Myths About Emotional Problems

Introduction:
More Americans than ever are dealing with depression and emotional problems. If you can’t get help at Charter, get help somewhere a television commercial says. Pharmaceutical companies are having a heyday with the sale of anti-depressant drugs. This lesson will lay the Biblical groundwork for those suffering form emotional problems. We want to provide direction for those suffering from emotional problems. We want to help those who are emotionally strong to know what to do to help the weak. What should be the Biblical groundwork for discussing emotional problems?

I. Preliminary Matters.
    A. Emotions are only 1 part of several aspects of our existence.
        1. Lk. 10:27—man is a four-fold being. 4 areas distinct, but interrelated.
        2. Emotional makeup is a component of our personality—and can be wounded.
    B. Bible makes clear distinction between emotionally wounded & spiritually rebellious.
        1. 1 Thess. 5:14—3 categories here
            a) unruly (admonished, warned) fainthearted (comforted) weak (upheld)
            b) emotionally weak to be treated w/compassion & caring attitude.
        2. To ignore this distinction is to ignore common sense & God’s word.

II. Common Myths about Emotional Problems:
    A. Everyone gets depressed.
        1. Thought: I’ve been depressed & I snapped out of it w/no trouble.
        2. Fact: vast majority of us never experience genuine depression. (only 25%)
        3. All of us are different emotionally.
    B. It is sinful behavior for a Christian to be depressed.
        1. The world & some in the church have a strong bias against depression.
        2. Psa. 38:2-8—some have emotional wounds caused by sinful behavior.
        3. But many godly people also suffer. See: Psa. 6:1-7; Job. 3:1, 20-26; Mk. 14:33-34
        4. Passages such as Phil. 4:6-7; Mt. 6:31 refer not to be anxious about material provis.
    C. People with depression should be able to “snap out of it.”
        1. As if the person wished for their depression. Some causes of depression are:
            a) inherited traits—biology, temperament, etc.
            b) from life’s experiences—suppress feelings, tragedy
            c) life’s choices—Prov. 23:7; failure to deal properly with anger.
    D. A Christian should never have to take medicine because of emotional problems.
        1. Some emotional problems caused by medical factors.
            a) difference between seeking med. help and doping oneself to forget prob.
        2. Seek medical help if your problems are life threatening or paralyzing.

Conclusion:
    A. Help can be on the way with the application of Biblical principles.
        1. Heb. 4:14-16
    B. Emotionally strong? Heed Gal. 6:1-2.
    C. In all things….strive to serve Christ to the best of your ability.

Thanks to Shane Scott who contributed greatly to this outline.



Myths About Emotional Problems Introduction: More Americans than ever are dealing with depression and emotional problems. If you can’t get help at Charter, get help somewhere a television commercial says. Pharmaceutical companies are having a heyday with the sale of anti-depressant drugs. This lesson will lay the Biblical groundwork for those suffering form emotional problems. We want to provide direction for those suffering from emotional problems. We want to help those who are emotionally strong to know what to do to help the weak. What should be the Biblical groundwork for discussing emotional problems? I. Preliminary Matters. A. Emotions are only 1 part of several aspects of our existence. 1. Lk. 10:27—man is a four-fold being. 4 areas distinct, but interrelated. 2. Emotional makeup is a component of our personality—and can be wounded. B. Bible makes clear distinction between emotionally wounded & spiritually rebellious. 1. 1 Thess. 5:14—3 categories here a) unruly (admonished, warned) fainthearted (comforted) weak (upheld) b) emotionally weak to be treated w/compassion & caring attitude. 2. To ignore this distinction is to ignore common sense & God’s word. II. Common Myths about Emotional Problems: A. Everyone gets depressed. 1. Thought: I’ve been depressed & I snapped out of it w/no trouble. 2. Fact: vast majority of us never experience genuine depression. (only 25%) 3. All of us are different emotionally. B. It is sinful behavior for a Christian to be depressed. 1. The world & some in the church have a strong bias against depression. 2. Psa. 38:2-8—some have emotional wounds caused by sinful behavior. 3. But many godly people also suffer. See: Psa. 6:1-7; Job. 3:1, 20-26; Mk. 14:33-34 4. Passages such as Phil. 4:6-7; Mt. 6:31 refer not to be anxious about material provis. C. People with depression should be able to “snap out of it.” 1. As if the person wished for their depression. Some causes of depression are: a) inherited traits—biology, temperament, etc. b) from life’s experiences—suppress feelings, tragedy c) life’s choices—Prov. 23:7; failure to deal properly with anger. D. A Christian should never have to take medicine because of emotional problems. 1. Some emotional problems caused by medical factors. a) difference between seeking med. help and doping oneself to forget prob. 2. Seek medical help if your problems are life threatening or paralyzing. Conclusion: A. Help can be on the way with the application of Biblical principles. 1. Heb. 4:14-16 B. Emotionally strong? Heed Gal. 6:1-2. C. In all things….strive to serve Christ to the best of your ability. Thanks to Shane Scott who contributed greatly to this outline.