Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:18-23
The Hidden Person of the Heart
(Part 1)
Intro.
1. Parable of the sower and the soils: The heart and God’s word.
2. NT describes many hearts; A collage of conditions.
3. Do we know ourselves? 2 Cor. 13:5
a. What is the condition of your heart?
b. God knows and tests “the hidden person of the heart” (1 Pet. 3:4), Acts 1:24; 1 Thess. 2:4.
I. THE HEART BOUND UP IN SIN.
A. Foolish, Rom. 1:21.
B. Blind and Darkened, Eph. 4:18.
C. Slow, Luke 24:25-27.
D. Dull and Insensitive, Matt. 13:15 (far from God, Matt. 15:8-9).
1. Hard, Heb. 3:8.
2. Without understanding and spiritual perception, Mark 8:16-17.
3. Resists truth, Matt. 19:8.
4. Unbelief, Mark 16:14.
5. Impenitent, Rom. 2:5.
6. Uncircumcised (insensitive), Acts 7:51.
E. Lustful and Fattened, Rom. 1:24; James 5:5.
II. THE HEART THAT LEADS TO CONVERSION.
A. Lowly, Matt. 11:28-30. Like Jesus, humble hearts are blessed.
B. Pricked (Cut) by the Truth, Acts 2:37; cf. Heb. 4:12.
1. Open, fair-minded, Acts 17:11.
2. Contrast: Furious (cut to the quick), enraged, Acts 5:33; 7:54.
C. Consumed (burning), from Sorrow to Joy, Luke 24:32; John 16:6, 22.
D. Obedient, Rom. 6:17-18.
Conclusion
1. Your heart condition will help or hinder your salvation in Christ, Rom. 10:9-10; 2:4-5.
2. Trust and obey the Lord today.
Go to Part 2
By: Joe R. Price
Posted May 12, 2021