The problem of EMOTION and RELIGION

Religion is NOT void of emotion --

God's people are not without emotion --

Problem -- relating such emotion and religion.

1. ALL emotional outpouring is the result of the direct operation of the Holy Spirit --

a. Much religion today is based upon such emotional participation

b. YET - within each 'group' the emotion is the same but their teaching is different -

1. different from one another --

2. different from the Bible --

3. emotion NOT different from pagan religions !

2. HS -- personal guide -- hence all such manner of things are 'revealed' unto them --

a. MANY different groups all claiming the same thing --

b. YET - the teachings of each group is different --

1. different from one another --

2. different from the Bible

ANSWER: try the spirits -- 1 John 4:1f

WARNING: - constant threat of false teachers throughout the NT -- and the warning to follow the teachings of the inspired apostles / prophets.

Acts 15:1-5, 24;

Acts 20:27-32

Romans 16:17

1 Tim. 4:1f

2 Pet. 2:1ff

3. Such 'word' religion is VOID of emotion (???) -- NO!

a. Eunuch - Acts 8

b. Conversions -- rejoicing in heaven --

c. Written -- that joy may be full -- 1 John 1:4

d. Rejoice when others walk in such truth - 3 John 3-4

e. Rejoice -- Philippians -

4. Problem of FEELINGS -- are totally subjective.

a. As with the lie of the brethren about Joseph -- father still FELT the same as if the report were true!!

b. Such emotions tell us how we FEEL -- but not whether we are right or not --

c. Act as part of the conscience --

1. 'with knowledge' -- but if have lacking / wrong knowledge, can have 'clean conscience' - and hence 'feel good about what are doing' --

2. Example: Saul as a persecutor of the Church of Christ

5. The solution - 2 Tim. 3:

a. KNOW OF whom thou hast learned them…

b. ABIDE in them --