The Friction Between a Faith-Based and a Feeling-Based Spirituality

For we walk by faith, not by sight' 2 Corinthians 5:7 'So faith comes from hearing, and
hearing through the word of Christ.' Romans 10:17

Have you ever walked away from a worship service feeling inspired, encouraged, and
spiritually alive, only to find those feelings fading days later? As we examine and reflect
upon our journey of faith, we often discover that feelings not fully subjected to the Spirit
of God can become the thermometer by which we measure our relationship with God.
When emotions become our gauge, spiritual confidence rises and falls with our
circumstances. Yet God's character, His promises, and His presence remain
unchanged. This exposes a subtle but significant friction between a faith-based
spirituality and a feeling-based spirituality.

A feeling-based spirituality says, 'I know God is working because I can feel Him.' A
faith-based spirituality says, 'I know God is working because He said He is.' One
pursues assurance through experience. The other procures assurance in truth.
Although God undoubtedly uses emotions and spiritual experiences, Scripture never
presents feelings as the foundation of faith. Instead, God's Word consistently calls
believers to anchor their lives in what He has revealed rather than what they currently
feel.

This conflict is captured in two powerful passages:
So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17
And 'For we walk by faith, not by sight.' 2 Corinthians 5:7 Together, these verses remind us that faith is not built on fluctuating emotions but on the unchanging Word of God.

From Romans 10:17 we find that faith has a source. 'So, faith comes from hearing, and
hearing through the word of Christ.' Paul does not say faith comes from feelings. He does not say faith comes from wonderful worship moments, emotional experiences, or positive circumstances. Faith
comes from hearing God's truth.

This is a critical point cemented in a biblical foundation because our culture often
advances feelings to the highest authority. We are told to trust our hearts, follow our
feelings, and hold tight whatever feels right. Yet biblical faith takes the opposite
approach. Faith is born when God's truth confronts our outlook and calls us to trust Him.

From the word of God (Scripture) we discover that when Abraham believed God, he
trusted a promise he could not see. When Noah built the ark, he acted on what God
said rather than what the circumstances suggested. And when Moses confronted
Pharaoh, he moved forward centered on God's command rather than his own
confidence. Consequently, Faith has always been rooted in God's revelation.
The believer who is supernaturally set in Scripture possesses something substantially
stronger than emotion. You see Feelings ebb and flow, but God's Word remains
considerably clear and constant.

Our Lord Jesus said, 'Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass
away.' Matthew 24:35 And in Psalm 119:89 we see that God's Word is not temporary or subject to cultural
change. It is eternally established. 'Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.'


Not a sermon, just some thoughts

FtGG