“KEEP THY HEART WITH

ALL DILIGENCE”

A STUDY OF THE HEART

Solomon long ago recognized the importance of having the right

kind of heart. (Prov. 4:23)

• This determines what a man is. (Prov. 23:7)

–Functions of the heart:

•Thinks, (Mt. 9:4);

•Reasons, (Mk. 2:8);

•Understands, (Jn. 12:40)

• Loves, (Mt. 22:37);

•Will, purposes, (2 Cor. 9:7).

• Here is that which God looks on: the basis of judgment. (I Sam. 16:7; Lk. 16:15)

KEEP THY H-E-A-R-T.• H -- ONEST: (LK. 8:15)

– Essential to acceptable character. • What does it mean to have an honest heart?

– Free from prejudice. Context of passage---reason for parables. (v. 10)

– Many factors causing prejudice: As Jews, zeal for religious cause resulted in blindness. (2 Cor. 3:14);

– Broad minded, shocked when hear narrow truth; prejudiced by ill reports, (Acts 28:22); "loaded" words, etc.

• Will make change, bring life into harmony with truth.– Note example of lawyer. (Lk. 10:29)

– Contrast attitude of Saul of Tarsus. "All good conscience." Left all when shown wrong.

– Mark of sincerity.

• Because one has had an honest heart doesn't mean such will continue.

• Must continue to guard diligently

KEEP THY H-E-A-R-T.

• E -- ARNEST: (ZEALOUS, SINCERE, INTENSE, EXCITED, AROUSED.)

–Fervent spirit to please God. (Rom. 12:11)

•Religion must be real, not play. (I Cor. 9:26,27)

•Must keep the heart "stirred up." Zeal can be stimulated. Must learn how such done.

– Possible to lose zeal. (Rev. 3:19)

• Things which cause zeal to grow cold. Must learn what they are and avoid. (see Mt. 24:12)

KEEP THY H-E-A-R-T.• A -- FFECTIONS: (MENTAL STATE OR

TENDENCY, DISPOSITION, TENDER FEELINGS.)

– Those who are risen with Christ are to set affections on things above. (Col. 3:1-3)• Mind, thinking set on things which enable us to

go to heaven.

– Must guard carefully lest mind goes back to earthly things as Israelites went back in their hearts to Egypt. (Acts 7:39)• Drawn to object of affections.

– Live in flesh: strong appeal to satisfy desires. (see Col. 3:5).

– No provision to be made for flesh to fulfill lust. (Rom. 12:14)

– No plans for "just in case." (illus., "Smoker" who quits, but keeps package around.)

• Setting mind, affections on things above enables to overcome fleshly lust.

KEEP THY H-E-A-R-T.• R -- EVERENT: (To regard with deep respect, affection, honor, deference." To stand in awe before God. "Keep silence

before Him.")

– When come to obey God, this sense present. Desire to do will, hallow name.

• Must serve with reverence. (Heb. 12:28)

• Must guard else heart be lifted up with pride. (see I Tim. 3:6)

– "Familiarity" with sacred things: let things designed to promote spiritual growth become "common place." (see Mal. 1:7-13)

• Lack of effort to serve God: laziness of mind.

– Must be aware of Gods presence. (see Isa. 6)

KEEP THY H-E-A-R-T.• T -- ENDER:

–Like an artist who could not look on a bad painting without it affecting him.

• Josiah. (2 Kings 22:19) Tender heart, humbled self.

– Heart that can be easily shaped, molded by truth, sensitivity, submissivness.

•Must guard lest heart becomes hardened. (Heb. 3:13)

– Must repent when find to be in error, or hardened, conscience seared.

• Tender heart will not resent truth; known for own good.

IN CONCLUSION• H -- ONEST: (LK. 8:15)

• E -- ARNEST: (ZEALOUS, SINCERE,

INTENSE, EXCITED, AROUSED.)

• A -- FFECTIONS: (MENTAL STATE OR

TENDENCY, DISPOSITION, TENDER

FEELINGS.)

• R -- EVERENT: (To regard with deep

respect, affection, honor, deference."

To stand in awe before God. "Keep

silence before Him.")

• T -- ENDER: