Transformation is possible! But how? Join us as we talk about the reliable pattern for change- Vision, Intention, and Means and how we can apply this to Spiritual Formation in the Way of Jesus.
More Than a Feeling
Speakers
Tonderai Bassoppo-Moyo
Associate Pastor
Worship
Notes
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Genesis 2:18 NKJV “And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’”
God built us with an emotional chamber, made to be integrated into our responses and
reactions to this world. To ignore them is folly, and to let them lead is disaster.
THE BLESSING OF FEELINGS
1 - Feelings give us a sense of being
Psalms 4:5-8 NKJV “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the Lord. There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
2 - Feelings give us the gift of expression
Psalms 103:1 NKJV “Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!”
THE PROBLEM WITH FEELINGS
1 - Feelings are not good translators
Proverbs 14:12 NKJV “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”
2 - Feelings are always changing
Proverbs 14:13 NLT “Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.”
3 - Feelings spread
Hebrews 12:15 NLT “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”
Emotions have roots.
FEELINGS IN THE MODERN AGE
It is difficult to live life without a standard. When we remove God and His word as the standard, the next basis by which we make decisions will be our feelings.
Luke 17:1-10 NKJV “Then He said to the disciples, ‘It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, “I repent,” you shall forgive him.’ And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ So the Lord said, ‘If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,” and it would obey you. And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, “Come at once and sit down to eat”? But will he not rather say to him, “Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink”? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.”’”
It is difficult to live life without a standard. When we remove God and His word as the standard, the next basis by which we make decisions will be our feelings.
- Offenses Will Come
- Judgment of Offenses is For the Lord
- The Responsibility in Offense Always Lies With Me
- Emotions Have Roots
Victory is not measured in how other people feel.
Victory is not measured in how my actions make me feel.
HOW FAITH WORKS IN THE MIDST OF REAL EMOTIONS
Psalms 42:5-6 NLT “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you— even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar.”
- It repositions our gaze towards hope
- It transforms our words into praise
- It sets our hearts towards remembrance
Romans 12:9-14, 16-21 NKJV “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”