BIG IDEA

Because of Jesus emotions don’t have to control you.

MESSAGE NOTES:

WHAT: 

We don’t love the idea of being under someone’s control or being told what to do. We all want to do what we want to do, when we want to do it, how we want to do it.

But here’s the thing. As much as we resist the idea of being under control, all of us are. Every single one of us. We would probably never say it this way, but all of us are controlled, in some way or another, by something inside of us. Whether you want to call it emotions, moods, or vibes we’re all controlled by these inner voices.

Sometimes our emotions take control. And when that happens, we don’t always make the best decisions.

Sometimes we monitor our feelings and emotions to a certain degree. Sometimes it works.

Sometimes it doesn’t. But is “monitoring” the solution? There’s gotta be a better way. What if there was a solution that went beyond just masking or suppressing?

SO WHAT:

Jesus invites people to do something that goes way beyond monitoring emotions. The cool thing is that what He says is true and it has the potential to make us free. And remember, this is what we really want: Freedom. We don’t want to be controlled by anyone or anything, including our emotions. And that’s exactly what Jesus offers.

When Jesus talks about what puts us in conflict with God, He talks about how the source of our offensive words and deeds are inside of us. It’s those thoughts and emotions that we’re trying to monitor and control. 

This is what Jesus said… 

For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. Mark 7:21-22

All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person. Mark 7:23

Now, here’s the reality: Emotions aren’t always bad! Emotions are part of being human and they help us figure out what’s right and wrong around us. But, when they control us and tempt us to do things we don’t want to do, when they keep us from living the full life Jesus intends for us, then our emotions aren’t helpful anymore and we have to rethink how we’re handling them.

NOW WHAT:

Emotions are a great experience of life, they’re not a great leader of life.

Jesus doesn’t want to monitor your behavior, he wants to free you from your folly. He can be in control on the inside instead of the negative emotions. And He can give you the strength to stand up to that emotion that’s trying to control you.

The truth is, this doesn’t just happen. This doesn’t come naturally. We have to bring him our emotions. We have to get honest about what we are feeling, stop trying to just suppress them, and bring those “bad vibes” and follies to Jesus for Jesus’ freedom.

We can do this by:

1. Try to think of the top one or two emotions that you have the hardest time controlling.

2. Start checking in with yourself.

Here’s a great thing that you can journal with, a great prayer you can try….

“Jesus I’m feeling ______.”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q1: What is that one thing for you that you wish only you had control over?

Q2: What is the one emotion that no matter how hard you try, it keeps showing up?

Q3: How are you really doing? Check in with yourself.

Q4: What would fill the blank for you in this statement? Jesus I’m feeling ____.