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The Psalms 31
Introduction: 1. According to Luke 24:44, the Psalms are part of the Old Testament Scriptures. 2. Consequently, the Psalms "were written for our learning" (Romans 15:4). 3. By studying the Psalms we will gain knowledge on a wide variety of subjects, including "the heart" [the inner part of man that is the center of our thoughts, feelings, and affections]. 4. In our lesson we are examining a number of passages from the Psalms and other books of the Bible that provide much needed information concerning our hearts. Discussion: I. PASSAGES FROM THE PSALMS A. To be in good standing with God, we must have pure hearts (24:3-4). B. God knows our hearts (44:21). C. We must allow God to search our hearts (26:2; 139:23-24). D. God can cleanse our hearts (Psalm 51:10). II. PASSAGES FROM PROVERBS A. The heart is to be "kept" [guarded, protected] diligently (4:23). B. The condition of the heart affects our physical and spiritual wellbeing. 1. "A sound heart" [a clear conscience] is healthy, but a heart suffering from a disease such as envy is unhealthy (14:30). 2. "A merry heart" has a positive effect upon the disposition (15:13, 15; 17:22). C. The way we think in our hearts will determine what we are (16:9; 23:7). III. PASSAGES FROM MATTHEW A. Having a pure heart is a requirement for seeing God (5:8). B. A person's treasure will be where his heart is (6:21). C. A person's words come forth from his heart (12:34-37). D. All sins originate in the heart (15:18-20). IV. PASSAGES FROM THE EPISTLES A. We must allow Christ to dwell in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17a). B. We must allow the peace of God to keep our hearts (Philippians 4:7-8). 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). E. We must have the right kind of wisdom in our hearts (James 3:14-18). | ||