Regulated

Regulated/Unregulated

Tonight I want to help us all understand what scripture says we are to do with the unregulated emotions that we struggle with.

2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV

5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Examine: to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself.

Test: δοκιμάζω dokimazō to test, examine, prove, scrutinize (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals.

Test:δοκιμάζω dokimazō- to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy.

Faith: fidelity, faithfulness the character of one who can be relied on.

Verse 5b Unless you fail to meet the test.

Test: ἀδόκιμος adokimos - that which does not prove itself such as it ought, unfit for, unproved, reprobate.

So if our emotions cause us not to be found true to the cause of Christ; what are we to do?

Ask GOD!

Psalm 26:2 ESV

2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind.

Psalm 139:23–24 AMP

23 Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Examine: to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself.

According to 2 Cor. 13:5 the word Examine means.

If you where put on trial would you be convicted by not words but by true evidence that you are a follower of Christ.

So how do we make sure our unregulated emotions do not ruin our lives?

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 AMP

3 For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

Take every thought captive: metaph. to capture ones mind, captivate

Consider the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41). The disciples were overwhelmed, their emotions taking charge in fear. Yet Jesus, though facing a ferocious storm, remained calm. This striking contrast teaches us that emotional control is not about denying our feelings but about anchoring ourselves in faith during turmoil. When life feels stormy, we need to hold onto the peace that surpasses all understanding, just as Jesus did, reminding us that our emotional responses reflect our trust in God’s sovereignty.

Sometimes you may need to say this to yourself!

Matthew 16:23 “23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.””

Colossians 3:2 ESV

2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Shifting your focus is a discipline that develops a kingdom mindset.

When mad and Angry speak softly!

Proverbs 15:1 “1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

It is impossible to be a follower of Jesus without giving diligent attention in our lives to the grace of self-control.

Jerry Bridges

A reminder all we have to do is ask!

Hebrews 4:15–16 AMP

15 For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning. 16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].

Colossians 3:2–11 “2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”