1. According to 2 Peter 3:18, growing in the knowledge of Christ is an important spiritual activity. 2. To achieve this growth we must search the Scriptures (John 5:39). 3. In this lesson we are concentrating on the Lord's teaching concerning "the heart" [the inner part of us that is the center of our thoughts, our feelings, and our affections]. Discussion: I. THE LORD'S TEACHING IN MATTHEW
A. Jesus taught in the Beatitudes that a special blessing is in store for those who are pure in heart (5:8). B. Adultery may be committed in the heart (5:27-28). C. The location of a person's treasure is where his heart will be (6:19-21). D. A person's words are an indication of his heart's condition (12:34-37). E. The heart is to be involved in forgiveness (18:35). F. God is to be loved with all the heart (22:35-38). II. THE LORD'S TEACHING IN MARK
A. Sin originates in the heart (7:20-23). B. Jesus does not approve of "hardness of heart" (16:14). III. THE LORD'S TEACHING IN LUKE
A. To hear God's Word properly a person must have "an honest and good heart" (8:15, 18a). B. God knows the condition of our hearts (16:15). IV. THE LORD'S TEACHING IN JOHN
A. A hard heart prevents belief (12:37-41; Isaiah 6:9-10). B. Jesus provides help for the troubled heart (14:1, 27).
