Matters Of The Heart n Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. n Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with

Matters Of The HeartMatters Of The Heart

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.understanding.

Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Heart is the mind and soul of mankind.Heart is the mind and soul of mankind.

Establishing Our HeartsEstablishing Our Hearts

Our hearts play an important role in our Our hearts play an important role in our salvation.salvation.

Our minds need to be focused upon spiritual Our minds need to be focused upon spiritual matters.matters.

Often times we allow our hearts to become Often times we allow our hearts to become hardened and closed to God.hardened and closed to God.

Let us notice a few areas where this Let us notice a few areas where this happens.happens.

Why do so many people not see the Bible alike?Why do so many people not see the Bible alike?

Several books have been published among Several books have been published among those associated with churches of Christ those associated with churches of Christ saying that we have failed in taking a saying that we have failed in taking a proper approach to Bible Study proper approach to Bible Study (Hermeneutics).(Hermeneutics).


However these same books do not approach However these same books do not approach Bible Study in the right way.Bible Study in the right way.

Deny CENI and suggest alternatives which Deny CENI and suggest alternatives which open the door for all sorts of human open the door for all sorts of human imaginations and error.imaginations and error.


We should have a solid foundation for our We should have a solid foundation for our faith that must be based upon the word of faith that must be based upon the word of

God. Challenges to our stand upon God. Challenges to our stand upon Jesus Christ are welcomed and should be Jesus Christ are welcomed and should be

considered. considered. (1 Peter 3:15)(1 Peter 3:15)


1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) - But sanctify the - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always Lord God in your hearts, and always bebe ready to ready to givegive a defense to everyone who a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;you, with meekness and fear;


Before we begin looking at the wisdom of Before we begin looking at the wisdom of men, we should look to what God has said men, we should look to what God has said about how anyone can come to the truth. about how anyone can come to the truth. Where does God put emphasis on how we Where does God put emphasis on how we

can know His will? can know His will?


When Jesus responded to the debates over When Jesus responded to the debates over the meaning of God’s word with the the meaning of God’s word with the Pharisees, the most common problem with Pharisees, the most common problem with their approach to the Bible was their heart their approach to the Bible was their heart and not their hermeneutics! and not their hermeneutics! (John 12:35-43)(John 12:35-43)


John 12:35-43 (NKJV)John 12:35-43 (NKJV) - Then Jesus said to - Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.hidden from them.


37 But although He had done so many signs 37 But although He had done so many signs before them, before them, they did not believe in Himthey did not believe in Him, , 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might 38 that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 39 Therefore they could not believe, because Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: Isaiah said again:


40 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see withtheir hearts, Lest they should see with their their eyes, Lest they should understand witheyes, Lest they should understand with their their hearts and turn, So that I should heal hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” them.” 41 These things Isaiah said when he 41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.saw His glory and spoke of Him.


42 Nevertheless even among the rulers 42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Pharisees they did not confess Him,Him, lest lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.the praise of God.


In my experience with others, it has rarely In my experience with others, it has rarely been as issue of proper Bible study skills been as issue of proper Bible study skills

that has resulted in a difference of that has resulted in a difference of understanding of the Bible.understanding of the Bible.


When relationships, emotions or worldly When relationships, emotions or worldly desires become the driving force of one’s desires become the driving force of one’s life then God will allow you to believe a lie. life then God will allow you to believe a lie. (2 Thess 2:9-12)(2 Thess 2:9-12)


2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (NKJV)2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (NKJV) - The - The coming of the coming of the lawless onelawless one is according to is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10and with all and lying wonders, 10and with all unrighteous deception among those who unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. of the truth, that they might be saved.


11And for this reason God will send them 11And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.unrighteousness.

What will it take?What will it take?

To see the Bible alike?To see the Bible alike? Obviously, a common ground and Obviously, a common ground and

understanding that the Bible is God’s final understanding that the Bible is God’s final word on anything.word on anything.

Also, to understand, we need hearts that are Also, to understand, we need hearts that are willing to understand.willing to understand.

Why a Pure Heart is Essential to Knowing Why a Pure Heart is Essential to Knowing God’s Will?God’s Will?

A pure heart is a characteristic of the heart A pure heart is a characteristic of the heart of a Christian. of a Christian. (Mt 5:8)(Mt 5:8)


Matthew 5:8 (NKJV)Matthew 5:8 (NKJV) - Blessed - Blessed areare the the pure in heart, For they shall see God. pure in heart, For they shall see God.


A pure heart and a pure vision go together! A pure heart and a pure vision go together!


A pure heart and a pure vision go together! A pure heart and a pure vision go together! Jesus knew that purity of heart, a single-Jesus knew that purity of heart, a single-

minded pursuit of God’s will result in one minded pursuit of God’s will result in one finding the truth! finding the truth! (John 7:17)(John 7:17)


John 7:17 (NKJV)John 7:17 (NKJV) - If anyone wills to do - If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or doctrine, whether it is from God or whetherwhether I speak on My own I speak on My own authority.authority.


