Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart (Psalm 139:23-24)
Introduction:
1. The heart is a symbol that is associated with Valentine's Day that is being observed tomorrow. 2. Perhaps this is a good time to study the first part of David's request in these verses -- "Search me, O God, and know my heart." 3. Both the Old and New Testaments emphasize the importance of having a heart that has God's approval. 4. Let us begin by pointing out how . . . Discussion: I. THE OLD TESTAMENT ADDRESSES SPECIFIC ISSUES THAT INVOLVE THE HEART, INCLUDING:
A. loving God (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37-38) B. believing in God (Psalm 14:1) C. trusting God (Proverbs 3:5-6) D. having a cheerful countenance (Proverbs 15:13a) E. our thinking (Proverbs 23:7a). II. THE NEW TESTAMENT ADDRESSES SPECIFIC ISSUES THAT INVOLVE THE HEART, INCLUDING:
A. our speech (Matthew 12:34-35) B. our forgiveness of others (Matthew 18:35) C. bearing fruit (Luke 8:15) D. believing that Jesus is God's Son (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38) E. cleaving to the Lord (Acts 11:23) F. our obedience (Romans 6:17-18) G. our giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) H. our singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) I. our love for one another (1 Peter 1:22). Conclusion:
1. Let us follow David's example and ask God to search our hearts on a regular basis. 2. After studying these passages from the Old and New Testaments, let us also appreciate Solomon's admonition in Proverbs 4:23.
