God tests his people, allowing them to face adversity, to know what is in their hearts (Deut. 8:1-10).

External rituals will not substitute for internal realities (Ps. 51:16-17; Hos. 6:6).

Old TestamentEvil vs GoodPride vs Humility Greed vs Generosity Doubt vs Conviction

New TestamentEvil vs GoodPride vs Humility Greed vs Generosity Doubt vs Conviction

The heart is a battleground between evil and good (Lev. 19:17-18; Ps. 4:4-5; Eccl. 7:9; Zech. 7:8-10; 8:16-17).

The heart is a battleground between pride and humility: Israel (Deut. 8:11-20; 9:4-5), Babylon (Isa. 14:13-17; 47:8-11), and Edom (Obad. 3-4).

The heart is a battleground between greed and generosity (Deut. 15:7-11; Prov. 6:24-26).

The heart is a battleground between doubt and conviction (Deut. 7:17-19; 18:15-22; 30:11-14).

The heart remains a battleground between evil and good (James 3:13-18).

The heart remains a battleground between pride and humility (Rom. 10:5-13).

The heart remains a battleground between greed and contentment (Acts 5:1-11).

The heart remains a battleground between doubt and conviction (Matt. 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26; 24:36-43).

Does Christ dwell in your hearts through faith (Eph. 3:14-19)?

Does the peace of Christ rule in your heart (Col. 3:12-16)?

Have you sanctified Christ as Lord in your heart (1 Pet. 3:13-22)?

Has the day dawned and the morning star arisen in your heart (2 Pet. 1:16-21; Luke 1:78-79; Rev. 22:16)?