Emotion, not "Emotionalism" - 10/5/08am

When you read passages such as Mark 15:16-37, what goes through your mind? Do you simply think, “My, that’s an interesting fact?”
Or how about passages such as Matthew 11:28-30? Do you simply think to yourself, “that’s nice?”

What we will see in scripture is that emotion is tied to faith. It is not the basis of our faith, nor the ultimate display of it, but it is an outcome.

Emotion is tied to righteousness:
Luke 17:11-19 -His emotion is apparently tied in with faith
James 5:13 -The relationship between singing to god and emotion

Happiness and Joy
Matthew 5:12 -Christ tells us to rejoice and be glad
Acts 2:46 -Disciples eat daily with gladness
Acts 5:41 -Apostles rejoice
Acts 8:35-39 -Ethiopian eunuch rejoices
Acts 11:23 -Peter is glad
Acts 13:47-48 -Gentiles were glad that they could be included
Acts 16:25-34 -Jailor converted, rejoices
Philippians 4:4 -Rejoice in the Lord always!

Sorrow
Psalm 51 -David’s sorrow at having sinned with Bathsheba
Matthew 26:69-75 -Peter weeps after denying Christ
2 Corinthians 7:10 -Godly sorrow

Righteous Anger
Exodus 32:19-21 -Moses is angry at the Israelite’s sin
John 2:13-17 -Jesus clears the temple
Ephesians 4:26 -Anger is not condemned, but we are warned to be properly angry

Fear
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 -Fear God and keep his commandments
I Peter 2:17 -Fear God

Awe
Psalm 33:8 -Let all men stand in awe of Him
Luke 5:26 -Full of awe and gave glory to God

Peace
John 16:32-33 -Christ taught that we might have peace
Romans 5:1-2 -Peace ion Christ (as well as joy)
Philippians 4:6-7 -Peace of God


There is a place in worshipping God for emotion. Christ showed godly emotion. The apostles showed godly emotion. Perhaps we should too?

If you haven’t been baptized, now is the opportunity to have the peace that comes with Christ, that you may rejoice in being saved. Or perhaps you are sorrowful that you have drifted away from God, and wish to return. Or perhaps you simply want the prayers of the saints for strength and encouragement. Now is the opportunity set aside here to come forward as we stand and sing.