Facts vs. Feelings
The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God's unchanging facts over our fluctuating feelings in our faith journey.
Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of walking by faith, not by appearance, as outlined in 2 Corinthians 5:7. He highlights that God wants us to focus on the facts of Christ and His finished work, rather than our fluctuating feelings. Cowman explains that God gives feelings only after He sees that we trust Him based on His Word and faithfulness, not relying on emotions. He urges the congregation to choose between trusting in uncertain feelings or in the unchanging facts of God, symbolized by Christ, the Rock of Ages.
Text
"We walk by faith, not by appearance" (2 Cor. 5:7, RV).
By faith, not appearance; God never wants us to look at our feelings. Self may want us to; and Satan may want us to. But God wants us to face facts, not feelings; the facts of Christ and of His finished and perfect work for us.
When we face these precious facts, and believe them because God says they are facts, God will take care of our feelings.
God never gives feeling to enable us to trust Him; God never gives feeling to encourage us to trust Him; God never gives feeling to show that we have already and utterly trusted Him.
God gives feeling only when He sees that we trust Him apart from all feeling, resting on His own Word, and on His own faithfulness to His promise.
Never until then can the feeling (which is from God) possibly come; and God will give the feeling in such a measure and at such a time as His love sees best for the individual case.
We must choose between facing toward our feelings and facing toward God's facts. Our feelings may be as uncertain as the sea or the shifting sands. God's facts are as certain as the Rock of Ages, even Christ Himself, who is the same yesterday, today and forever.
"When darkness veils His lovely face
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil."
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to faith versus feelings - Understanding God's perspective on feelings - The importance of facing facts
- II points: - The role of faith in trusting God - How feelings can mislead us - God's promise of support
- III points: - The certainty of God's facts - The nature of true feelings from God - Choosing between feelings and facts
- IV points: - The unchanging nature of Christ - The anchor of faith in turbulent times - Conclusion and call to action
Key Quotes
“We walk by faith, not by appearance.” — Charles E. Cowman
“God never wants us to look at our feelings.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Our feelings may be as uncertain as the sea or the shifting sands.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Choose to focus on God's promises rather than your emotions.
- Remember that true feelings from God come after trusting Him without reliance on feelings.
- Anchor your faith in the certainty of Christ, especially during difficult times.