Additional Passages that Relate to the Heart (Proverbs 4:23)
Introduction:
1. In Proverbs 4:23 a very important responsibility is revealed -- "keeping the heart." a. Keep: to guard, to protect b. "Keeping the heart" is something we are to do "with all diligence." c. We must keep our hearts with all diligence because "the issues of life" proceed forth from the heart. 2. This morning we examined the Lord's teaching in the Gospels that will help us to keep our hearts. 3. This evening we are studying "additional passages that relate to the heart." 4. The fact that the Bible has so much to say about the heart ought to impress us with the importance of keeping our hearts with all diligence. Discussion: I. ADDITIONAL PASSAGES IN PROVERBS
A. Several verses indicate that the condition of our hearts affects our physical and spiritual wellbeing. 1. (14:30) "A sound heart" is healthy, but a heart that suffers from a disease, such as envy, is unhealthy. 2. "A merry heart" will have a positive effect upon the disposition (15:13a, 15b; 17:22a). B. Several other verses indicate that the way we think in our hearts will determine what we are (16:9a; 23:7a). II. PASSAGES IN THE PSALMS
A. (24:3-5) To be in good standing with God, the heart must be pure (Matthew 5:8). B. (44:21) God knows our hearts. C. We must allow God to search our hearts (26:2; 139:23-24). D. God can cleanse our hearts (51:10). III. PASSAGES IN THE EPISTLES
A. We must allow Christ to dwell in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17). B. We must allow the peace of God to keep our hearts (Philippians 4:6-8). C. We must allow God's peace to rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15). D. We must not allow our hearts to become hardened (Hebrews 3:12-13). Conclusion:
1. The Bible certainly has much to say about the heart as well as keeping it. 2. Let us allow Solomon to illustrate the importance of keeping our hearts with all diligence. a. When he was young, Solomon was very careful to keep his heart, and God blessed him abundantly. b. Unfortunately, as he grew older Solomon did not take care of his heart, and he paid a high price for it (1 Kings 11:4, 9). 3. Let us pay careful attention to the instructions that God has given in His Word -- they are the keys to keeping our hearts.
