"GOD KNOWS YOUR HEART"
Intro: This thought may bring you comfort or uneasiness. In the scriptures
the heart represents that deepest area of your being. As the mind
is considered the seat of the soul, so the heart is considered
the seat of the spirit.
I. GOD IS INTERESTED IN YOUR HEART, HE WANTS YOU TO GIVE YOUR HEART TO
HIM.
A. Knowledge is in the area of the mind.
1. You may know the right things & not be saved.
2. Just as you may know all about parachutes.
a. You may know how to fold them.
b. The aerodynamic principles involved.
c. You may strap one on your back & leap out of a plane at 12,000 feet.
d. That parachute strapped to your back can't save you unless you now
act.
e. On your chest is a rip cord, what are you going to do about it?
1. There's always the remote chance that when you pull it
nothing will happen.
2. Many doubts may fill your mind.
3. What if at this point, because of the fear of possible
failure you decide not to try it. Does that make
sense?
3. Knowledge alone cannot save you. You must act on right
knowledge.
1. From knowledge comes belief, but belief even correct
belief alone cannot save.
a. You may believe in God.
b. You may believe in Jesus Christ.
c. You may understand the atonement and death by
substitution.
2. The scripture speaks of believing in your heart.
a.. What is the difference between believing in
your mind & believing in your heart?
1. You can believe in your mind & never
act.
2. The heart is the area of your will.
3. This is where actions are prompted.
4. When you give your heart to something,
you give your whole self.
5. Purpose & will are now involved.
II. GOD COUNTS WHAT IS IN THE HEART.
A. The action may not be fulfilled.
1. David in his heart had purposed to build the temple.
a. Because of his over all actions, God
restrained him.
b. "Whereas it was in your heart you did well
that it was in your heart" vs. 18.
2. Abraham was called upon to sacrifice his son.
a. God never intended the action to be
consummated.
b. When there was no doubt that Abraham was
willing to give God his dearest treasure,
God counted it done and did not require it.
3. Cheryl's serious illness.
B. Our weak flesh also hinders proper actions at times.
1. Romans 7.
2. Jesus to Peter "The spirit indeed is willing."
Ill. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART THIS DAY.
A. Have you given your heart to God?
1. He would rather your attitude be right & your actions
wrong than your actions right and your attitude wrong.
B. God knows your heart today.
Be the first to react on this!
Chuck Smith (1927 - 2013)
Pastor Chuck was used in the Jesus People revival where he was used along with others to minister to the hippy young people. They saw a work of the Spirit where many were added to the church and discipled. He has raised up many pastors who are a part of the Calvary Chapel movement now and where he pastors the large Costa Mesa church in California.The Calvary Chapel movement is based of simple principles that Chuck Smith taught over the years such as: The priority of agape love, Simple fellowship amongst the saints, the breaking of bread, the teaching of God's word chapter by chapter and verse by verse. And lastly and most importantly the principle not by might nor by power but by my spirit saith the Lord.