The word "Pure" is from the Greek word The word "Pure" is from the Greek word katharos, katharos, used twenty‑eight times In the used twenty‑eight times In the New Testament.New Testament. It is translated by such It is translated by such terms as "pure," "clean'' and "clear.”terms as "pure," "clean'' and "clear.”


"Blessed are those whose motives are "Blessed are those whose motives are absolutely unmixed, whose minds are absolutely unmixed, whose minds are utterly sincere, who are completely and utterly sincere, who are completely and totally single-minded." - J.B. Phillipstotally single-minded." - J.B. Phillips


We must have a single focus in this life. We must have a single focus in this life. When we have this everything will come When we have this everything will come from pure motives! from pure motives! (Mt 6:22-24; 2 Cor 11:2)(Mt 6:22-24; 2 Cor 11:2)


Matthew 6:22-24 (NKJV)Matthew 6:22-24 (NKJV) - “The lamp of - “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great light that is in you is darkness, how great isis that darkness! that darkness!


24 “No one can serve two masters; for 24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.and mammon.


2 Corinthians 11:2 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 11:2 (NKJV) - For I am - For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present may present youyou asas a chaste virgin to Christ. a chaste virgin to Christ.


The fruits of an impure heart.The fruits of an impure heart.


The fruits of an impure heart.The fruits of an impure heart. You will depend upon your own guile and You will depend upon your own guile and

"wisdom" rather than trust God. "wisdom" rather than trust God. (2 Cor 4:2)(2 Cor 4:2)


2 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV) - But we have - But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.man’s conscience in the sight of God.


You will lack the resolve and courage that You will lack the resolve and courage that comes by faith. comes by faith. (Jas 1:7-8, 4:8)(Jas 1:7-8, 4:8)


James 1:7-8 (NKJV)James 1:7-8 (NKJV) - For let not that man - For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8the Lord; 8he ishe is a double-minded man, a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.unstable in all his ways.


James 4:8 (NKJV)James 4:8 (NKJV) - Draw near to God and - Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse He will draw near to you. Cleanse youryour hands, hands, youyou sinners; and purify sinners; and purify youryour hearts, hearts, youyou double-minded. double-minded.


"The true vision of God will not be granted "The true vision of God will not be granted to the shrewd and calculating who play to the shrewd and calculating who play

dishonest games; or to the dishonest games; or to the doubleminded who can never quite put both doubleminded who can never quite put both feet in the feet in the kingdom kingdom (James 1:7‑8),(James 1:7‑8), but but to those who are absolutely honest and to those who are absolutely honest and single of heart single of heart toward God." - Paul toward God." - Paul EarnhartEarnhart


Having the honesty that results in having an Having the honesty that results in having an ear willing to hear is both a blessing and a ear willing to hear is both a blessing and a

“danger!” “danger!” (Isa 50:4-6)(Isa 50:4-6)


Isaiah 50:4-6 (NKJV)Isaiah 50:4-6 (NKJV) - “The Lord GOD - “The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in That I should know how to speak A word in season to season to him who ishim who is weary. He awakens weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, Me morning by morning, He awakens My He awakens My ear To hear as the learned. 5 The Lord GOD ear To hear as the learned. 5 The Lord GOD has opened My ear; has opened My ear; And I was not And I was not rebellious, Nor did I turn away.rebellious, Nor did I turn away.


6 I gave My back to those who struck 6 I gave My back to those who struck Me, Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.shame and spitting.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

Establishing our hearts is the focus of these Establishing our hearts is the focus of these sermons in this series.sermons in this series.

It needs to begin by understanding the truth It needs to begin by understanding the truth of God’s will, which many do not do.of God’s will, which many do not do.

A pure heart is essential to opening the door A pure heart is essential to opening the door to God.to God.

Many things get in the way of learning the Many things get in the way of learning the truth.truth.

Putting Things Ahead Of GodPutting Things Ahead Of God

Putting God first should be our priority.Putting God first should be our priority. Matthew 6:33Matthew 6:33 Let us see some things that get in the way.Let us see some things that get in the way.

IntroductionIntroduction

Establishing our hearts is the focus of these Establishing our hearts is the focus of these sermons in this series.sermons in this series.

It needs to begin by understanding the truth It needs to begin by understanding the truth of God’s will, which many do not do.of God’s will, which many do not do.

A pure heart is essential to opening the door A pure heart is essential to opening the door to God.to God.

Many things get in the way of learning the Many things get in the way of learning the truth.truth.

Some common human loyalties that can be Some common human loyalties that can be put ahead of Godput ahead of God

Human Relationships Human Relationships (John 5:38-46)(John 5:38-46)


John 5:38-46 (NKJV)John 5:38-46 (NKJV) - But you do not - But you do not have His word abiding in you, because have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may not willing to come to Me that you may have life.have life.


41“I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I 41“I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father’s God in you. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that that comescomes from the only God? from the only God?


45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to 45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is the Father; there is oneone who accuses you— who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.he wrote about Me.


