Emotionalism

Introduction. Emotion is a very powerful thing. 

  • It can motivate us to change. 
  • It can rouse us from inactivity to action. 
  • It can grind our lives to a screeching halt of despair.


    • The Bible has much to say about the role of emotions as they affect our relationship to God:

  • Godly Sorrow moves us towards repentance. (II Corinthians 7:8-11).
  • Joy is a fruit of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23).


    It would be foolish to suggest (or imagine) that the Christian faith was ever intended to be void of emotion. Someone has said-

    “Nothing is more injurious to the character and to the intellect than the suppression of generous emotion” 

    - John Joy Chapman

    Yet there is also something very dangerous about emotions. They can often lead us to do wrong.
  • Anger, though not alone sinful can lead us to sin. (Ephesians 4:26).
  • Cares and Pleasure can hinder the truth in our hearts. (Luke 8:13,14). 


    Not only are emotions dangerous when it comes to our personal lives, but also when it comes to matters of faith, there are some serious problems when it comes to emotion and it role in our service to God. This morning our topic is EMOTIONALISM.

    I. In Personal Faith.

    1. Emotions can lead me to avoid learning matters of faith. (Galatians 4:16; Isaiah 30:9-13). 
    2. Emotions can lead us to feel that we are acceptable to God when we are not. (Jeremiah 6:13-15; 10:23).
      “Emotion turning back on itself, and not leading on to thought or action, is the element of madness” 

      - John Sterling

    II. In False Teaching.
    1. False teachers appeal to the emotions. (I Corinthians 2:1-5).
    2. False teachers teach people to depend on emotions to determine matters of faith. (II Timothy 4:3,4).

    Conclusion. The Bible does not call upon us to be void of emotion, but we must never allow our emotions to determine, or direct our faith. (Psalm 119:105-106).
     
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