1. Secularism’s Rejection of God

2.  For the *wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness  because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. (NASB95)

3.  Many emphasize the love of God while depreciating His wrath. However, the wrath of God is a consistent Biblical theme.  Therefore, let us consider and contrast the wrath of God, which is perfectly expressed, and the wrath of man, which is often imperfectly manifested.

4.  The Greek noun orgē refers to “impulse, wrath” [Thomas].  BDAG defines it as the “(1) state of relatively strong displeasure, with focus on the emotional aspect, anger; (2) strong indignation directed at wrongdoing, with focus on retribution, wrath…”

5.  The Greek verb orgizō means “to make angry” [Thomas].  BDAG defines it as “to be angry.”

6.  The adjective orgilos means “inclined to anger, passionate” [Thomas].  BDAG say it is descriptive of one who is “inclined to anger, quick-tempered.”

7.  Illustrations of Divine Wrath  Causes of Divine Wrath  Characteristics of Divine Wrath

8.  Parable of the Unjust Steward (Matt. 18:21- 35, esp. vs 34).  Parable of the Marriage Feast (Matt. 22:1-10, esp. vs. 7).  Parable of the Dinner (Luke 14:16-24, esp. vs. 21).

9.  Caused by Lack of Repentance (Matt. 3:5-9; Luke 3:7-9).  Caused by Lack of Righteousness (Rom. 1:18- 32; 2:4-11).  Caused by Lack of Obedience (John 3:36; Eph. 2:1-3; 5:3-6; Col. 3:5-10).

10.  The wrath of God is just (Rom. 3:5-6; 4:14-15; 9:19-26).  The wrath of God is full (1 Thess. 2:14-16; Rev. 14:9-11).  The wrath of God is fierce (Rev. 16:17-19; 19:11-16).

11.  Righteous Anger is Restrained  Sinful Anger is Unrestrained

12.  Sinful anger is inconsistent with our Christian calling, and must, therefore, be put away (Eph. 4:25-32, esp. vs. 26 & 31; Col. 3:5-11, esp. vs. 8).  Lifting up holy hands, we must pray without wrath and dissension (1 Tim. 2:8).

13.  We must be cautious in criticism and condemnation (Matt. 5:21-22).  We must be patient when wronged, allowing God or civil government to deal out retribution (Rom. 12:17-21; 13:1-7).

14.  For anger to be rightly expressed, it must be based upon accurate information, constrained in expression and duration (James 1:19-20; Eph. 4:26-27).  In contrast, consider the compounding consequences of Cain’s transgression (Gen. 4:3-8; Heb. 11:4; 1 John 3:11-12; Jude 11).

15.  Setting the right example, bishops/overseers are not quick-tempered or pugnacious, but self-controlled, sensible and sound in their speech (Titus 1:7-9; cf. 1 Tim. 3:2-7).

16.  Reacting to the return of the prodigal, the older brother was unforgiving and unreasonable (Luke 15:25-32).  Responding to the reign and rule of Christ, the sinful nations were enraged against the Lord and His Anointed (Rev. 11:15-18; cf. Psalm 2).

17.  Following his defeat in heaven, and his futile attempts to destroy Jesus Christ, the devil was enraged against the Lord’s disciples, and made war against the church (Rev. 12:13-17).

18.  Great peril befalls those who provoke God’s wrath (Heb. 3:7-11; 4:1-3).  Even Christ, the Lamb of God, is angered by those who reject the truth (Mark 3:1-6; Rev. 6:15-17).  Nevertheless, He saves those who are obedient from the wrath to come (Rom. 5:6- 9; 1 Thess. 1:9-10; 5:9-11).