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