How could a people who gave a significant How could a people who gave a significant time in searching the scriptures fail to time in searching the scriptures fail to understand what the scriptures teach?understand what the scriptures teach?


How could a people who gave a significant How could a people who gave a significant time in searching the scriptures fail to time in searching the scriptures fail to understand what the scriptures teach?understand what the scriptures teach?

Jesus knew their hearts and thus knew that Jesus knew their hearts and thus knew that they sought the favor of men above God!they sought the favor of men above God!


With this kind of heart a person can “know” With this kind of heart a person can “know” but will not admit they “know.” but will not admit they “know.” (John (John 12:42-43; Lk 10:27-29)12:42-43; Lk 10:27-29)


John 12:42-43 (NKJV)John 12:42-43 (NKJV) - Nevertheless - Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess not confess Him,Him, lest they should be put out lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.praise of men more than the praise of God.


Luke 10:27-29 (NKJV)Luke 10:27-29 (NKJV) - So he answered and - So he answered and said, “said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’strength, and with all your mind,’ and and ‘your ‘your neighbor as yourself.’neighbor as yourself.’” 28 And He said to him, ” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” 29 But he, wanting to justify will live.” 29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”neighbor?”


Here is where people will say “it’s not a Here is where people will say “it’s not a fellowship issue” or “it’s not really clear.”fellowship issue” or “it’s not really clear.”

Here are some Here are some Human Loyalties that are put that are put ahead of God.ahead of God.

Past Religious Ties and BeliefsPast Religious Ties and Beliefs Why are religious traditions popular? Why are religious traditions popular?

(Mt 15:8-9; John 7:48-49)(Mt 15:8-9; John 7:48-49)


Matthew 15:8-9 (NKJV)Matthew 15:8-9 (NKJV) - - ‘These‘These peoplepeople draw near to Me with their mouth, And draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me withhonor Me with their lips, their lips, But their heart But their heart is far from Me. is far from Me. 99 And in vain they And in vain they worship Me, Teachingworship Me, Teaching as doctrines the as doctrines the commandments of men.’”commandments of men.’”


John 7:48-49 (NKJV)John 7:48-49 (NKJV) - Have any of the - Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49 rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.”is accursed.”


What effect can being “raised in a particular What effect can being “raised in a particular church” have upon a person’s willingness to church” have upon a person’s willingness to be honest in their Bible study? be honest in their Bible study? (John 9:1, 20-23)(John 9:1, 20-23)


John 9:1 (NKJV)John 9:1 (NKJV) - Now as - Now as JesusJesus passed passed by, He saw a man who was blind from by, He saw a man who was blind from birth.birth.

Jesus had compassion on this man.Jesus had compassion on this man. Jesus restored sight to this man.Jesus restored sight to this man. Later the Jewish leaders were making an Later the Jewish leaders were making an

inquiry of this event.inquiry of this event.


John 9:20-23 (NKJV)John 9:20-23 (NKJV) - His parents - His parents answered them and said, “We know that answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but by what means he now sees we do 21 but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.” speak for himself.”


22 His parents said these 22 His parents said these thingsthings because because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed agreed already that if anyone confessed thatthat He He waswas Christ, he would be put out of the Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23Therefore his parents said, synagogue. 23Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”“He is of age; ask him.”


Another Human Loyalty is Family Another Human Loyalty is Family Tradition and Relationships Tradition and Relationships (1 Peter 1:18, Mt 10:21-22, 34-39)(1 Peter 1:18, Mt 10:21-22, 34-39)


1 Peter 1:18 (NKJV)1 Peter 1:18 (NKJV) - knowing that you - knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, were not redeemed with corruptible things, likelike silver or gold, from your aimless silver or gold, from your aimless conduct conduct receivedreceived by tradition from your by tradition from your fathers, fathers,


Matthew 10:21-22 (NKJV)Matthew 10:21-22 (NKJV) - “Now brother - “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father will deliver up brother to death, and a father hishis child; and children will rise up against child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. will be saved.


Matthew 10:34-39 (NKJV)Matthew 10:34-39 (NKJV) - “Do not think - “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to have come to ‘set‘set a man against his father, a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’;law’; 36 and 36 and ‘a man’s enemies will be those ‘a man’s enemies will be those of hisof his ownown household.’household.’


37 He who loves father or mother more 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.find it.


Some questions:Some questions: Why might a parent be deeply hurt if a child Why might a parent be deeply hurt if a child

left the church in which he was raised?left the church in which he was raised? How would they handle a disagreement How would they handle a disagreement

about the Bible?about the Bible?

ConclusionConclusion

Our hearts are supposed to be seeking God.Our hearts are supposed to be seeking God. We are human and human things get in the We are human and human things get in the

way.way. We need to seek to become spiritually We need to seek to become spiritually

minded.minded. Thus we need to overcome these roadblocks Thus we need to overcome these roadblocks

discussed this lesson.discussed this lesson.

Documents

Matters Of The Heart n Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. n Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with