Exodus 34:6–7 (NLT) — 6 The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger (AREK APHIEM - Long-nosed) and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. 7 I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected— even children in the third and fourth generations.” 

Exodus 32:9–10 (NLT) — 9 Then the LORD said, “I have seen how stubborn and rebellious these people are. 10 Now leave me alone so my fierce anger can blaze against them, and I will destroy them. Then I will make you, Moses, into a great nation.”

The sequence of God’s Anger

1. WANTING
   1. 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) — 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
   2. Ezekiel 18:23 (NLT) — 23 “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.
   3. You must remember that before God’s anger burns, he is compassionate and gracious!
2. WARNING
   1. God sends the prophets.
   2. God sends the Word.
   3. God sends the Holy Spirit to convict.
3. WATCHING
   1. God is looking for the fruits of repentance.
   2. Luke 13:6–9 (NLT) — 6 Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. 7 Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ 8 “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’ ”
   3. God is watching your life, day by day, month by month, year by year.
   4. God is watching nations in the same way.
4. WRATH
   1. His wrath is always JUST
   2. His wrath is rooted in LOVE and HOLINESS
   3. His wrath is stored up - As in the days of Noah, Sodom, Jerusalem
   4. God poured his wrath out on Jesus.
      1. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NLT) — 9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.
   5. There is only one thing required to avoid wrath: Repent!