THE PLACE OF EMOTIONS IN THE CHRISTIAN'S LIFE
By David J. Riggs
Intro.
A. The word "emotion" is defined as, "An intense mental state that
arises subjectively rather than through conscious effort and is
often accompanied by physiological changes; a strong feeling:
the emotions of joy, sorrow, reverence, hate, and love."
(American Heritage Dictionary).
1. Isaac Singer said, "The very essence of literature is the
war between emotion and intellect."
B. A study regarding "emotion" is needed because of two extremes
in the religious world.
1. One extreme is excessive "emotionalism" that relies on
shadowy, vague feelings and ignores truth.
a. What some people "feel in their hearts" is placed above
what the Scriptures teach.
2. The other extreme is a stoic faith, a cold, emotionless
religion with empty, exercises.
I. THE IMPORTANCE OF EMOTION IN OUR RELIGION.
A. We need to appreciate the value of emotions in our efforts to
go to heaven.
1. We need to get excited and emotional about the gospel
message.
a. If we cannot be moved emotionally, we need to check
our spiritual plus to see if we are alive spiritually.
B. All great Bible characters were emotional.
1. Moses' anger burned, and he smashed the tables of stone.
Ex. 32:19
2. Joseph was deeply stirred when he made himself known to
his brothers. Gen. 45:1-4
3. Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face.
Joshua 7:5-7
4. Jesus displayed emotions many times.
a. He wept at the grave of Lazarus. John 11:33-36
b. He wept as He approached Jerusalem. Luke 19:41-44
c. The Hebrew writer mentioned His strong crying and
tears which probably refers to His agony in the garden
of Gethsemane. Heb. 5:7-8
d. He had compassion on the lost, confused masses. Matt.
9:36
e. He often had compassion on the diseased and afflicted.
f. He showed tenderness toward little children. Mark
10:13-16
g. He showed His emotions as he drove the money
changers from the temple. John 2:13-16
h. Emotionalism is seen in His teaching; e.g., the parable
of the good Samaritan, the prodigal son coming home.
5. Paul was very emotional.
a. He was emotional about what he preached. Acts 20:31
b. His spirit was stirred within him when he saw the
idolatry in Athens. Acts 17:16
c. He often was fearful, comforted, and full of joy. 2 Cor.
7:5-7
d. His letters are often packed with emotion.
II. THE PLACE OF EMOTION IN PREACHING AND TEACHING.
A. God intended the gospel to be both informative and inspiring.
1. Rom. 1:16 - It has often been mentioned that the word
"power" is from the Greek word "dunamis" from which we
get our words "dynamo," "dynamic," and "dynamite."
2. Like dynamite, the gospel is intended to blast men out of
their compliancy, and move them toward heaven.
B. Rom. 10:1-2 - In trying to avoid "zeal without knowledge," some
go to the other extreme of "knowledge without zeal."
1. To avoid excessive emotionalism, some go to the other
extreme of no emotions at all.
2. It is sad that preaching in many churches of the Lord today
is legalistic, sterile, and without emotion.
a. Sermons are informative, but do not "move" or
"inspire" people.
b. They sound like technical, statistical data to the
listeners.
C. Peter preached with great emotion in Acts 2.
1. It is true that much of his sermon was hard facts; however,
he intended to reach specific hearts and he did. Acts 2:23b,
36-37
2. Peter gave the answer we repeatedly give; but, we often give
it to people who are not asking the question.
a. They have never been made to feel the guilt of sin
enough to really want the answer.
III. PLACE OF EMOTION IN DEALING WITH SIN.
A. First, we should be emotional about our own sin.
1. Godly sorrow produces repentance. 2 Cor. 7:10
2. When Peter realized what he had done, he went out and
wept bitterly. Matt. 26:75
3. Some people are past feeling. Eph. 4:17-19; Jer. 6:15
a. It is terrible when people feel no shame, remorse, or
guilt for their sins.
B. Secondly, we should feel grief for those who are lost in sin.
1. As we mentioned, Jesus felt compassion for the lost,
confused masses.
2. Paul had great concern for his fellow countrymen. Rom. 9:1-
3; 10:1
3. We should grieve that millions are lost spiritually without
the gospel of Christ.
a. We should be truly burdened because people close and
dear to us are lost.
b. The Psalmist said, "My eyes shed streams of water,
because they do not keep thy law." Psalm 119:136
IV. PLACE OF EMOTION IN WORSHIP.
A. We must worship God in spirit and in truth. John 4:24
1. Most denominational people forget the "in truth" part.
a. However, we, as members of the Lord's church, often
forget the "in spirit" part.
2. Jesus quoted Isaiah and showed that just going through "the
motions of religion," without one's heart being involved, is
vain worship. Matt. 15:8-9
3. Notice the emotion as seen in Neh 8:8-12.
B. We should be emotionally involved in the various aspects of
worship.
1. How can we partake of the Lord's Supper in a worthy
manner and not be moved emotionally?
2. How can we pray fervently, being conscious of God, and not
feel reverence and awe?
3. How can we give cheerfully, and not have joy and gratitude
in our hearts?
4. How can we sing properly, and not be inspired, moved, and
uplifted?
V. PLACE OF EMOTION IN DEALING WITH OUR BRETHREN.
A. We should love one another with a pure heart fervently. 1 Pet.
1:22; Rom. 12:10
1. If one suffers, all should suffer. If one is blessed or
honored, all should rejoice. 1 Cor. 12:26; Rom 12:15
2. Consider this emotional scene. Acts 20:36-38
VI. WARNINGS REGARDING EMOTIONS.
A. As we have seen, emotionalism has its place in the Christian's
life.
B. However, emotionalism becomes wrong when it is the end in and
of itself.
1. Emotionalism is the by-product of our faith, and not the
essence or foundation of our faith.
2. We should never allow emotions to modify or become the
basis of our beliefs.
C. Emotions must always be tempered with self-control.
1. Self control in all things is often commanded. Gal. 5:22-26;
2 Pet. 1:5-11
2. In certain religious groups of our day, people often go to
extremes in their emotional displays.
a. Jesus was emotional, but He was always in control, even
in the garden of Gethsemane.
b. Even in New Testament times, the spirits of the
prophets were subject to the prophets. 1 Cor. 14:32
D. Emotionalism in our preaching, teaching, and worship should
never come from artificial means.
1. For example, some groups turn down the lights, clap hands,
use instrumental music, etc.
2. Our emotions should flow from the means of truth, not from
means which men have devised.
Concl.
A. The faithful have always been emotionally involved in the
Lord's cause.
B. Emotions played a major role in the lives of early Christians,
and they need to in our lives.
1. We need hatred for sin and false doctrine.
2. We need to grieve that others are lost in sin.
3. We need deep love for our brethren in the Lord.
4. We need sympathy for the lonely and distressed.
5. We need fear of the eternal torment.
6. We need longing for heaven.
7. We need to be emotional in our worship.
C. Indeed, we need to get emotionally involved in our religion.