why we must keep our hearts with all diligence (proverbs 4:23)
Introduction:
1. This morning we showed how "the Lord requires and blesses diligence." 2. We examined 3 specific activities that require diligence. 3. This evening we are concentrating on "why we must keep our hearts with all diligence." 4. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion:
I. GOD KNOWS THE CONDITION OF OUR HEARTS
A. We learn from Jeremiah 17:10 that the Lord searches the heart. B. We learn further from Psalm 44:21 that God knows "the secrets of the heart." C. Since God knows the condition of our hearts it would behoove us to ask Him to examine our hearts so they will please Him (Psalm 139:23-24). D. One reason why must keep our hearts with all diligence is that God knows the condition of our hearts. E. Another reason is that "out of it are the issues of life." F. We learn from the Scriptures that . . . II. NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES AND ISSUES INVOLVE THE HEART
A. Passages in the Old Testament teach that the heart is to be involved in: 1. loving God (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37-38) 2. believing in God (Psalm 14:1) 3. trusting God (Proverbs 3:5-6) 4. having a cheerful countenance (Proverbs 15:13a) 5. our thinking (Proverbs 23:7a). B. Passages in the New Testament teach that the heart is to be involved in: 1. our speech (Matthew 12:34-35) 2. our forgiveness of others (Matthew 18:35) 3. bearing fruit (Luke 8:15) 4. believing that Jesus is God's Son (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38) 5. cleaving to the Lord (Acts 11:23) 6. our obedience (Romans 6:17-18) 7. our giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) 8. our singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) 9. our love for one another (1 Peter 1:22). Conclusion:
1. Solomon gave an important word of instruction in Proverbs 4:23. 2. Let us ask the Lord to examine our hearts regularly. 3. Let us adopt the request that David made in Psalm 19:14.
