Bring Your Emotions Under Control

Lesson 4

Chapter 1 - Lesson 4: "Accountability for Emotions"

Theme Verse:
Philippians 4:6–7 – "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

I. We Are Accountable for Our Emotions

  • God has given every believer the ability to control his or her emotional responses. 

  • Since God commands us to respond correctly, He has also provided the grace and power to obey. 

  • Negative emotions are not unavoidable; believers are responsible for bringing them under God's control. 

Scriptures:

  • Philippians 4:6–7

  • John 14:1 – "Let not your heart be troubled..."

II. Joy Is a Command, Even During Trials

  • Jesus warned that believers would face tribulation. 

  • Instead of fear or despair, He commanded His followers to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. 

  • Emotional stability should be rooted in Christ's victory, not in favorable circumstances. 

Scripture:

  • John 16:33 – "...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

III. True Peace Comes from Trusting God, Not from Changed Circumstances

  • Many people believe happiness depends upon changing their circumstances. 

  • Satan deceives people into thinking external changes will solve their emotional struggles. 

  • The real issue is often our response to life's situations rather than the situations themselves. 

  • God's peace comes through faith and dependence upon Him. 

Scripture:

  • Philippians 4:6–7

IV. God's Presence Brings Peace in Every Situation

  • No circumstance is beyond God's presence. 

  • Even in life's darkest moments, God remains with His people. 

  • Focusing on God instead of circumstances allows believers to experience supernatural joy and peace. 

Scripture:

  • Psalm 139:8 – "If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there."

V. God's Peace Is Supernatural

  • God's peace cannot be explained by natural circumstances. 

  • Through prayer, thanksgiving, and trusting God, believers can experience peace that surpasses human understanding. 

  • No circumstance has the power to prevent God's peace from ruling the believer's heart. 

Scripture:

  • Philippians 4:6–7

    VI. Emotional Stability Begins with a Changed Heart Attitude 

    • Do not wait for circumstances to improve before experiencing joy. 

    • Lasting emotional stability comes from changing your heart attitude toward God. 

    • As believers renew their thinking and trust the Lord, they gain victory over their emotions regardless of their circumstances. 

    Scriptures: 

    • Philippians 4:6–7 

    • John 14:1 

    • John 16:33 

     

    Summary 

    God has made believers accountable for their emotions because He has also given them the ability, through His Spirit, to live above negative emotional reactions. Instead of depending on favorable circumstances, Christians are called to trust God, pray with thanksgiving, focus on His presence, and receive His supernatural peace. As the heart is surrendered to God and the mind is renewed by His truth, emotional stability becomes possible in every situation. 

Inspired by Andrew Wommack’s book - Harnessing Your Emotions

Discipleship Practical Questions & Answers

  • Because God has given every believer the ability and responsibility to control their emotional responses through His grace and power, making us accountable for how we react to life's circumstances. 

  • Jesus commanded His followers not to allow their hearts to be troubled, teaching that peace is a choice based on faith in Him rather than on circumstances. 

  • Believers are to be of good cheer because Jesus has already overcome the world, giving us confidence and hope in every trial. 

  • Emotional stability should be based on God's unchanging character and His promises, not on changing circumstances or feelings. 

  • Satan convinces people that they can only be happy if their circumstances change, instead of encouraging them to trust God and change their heart attitude. 

  • The real problem is often not our circumstances themselves but the way we respond to them. God enables us to respond with faith instead of fear or discouragement. 

  • It assures us that God is always with us, no matter where we are or what we are experiencing, and His presence brings comfort and peace. 

  • By bringing every concern to God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, trusting Him to guard their hearts and minds. 

  • No. God's joy and peace are supernatural gifts that are available regardless of outward circumstances when we trust Him. 

  • The key is changing our heart attitude by focusing on God, renewing our thinking with His Word, and trusting Him instead of waiting for circumstances to improve. 

Scriptures (KJV) 

1. Philippians 4:6–7 

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

 

2. John 14:1 

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 

 

3. John 16:33 

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. 

 

4. Psalm 139:8 

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 

 

5. Philippians 4:6–7 (Repeated for emphasis in the lesson) 

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

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