{Scripture: 2 Kings 5:9-14}

HUMAN FEELINGS AND TRUTH

Intro.
1. Our feelings are an intimate, personal & 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 looked back - Gen. 19:17, 26.
3. Nadab & Abihu w/ strange fire - Lev. 10:1-2.
4. Uzzah touched ark - 1 Chron. 13:7-10.
5. David as 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 & Obey God's Commands Above Human Feelings!
1. Eve (Gen. 3:2-3); Lot's wife (Gen. 19:17); Nadab & Abihu (Lev. 10:1); Uzzah (1 Chron. 15:13); David, [2 Sam. 12:13 (Exo. 20:14)]; Saul (Acts 9:4-5).
2. God's standard: Truth! - Jno. 8:31-32; Col. 3:17; Jas. 1:25.


II. THE FUTILITY OF USING FEELINGS AS THE STANDARD FOR OUR
ACTIONS.
A. Human Approach To Spiritual Things. {cf. 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. (We must bring our emotions under the control of truth!)
B. Feelings Can Serve Vital Roles (once one is in harmony w/truth):
1. The expression of legitimate emotions:
a. The joy of salvation - Acts 8:39.
b. Righteous indignation - Eph. 4:26-27.
2. Motivational effects - Psa. 51:12-13.
C. Feelings Are Not The Criterion To Use When Deciding Whether A Thing 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. APPLICATIONS OF 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" w/o obeying God's plan.
B. True Worship (Jno. 4:24; Eph. 5:19).
1. "Feels so good to hear organ, using God's gift, etc...., it can't be wrong!"
2. Heb. 11:4 - Approach God in faith & obey!
C. Work Of The Local Church (1 Tim. 3:15).
1. General benevolence - Acts 11:28-30.
2. Support human organizations - 1 Tim. 5:16 (church sufficient).
3. Social gospel - Rom. 14:17 (1 Cor. 11:22).
4. Sponsoring churches (cf. Herald of Truth; One Nation Under God) - 1 Pet. 5:2.
5. "Discipling" (hype/pressure) - 2 Tim. 2:2.
D. Morality (1 Pet. 4:1-2).
1. Promiscuity; lewdness - 1 Pet. 4:3.
2. Dancing - 1 Pet. 4:3.
3. Immodest, indecent dress - 1 Tim. 2:9-10.
4. Entertainment/Recreation - 1 Cor. 15:33.
E. False Doctrine (Gal. 1:6-9; 2:5; 1 Jno. 4:1, 6).
1. Denominationalism - Jno. 17:20-21.
2. Ecumenism - Eph. 4:4-6.
3. MDR - 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 you life - Now and eternally!
4. Open your heart to the truth! (Lk. 8:15)