Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:18-23

Part 1 Part 2

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