When Anger Erupts

Recap: God is Good, All the Time

• Joseph’s story reflects the truth from Romans 8:28.
• Life isn’t always easy, but God is always good — and there is often a hidden purpose behind our pain.

Today: How Joseph’s Story Began

• Main Passage: Genesis 37
• The brother’s act of violence can be traced back to unchecked anger in their hearts that they let grow out of control.

The Seeds of Sin

Every sinful action begins with a sinful thought or attitude inside of us.

Scripture: Genesis 4:5-7

• Cain’s violence is a direct result of the anger inside him (Genesis 4:5b), and specifically the fact that he let it grow out of control.

Long before Cain committed a physical act of violence, the seed of that sin was already planted in his heart in the form of anger.

• Whether it grew into outright sin depended on how Cain addressed it. 

We see a similar dynamic play out in the story of Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37).

• Their unchecked anger led to a violent act of betrayal.

Bitterness in Joseph’s Family

Scripture: Genesis 38:2-8

• Twelve sons from four mothers (Gen. 29-30)
• Favoritism: Joseph’s father clearly loved him more than his brothers.
• The brothers “hated” him because of this — which is repeated three times (37:4, 5, 8).
• “Hate:” Has to do with separation. Emotional cutoff, disowning family, severing ties, etc.

Summary of Joseph’s family: Bitter rivalries, parental favoritism, jealousy among the brothers.

• Leads to violence, betrayal, and deceit.

History is Repeating Itself

Given the context of Genesis 37, we can understand why unhealthy family dynamics would develop.

• This dysfunction is actually a sign that history is repeating itself across generations.

Joseph’s Parents: Jacob and Rachel

• Both had bitter sibling rivalries (Jacob and Esau, Rachel and Leah).
• Jacob’s dad loved Esau more (Gen. 25:28).
• Jacob deceived his father into giving him Esau’s blessing (Gen. 27). 
• Esau held a grudge and vowed to kill Jacob (Gen. 27:41).
• Jacob was deceived into marrying Leah when he wanted to marry her sister Rachel. 
• Jacob openly loved Rachel more — and even “hated” Leah (Gen. 29:31, ESV).

Summary: There is a long history of favoritism, hatred, deceit, violence, rivalry, and intense conflict in this family.

• Jacob, Leah, and Rachel brought a lot of this baggage with them into their family.
• Richard Rohr: “If we do not transform our pain, we will transmit it to those around us.”

What Jesus Says About Anger 

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-24

• Long before a person commits murder, the seed of that sin (anger) has been planted in their hearts.
  • Also: Lust, greed, pride, worry, etc.
• If we don’t address those sinful thoughts and attitudes early, they can grow into something more destructive. 
• How do we address our anger? Prayer, peacemaking, seeking reconciliation, turning the other cheek, etc.

Joseph’s Brothers Let Their Anger Conquer Them.

When we let our anger, bitterness, and jealousy grow unchecked, they will eventually erupt with devastating consequences.

Scripture: Genesis 37:17-36

• They see Joseph coming, plot to kill him, but “settle” for selling him into slavery.
• They cover up their crime and let Jacob believe Joseph was killed by an animal.
• Joseph was taken to Egypt — the nation he would one day save. What man intended for evil, God intended for good. (Gen. 50:20)

Application

• Be mindful of the baggage you have inherited from your past (Psalm 139:23-24).
• Know that Jesus can help you overcome every temptation when you turn to him for help. (1 Corinthians 10:13).
• Be intentional about cultivating the right kind of inner life (Galatians 5:22-26).

Study and Reflection

“Satan recognizes anger as a fertile field, capable of producing all kinds of sin.”  -Bob Deffinbaugh

Read: Ephesians 4:17-32.

1. One of Paul’s goals in this passage is to demonstrate the differences between a worldly way of life and a godly way of life. Generally speaking, what are some of the main differences between the two?
2. There are several references to Christians having a transformed lifestyle (what we do) as well as a transformed heart (our thoughts, attitudes, and character). How do those things reinforce each other (lifestyle and heart)?
3. What does it mean to you that the “new self” is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness? How does that change take place in our hearts and lives?
4. Anger is mentioned several times in this passage. Why are things like anger, bitterness, and jealousy so harmful in our walk with God and relationships with others? 
5. How does anger become a foothold for Satan?
6. Bryan mentioned that long before people like Cain or Joseph’s brothers committed acts of violence, the seed of those sins was already planted in their hearts. What can we do in our lives other than make sure our sinful thoughts and attitudes don’t turn into sinful actions?
7. Take a look at the list of sinful actions and attitudes in verse 31. Can you see the seed of those sins in your life right now? Who in your life can you talk to about that? What can your church family do to help you?
8. Now take a look at the godly things we are called to cultivate instead (verse 32). Which one of those is most needed in your life right now?
9. What is something you hear God calling you to know or do this week based on this sermon and study?