Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 5:9-14
Feelings and Truth
Intro.
1. Our feelings are an intimate, personal and private part of each person. Humans are creatures of emotion - Distinguishes man from animals (Gen. 1:26).
2. Emotions are not intended to be man's standard or governor of conduct. They are expressions of one's character, not the pattern/standard for it, Prov. 14:12.
3. Tempted to make feelings our guide: Man's way (Jer. 10:23) vs. God's way (Jer. 6:16). Therefore, Prov. 28:26.
I. "IT CAN'T BE WRONG WHEN IT FEELS SO RIGHT!"
(Feelings have become god to many / Popular standard for making important decisions!)
A. Illustrations:
1. Eve as she ate forbidden fruit, Gen. 3:6.
2. Lot's wife as she looked back, Gen. 19:17, 26.
3. Nadab and Abihu offering strange fire, Lev. 10:1-2.
4. Uzzah when he touched ark, 1 Chrn. 13:7-10.
5. David when he gazed at and sent for Bathsheba, 2 Sam. 11:2-5.
6. Saul as he persecuted Christians, Jno. 16:2; Acts 26:9-11 (23:1).
B. Problem: Failure to Honor and Obey God's Commands above Human Feelings.
1. Eve (Gen. 3:2-3); Lot's wife (Gen. 19:17); Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1); Uzzah (1 Chrn. 15:13); David, [2 Sam. 12:13 (Exo. 20:14)]; Saul (Acts 9:4-5).
2. God's standard is Truth, Jno. 8:31-32; Col. 3:17; Jas. 1:25.
II. THE FUTILITY OF USING FEELINGS AS OUR STANDARD FOR WHAT IS RIGHT.
A. Human Approach to Spiritual Things, 2 Cor. 5:7.
1. Can deceive, Acts 26:9 (1 Tim. 1:13). Can persuade us we are OK when, in fact, we are sinning.
2. Can hinder good, Jas. 1:19-20. Can prevent positive, godly conduct. (Must bring emotions under the control of truth.)
B. Feelings can Serve Vital Roles (once in harmony with truth):
1. Having legitimate emotions: cf. the joy of salvation, Acts 8:39.
2. Motivational effects, Psa. 51:12-13.
C. Feelings are not the Criterion to use when Deciding Whether Something is Right or Wrong. God's word must decide (Jno. 17:17; Acts 17:11).
1. If authorized, then it is right.
2. If not authorized, then it is wrong (sin).
III. APPLYING THE PRINCIPLE.
A. How to be Saved (Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:38).
1. "Can't be wrong...feels so right."
2. "Felt saved" but without obeying God's plan.
B. True Worship (Jno. 4:24; Eph. 5:19).
1. "Feels so good to hear the instruments...using God’s gift, etc... it can't be wrong!"
2. Approach God in faith and obey, Heb. 11:4.
C. Work of the Local Church (1 Tim. 3:15).
1. General benevolence? No, Acts 11:28-30.
2. Support human organizations? No, 1 Tim. 5:16 (church sufficient).
3. Social gospel? No, Rom. 14:17 (1 Cor. 11:22).
4. Sponsoring churches? No, 1 Pet. 5:2 (Acts 14:23).
5. "Discipling" movement (hype, pressure)? No, 2 Tim. 2:2 (Matt. 28:19-20).
D. Morality (1 Pet. 4:1-2).
1. Promiscuity and lewdness, 1 Pet. 4:3.
2. Dancing, 1 Pet. 4:3.
3. Immodest, indecent clothing, 1 Tim. 2:9-10.
4. Entertainment and recreation, 1 Cor. 15:33.
E. False Doctrines (Gal. 1:6-9; 2:5; 1 Jno. 4:1, 6).
1. Denominationalism, Jno. 17:20-21.
2. Ecumenism, Eph. 4:4-6.
3. Marriage, divorce and remarriage, Matt. 19:6, 9; Rom. 7:2-3.
Conclusion
1. All of these applications have eternal consequences (2 Jno. 9).
2. Let emotions express truth in your life - do not let them dictate your decision of what truth is!
3. Don't let your feelings ruin your life - Now and eternally.
4. Open your heart to the truth (Lk. 8:15).
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: June 25, 2014