified through obedience to the
truth. (1 Peter 1:22) Second, God’s fire consumes the wicked. Those
who refuse the gospel and reject God will face eternal destruction.
(2 Thessalonians 1:6–9) Jesus spoke of this reality when He warned
of everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew
25:41) The same fire that purifies the faithful will punish the
rebellious.
The Fear of
the Lord
Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the
soul. Rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in
hell.” (Matthew 10:26–28) This fear is not mere dread—it is a
mixture of terror and awe, reverence and respect. (Psalm 33:8) The
Lord’s power in creation—His spoken word that brought the heavens
and earth into existence—should fill us with wonder. (Psalm 33:6–9)
Revelation calls us to “fear God and give Him glory, for the hour of
His judgment has come.” (Revelation 14:7) Those who understand His
holiness will worship and obey Him. (Revelation 15:4) To truly fear
the Lord is to walk in obedience to His commands. (Ecclesiastes
12:13; Deuteronomy 5:29–33) This reverent fear keeps us humble,
faithful, and dependent upon His mercy.
Conclusion:
Deuteronomy 10:12–13 gives us the answer to God’s desire: “And now,
Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the
Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to
keep the commandments of the Lord.” Let us remember that His anger
is righteous, His love is pure, and His call is to holiness. May we
respond with reverent fear, faithful obedience, and complete
devotion to Him.
God’s
Righteous Anger Sermon Outline:
Call to
Action:
We must never take God’s holiness lightly. His righteous anger warns
us to repent and remain faithful. Let each of us examine our hearts
and remove anything that rivals God’s place in our lives. Let us
live with reverent fear, walking daily in obedience, trusting in His
mercy, and striving for purity of heart before His consuming fire.
Key
Takeaways:
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God’s anger
is rooted in His holiness and justice. (Deuteronomy 4:25–26)
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He demands
exclusive loyalty and rejects idolatry. (Exodus 34:14)
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God purifies
the faithful and destroys the unrepentant. (Hebrews 12:25–29)
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True fear of
God leads to obedience and holiness. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
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The
righteous find mercy; the unfaithful face judgment. (2
Thessalonians 1:6–9)
Scripture
Reference List:
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Deuteronomy 4:25–26 – God’s wrath
warns against corruption and idolatry.
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Deuteronomy 13:16–18 – His anger
leads to repentance and renewal.
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Exodus
34:14 – God is jealous and
demands exclusive worship.
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Exodus
20:3–6 – No other gods are to be
worshiped.
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Deuteronomy 4:23–24; Psalm 78:58–59
– Idolatry provokes divine anger.
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Deuteronomy 32:16–22; Joshua 24:19
– Unfaithfulness brings judgment.
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Psalm
97:1–5; Hebrews 12:25–29 – God is
a consuming fire.
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Titus
2:14; 1 Peter 1:22 – God purifies
His people through obedience.
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2
Thessalonians 1:6–9; Matthew 25:41
– Judgment awaits the wicked.
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Matthew
10:26–28; Psalm 33:8–9 – Fear of
the Lord combines awe and reverence.
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Revelation 14:7; 15:4 – God’s
holiness and judgment inspire worship.
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Ecclesiastes 12:13; Deuteronomy 5:29–33
– True fear of the Lord produces obedience.
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Deuteronomy 10:12–13 – God
requires love, fear, and faithful service.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
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The
church of Christ
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