Scripture References: Proverbs 4:23; Luke 6:45; Matthew 6:21; Mark 7:20-23; Jeremiah 17:9; Ezekiel 36:26-28; 1 Samuel 16:7
Intro: Welcome. Today begins a new sermon series focusing on The Heart. We talk about it constantly ("follow your heart," "heart of the matter," "ask Jesus into your heart"), but what is it biblically? It's more than emotion; it's our core being – mind, will, personality, affections. Proverbs 4:23 urges: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Let's explore why the heart is crucial and how we can keep it.
Key Points:
- The Heart is Central: God looks at the heart (1 Sam 16:7); He speaks to it, cleanses it, reveals Himself to it. Jesus consistently addressed the heart as the root of behavior. Our words (Luke 6:45), use of money (Matt 6:21), and actions all flow from this inner source. Every problem is ultimately a heart problem.
- The Heart's Condition: Scripture presents a tension:
- Deceitful & Sick (Jer 17:9): By nature, our hearts are complex, prone to sin and self-deception. We often don't truly know our own motives.
- Capable of Renewal (Ez 36:26): The good news isn't just diagnosis, but God's promise: "I will give you a new heart... remove the heart of stone... give you a heart of flesh." He can transform us from the inside out.
- Guard Your Heart: Highest Priority (Prov 4:23): "Keep your heart with all vigilance." This is the most important "keeping" we do, more vital than keeping schedules, jobs, or appearances. Why? Because "from it flow the springs of life." What's in the source determines what flows downstream to impact others (bitterness flows, peace flows, fear flows, love flows).
- Know Your Heart: Investigate, Don't Blame: How do we guard or keep the heart? We must first know it. Stop blaming external circumstances or people for what comes out of you (anger, negativity, etc.). Ask: Why is this in me? Like shaking a water bottle – water comes out because water is inside. What's inside your heart? Investigate the source.
- God's Work: The New Heart (Ez 36:26-28): We can't ultimately fix our own hearts. The solution is God's transforming power. He promises to give new hearts and put His Spirit within us, causing us to walk in His ways. Our part is to invite Him in, surrender, and cooperate with His work.
Conclusion: Your heart is the control center of your life, the source from which everything flows. Its condition matters immensely to God and profoundly impacts others. Guarding it vigilantly – by honestly investigating what's inside and relying on God for transformation – is our highest priority.
Call to Action: Commit to "keeping your heart" this week. Pay attention to what flows out (words, attitudes, actions). When something negative emerges, stop blaming externals and ask God: "What does this reveal about my heart?" Invite the Great Physician to diagnose and bring His healing, transforming grace. Pray Ezekiel 36:26 over yourself.
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