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The Bible speaks of the heart as the governing center of the whole man intellectual, physical, and psychological, and thus a man's heart makes him what he is and gives rise to all his thoughts and actions. It is imperative that a young disciple be taught to guard his heart, to keep it sensitive and open to God's word.
Introduction
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1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
God looks at the heart.
1. Problems of the heart
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Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
Deceitfulness: in the sense of feelings and impulses. Deceitful with regard to discerning the truth, or what is best.
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Mark 7:21
For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
Sinfulness: the heart is the source of sin, as well as evil desires.
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Hebrews 3:12
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.
Hardening: hearts can become hard, become unbelieving (doubt) and tun away from God.
2. The remedy
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Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Seek God with all our heart. This verse is not just for non-Christians!
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Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Cultivate a penitent, contrite heart, which responds quickly to God's Word.
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Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Hide God's Word in our hearts.
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Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Trust in the Lord with all our hearts.
Conclusion
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Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Above all else, guard your heart! It's the source of our spiritual life.
- Suggested
a. Genesis 6:5
The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.
b. 2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
c. Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
d. Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
e. Proverbs 28:26
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
f. Ezekial 18:31
Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit.
g. 1 John 3:20
For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
Practicals
- Pray for a pure heart.
- Confess sin; be humble.
- Write out Bible verses which pertain to your heart.
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