In a day and time where everyone is doing their own thing, I wonder if people ever stop to think about the things that make God angry.   Do we recognize that God is definitely a God of love; however, God is also a God of wrath. Yes, God is not at all pleased with the things that we do. Over the next few weeks I am asking each reader to take a hard look at their relationship with God and whether God is pleased. 

Paul is writing a letter to the Romans with the intent of spiritually blessing the believers in Rome. Paul was eager not only to go there; but, more importantly to preach in Rome. (Romans 1:15).   One of the fundamental theological principles that Paul shares in his letter is “Justification by Faith.” All have sinned and come short (Romans 3:23) and if man is going to be justified before God, the righteousness of God must be imputed in him through his faith in Jesus Christ. 

The gospel Paul was preaching was the power of God for salvation. (Romans 1:16) The good news Paul wanted to share with Rome included the fact that the righteousness of God, is revealed from one person of faith to another person of faith. (Romans 1:17) Not only was the righteousness of God revealed from one person of faith to another person of faith; but, we also need to recognize the wrath of God and the things that make God angry.  

I realize the idea of God being angry and His wrath revealed against all ungodliness and all unrighteousness is completely foreign in the Church today.   Isaiah 30:10(KJV) says, “Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth (pleasant) things, prophesy deceits:”   People today want smooth things. People want things that tickle their ear. People want to know the health and wealth and prosperity of God. They don’t want to hear about what makes God angry.   Consequently, preachers don’t preach the wrath of God any more.              Preachers and churches and pews have become powerless.   

In Part One of this series on “Things That Make God Angry”, let us define anger or wrath and look at what causes Gods’ wrath or anger to be revealed. Wrath or anger is an expression of displeasure toward sinful disobedience. When wrath is expressed by God, He expresses a righteous indignation. Gods’ displeasure is a correct response against the things that are not consistent with His Word and His will. Gods’ anger or wrath can be defined as a righteous indignation. There are things that we do that God has a right to be angry about.

 God’s anger can be expressed in the form of eternal wrath for the unbeliever or a period of abandonment or an activity in the life of the believer.   In the text this morning, Paul indicates that the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and all unrighteousness. Yes “all”.   No God is not opening up the ground and swallowing people or striking them down on the spot however, don’t think that the wrath of God is not being stored up.     Yes. God loves us; however, because of love, God will also discipline the one he loves. People think that they don’t need to worry about the wrath of God. This could never be farther from the truth. 

The wrath of God against all ungodliness and unrighteousness is a suppression or neglect of the truth as God has revealed it to man.   Suppression of truth can be seen when man:

1.       Rejects what God has put within him.

2.       Rejects what God has shown him.

Rejection for us and for God is not a pleasant thing. Just as is hurts us, it hurts God. Just as it sometimes, makes us mad, it justifiably so upsets God.   

God is angry with man because he has revealed himself to man through what has been made. Everything we have comes from God. We see his power everyday. We see evidence of him through nature.   God has made sure that His presence is evident to us. The text says, “They are without excuse.”

So there is not an excuse for us to make God angry if we really care.   For the church and the believer we must stand up for what’s right.   We must stand for what pleases God. Jesus took a stand. Paul took a stand. David took a stand. Who will stand up today? Who will seek to please God even if it means they will suffer. Today, I ask you to consider what makes God angry and take a stand.

I leave you with this prayer. Lord, help the church to stand up in a dying world. Lord, lead us to recognize our goal is to please you and not the world.   Help us to remember we are the church that Jesus died for. In His name we pray. AMEN.

Points to Remember

1.       God is angry when people do things they know are not right.

2.       God is angry when people do things they know are not godly.

3.       God is angry when people suppress the truth.

4.       God is angry when people ignore what God has put in us.

5.       God is angry when people ignore what God has shown us.

6.       God is angry when people make excuses.