2. Do you allow your emotions or reason to rule in the decision making process? Emotion- “a complex and usually strong subjective response...part of the consciousness that involves feeling or sensibility ‘a choice determined by emotion rather than reason” (American Heritage Dictionary) Reason- “the intellectual process of seeking truth or knowledge by inferring from either fact or logic” (AHD)

3. Do you allow your emotions or reason to rule in the decision making process? If our choices are determined by our emotions, we will sin and die. (James 1:13-16) But God wants everyone to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4) Our reason must rule over our emotions based on God’s word or we will suffer the eternal consequences.

4. Those Who Allowed Emotion to Rule and Their Consequences Eve ate the forbidden fruit and was cast out of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6, 22ff). Cain became very angry and killed Abel and became a wanderer (Genesis 4:8, 12ff). Lot’s wife looked back toward Sodom and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). David committed adultery with Bathsheba and would suffer evil in his own house the rest of his life (2 Samuel 11:2ff; 12:11).

5. God Had Spoken- They Should Have Allowed Their Intellect to Rule (2 Tim. 2:15) Eve knew that if she ate it, she would die. (Genesis 3:2-3) God told Cain to do what was right and control his anger (Genesis 4:7). Lot’s wife was told to not look back (Ge. 19:17). In his passion, David forgot about the command (Exodus 20:14)

6. Those Who Allowed Emotion to Rule and Their Consequences The Man of God believed the lie of the older prophet and he died. (1 Kings 13:18, 26) Uzzah touched the ark and he died. (1 Chronicles 13:9-10) Saul persecuted Christians and he would suffer persecution the rest of his life. (Acts 26:9ff; 9:16; 2 Cor. 11:23-25)

7. God Had Spoken- They Should Have Allowed Their Intellect to Rule (2 Tim. 2:15) Man of God had obeyed God’s command earlier, so he knew not to believe the old prophet. (1 Kings 13:6-10; 16ff) Uzzah and all the Israelites had forgotten God’s command to carry the ark of the covenant on the Levites shoulders rather than on a new cart (1 Chronicles 15:1-2, 13-15). Saul thought he was offering service to God but he was wrong (John 16:2; Acts 23:1).

8. We Must not be Conformed to this World but be transformed by God’s Word Feelings have become “god” to many like the times of the Judges when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32)

9. The Danger of Using Emotions as a Standard They are deceptive. “There is a way which seems right to a man but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). It can persuade you to think that you’re OK, even when you are sinning against God. If you believe a lie you’ll be condemned, even if your conscience isn’t bothered (2 Th. 2:10ff). If you think you’re religious but don’t bridle your tongue, your religion is vain (James 1:26).

10. Are you using your emotions or reason? (Pr. 15:18; Jas. 1:19-20)? Is your temper under control or do you “blow your top” (Pr. 15:18; Jas. 1:19-20)? If it feels good I’ll do it or if God said it, I’ll do it? (1 Corinthians 15:32; Titus 2:11-12) Worship at the church of your desires or of God’s choice (John 4:23-24; Matt. 16:18)? Accept Christ as your Savior or obey Him as Lord and Savior (Luke 6:46; Hebrews 5:8-9)?

11. Emotions Are Good Only if They are in Harmony with the Truth Our godly sorrow should lead us to repent of our sins (2 Cor. 7:10; Acts 8:22). After confessing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and being baptized in water, the eunuch went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:35-38). We should be angry enough to rebuke sin and not compromise (Ps. 119:104; Eph. 5:11). But it should also motivate us to save lost souls. (Luke 19:10; 2 Timothy 2:24-26)

12. Conclusion Do you allow your emotions or reason (in response to commands from God) to rule? Many feel they are saved without baptism, but the Bible teaches it is necessary for salvation. (Acts 2:37-38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21) We can be wrong, even if we feel strongly about it! (Remember Paul) Many believers will argue with Jesus on the Judgment Day but they didn’t do what He said. Will you? (Matthew 7:21-23)