Fits of Rage | A Bible Class on the Works of the Flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit

The next work of the flesh in Paul’s list is “fits of rage.” “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal 5:19–21).

The Greek term means to boil over with anger. “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this” (Lk 4:28). “When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’” (Acts 19:28). “But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger” (Rom 2:8). “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Eph 4:31). “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible” (Heb 11:27). “Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short” (Rev 12:12).

This is only a sampling of the uses of the Greek term thumos in the New Testament; this sampling shows the word used in three ways. The word is used of God’s wrath. The word is used of Satan’s wrath. The word is used of man’s wrath.

What is the difference between God’s wrath, Satan’s wrath, and man’s wrath?

If God has “fits of rage,” how can fits of rage be a work of the flesh? What are some examples of God’s “fits of rage?”

If Satan has “fits of rage,” how can God also have fits of rage? What are some examples of Satan’s “fits of rage?”

What damage does rage bring to the home? What are some examples of “fits of rage” in the home? Jacob had to flee for his life because of Esau’s fit of rage. Joseph was sold into slavery and nearly killed because of a fit of rage.

What damage does rage bring to the church? What are some examples of “fits of rage” in the church? Division over circumcision. Diotrephes.

What damage does rage bring to society? What are some examples of rage in our modern society?

How do we keep ourselves from rage?

This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at Church of Christ Deer Park in Deer Park, Texas.