AM Scripture Reading: Psalm 24.1-6

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

“Bless Your Heart”

(Psalm 24.3-5)

Introduction:

1. David ponders who it is that can approach God and maintain a blessed relationship with Him. (Psa. 24.3-5)
2. In the Bible, the “heart” [Hebrew: lev & Greek: kardia] is that which is central to man.
   1. God looks at the heart, not merely the outward appearance. (1 Sam. 13.14; 16.7; cf., Acts 13.22)
   2. The condition of one’s heart indicates one’s true spiritual condition. (Prov. 4.23; 23.7; 27.19)
3. What do we need to know about the heart?

CRITICAL HEART PROBLEMS AMONG US

1. It started in the Garden of Eden, digressing to the point that God was sorry He made man! (Gen. 3 > 4 > 6.5-8)
2. What’s the problem?
   1. Again, it can be deceitful. (Jer. 17.9-10)
   2. It can harbor multiple forms of evil. (Matt. 15.10-20)
   3. It can be extremely selfish. (Acts 8.18-23)
3. Spiritual heart disease is curable!
   1. David needed a “clean heart” (Psa. 51.10).
   2. “Blessed are the pure in heart…” (Matt. 5.8).
   3. We must be born again! (1 Pet. 1.22-23)

AFFECTING & CONDITIONING THE HEART

1. “Our hearts melted…” (Josh. 2.11; cf., Josh. 5.1).
2. The “noble and good heart…” (Luke 8.15).
3. “Did not our heart burn within us…?” (Luke 24.32).
4. “Cut to the heart…” (Acts 2.37 & Acts 7.54)
   1. Acts 2.37 – [Katanussō: “to pain the mind” (Thayer); “used of strong emotion” (Vine).]
   2. Acts 7.54 – [Diapriō: “to be sawn thoroughly; to be rent with vexation” (Ibid).]
   3. Which of theses “hearts” represents our own heart?
   4. “Obey from the heart that form of doctrine…” (Rom. 6.17).
   5. How did the Romans do this? (Rom. 6.1-7, 15-18)
   6. As did the 3,000 Jews in Jerusalem! (Acts 2.37-41)

Conclusion: I want God to “bless my heart” – don’t you?