Heart - Fix the Inside!
Heart - Fix
the Inside!
The physical heart is a muscular organ which maintains life by pumping blood through the body. But in our lesson we are dealing with the spiritual heart which is the seat of life and strength—the mind, soul, spirit, will—one’s entire emotional nature and understanding.
A treasure is “something of great worth, precious.”
Wisdom, knowledge of sins forgiven, and the hope of a heavenly home.
The verse points out the good man- the saved man-brings forth from his heart these good things.
How is this accomplished? The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is also an important part of this good treasure that is to be displayed and lived before men.
Treasure: - something of great worth or value - very valuable things - a very valuable or cherished item
– Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance
Faith
The Word of God
Humility
Gratitude
Mercy and Forgiveness
Holiness: Purity of Thought
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
“A heart stored with love will speak words that heal rather than wound.”
“Where love is treasured within, kindness will flow without.”
“Love in the heart becomes grace on the lips.”
“A believing heart stores promises and spends them in times of need.”
“When faith fills the treasury of the soul, fear finds no room.”
“The heart that treasures God’s Word will overflow with truth.”
“What is stored in the soul will surface in speech.”
“Where pride is absent, peace is present.”
“Humility within guards the tongue from harshness.”
“Gratitude stored in the heart produces praise on the lips.”
“Thanksgiving turns ordinary words into worship.”
“Forgiveness treasured within frees both speaker and hearer.”
“Grace in the heart becomes gentleness in conversation.”
“When the inner treasury is clean, the outward life is consistent.”
“Holiness in the heart safeguards honesty in the mouth.”
“Guard the treasury within, and the fruit without will be good.”
“What we store daily in the heart determines what we speak continually.”
What qualifies as a treasure in my heart?
How can something be a treasure even without being a material object?
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Jesus said that evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness, come from within the evil man.
A discussion can center around the contrast between these evil things and the good things mentioned in the previous question.
It is easy to see that these evil things correspond to the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21).
The Apostle said that they who do such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
You can never be the person you want to be, if you are what you used to be
Without change, there is no Christianity
Corruption from within leads to slip of tongue and actions
Evil Thoughts, Murders, Adulteries and Fornications, Thefts, False Witness
Blasphemies, Idolatry and False Worship, Envying, Covetousness
Drunkenness and Excesses
Romans 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
Evil Thoughts
“An unguarded heart breeds thoughts that defile before deeds ever form.”
“Sin begins in the soil of the mind before it appears in the life.”
“Where Christ does not rule, evil reasoning will.”
“Hatred harbored within is violence in seed form.”
“Anger unrestrained in the heart prepares the way for destruction.”
“The hand acts only after the heart consents.”
“Impurity cherished in secret becomes sin practiced in public.”
“A divided heart cannot produce faithful living.”
“Lust within corrupts love without.”
“A deceitful heart cannot long maintain truthful speech.”
“When truth is not treasured within, lies flow freely without.”
“The tongue reveals the treasury of the soul.”
“Whatever rules the heart becomes its god.”
“An unconverted heart bows easily to lesser masters.”
“When God is displaced within, idols arise without.”
“A restless heart will crave what belongs to another.”
“Envy reveals dissatisfaction with God’s providence.”
“Covetous desire is theft conceived in secret.”
“The flesh seeks escape where the Spirit would offer strength.”
“Excess is often the symptom of an empty soul.”
“Where self rules, restraint fades.”
If the heart is not shaped by confession and belief unto righteousness, the mouth and life reveal unreconciled patterns-speech and actions may flow from fear, pride, or deception rather than truth and righteousness.
Confession and faith transform the heart, which then produces righteous words and deeds.
Is your heart transformed indeed?
Why are you struggling with repeated sins and temptations?
-Confession and believing unto salvation is the answer
These verses tell us that we must confess our sins and believe in Jesus Christ with our hearts, in order to be saved.
This initial experience is the basis for a righteous life.
Believing in Christ and obeying Christ are practically synonymous in Scripture. Many people in the world claim that they have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and therefore have the hope of eternal life, but they do not obey His commandments.
Believing with the Heart
Confessing with the Mouth
Abiding and Obedience
Doing the Will of the Father
Matthew 7:21-23 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
1 John 2:17 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Acts 16:30–31 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Romans 10:9–10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Ephesians 2:8–9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
“Salvation begins in the heart before it is spoken by the lips.”
“To believe unto righteousness is to trust wholly in the risen Christ.”
“Faith is not mere knowledge—it is surrender of the soul.”
“The heart must rely on what God has done through Christ.”
“Confession is faith made visible.”
“To confess Jesus as Lord is to yield to His rule.”
“The mouth declares what the heart has embraced.”
“Obedience is the evidence of genuine faith.”
“A saved heart produces a submitted life.”
“Profession without practice is empty before God.”
“Love for God is proven by living according to His will.”
“Eternal life belongs to those who walk in His ways.”
Salvation begins with inward trust in who Jesus is and what He accomplished, not merely outward actions:
Do I truly trust Jesus as Lord in the core of my being, not just in my head?
- How does my daily life reflect the conviction that Jesus is Lord over all?
Cultivate a personal, heartfelt trust in Jesus through prayer, study, and active obedience.
The three key words to a successful search for God are “all your heart.”
God does not turn away any who seek and search for Him with all their hearts.
“all” – All of you – no reservations or grey areas
“your” – It begins with you
“heart” – The very essence of your being
Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
2 Chronicles 15:12 And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;
Psalm 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
“God is not found through half-hearted seeking, but through wholehearted surrender.”
“The heart divided will never discover the God who demands the whole.”
“When God has all your heart, you will surely find Him.”
“It is not the brilliance of the mind, but the fullness of the heart, that finds God.”
“A casual search yields casual results; a wholehearted search finds the Lord.”
“God’s promise to be found is attached to the condition of an undivided heart.”
“To seek God with all your heart is to seek Him above all else.”
“The measure of your search determines the measure of your discovery.”
“When the heart is fully engaged, heaven responds.”
“Total devotion unlocks divine revelation.”
God requires intimate, wholehearted pursuit rather than shallow or partial searching:
- Am I giving God my whole focus, or am I engaging with distractions (career, relationships, success)?
- What would wholehearted devotion look like in my daily routine?
Create a daily practice (prayer, Scripture, silence) that prioritizes undivided attention to God; identify and remove hindrances that divide your heart.
God responds to a sincere, longing heart, not just external religious behaviors:
- Are my spiritual habits evidence of an internal desire for God, or just routine?
- How can I cultivate a deeper hunger for God that drives every action?
Activate regular prayer and Bible reading with moments of honest self-examination and longing for God’s presence.
The promise of finding God is tied to persistent, earnest seeking:
- How do I respond when God seems silent or distant?
- What practical steps help me stay faithful in the long season of seeking Him?
Develop a habit of sustained, patient pursuit in scheduled devotion times, faithful service and continual Scripture meditation, even when progress feels slow.
Seeking God with all your heart naturally includes turning away from unhelpful paths and aligning life with His ways:
- Are there places where my life contradicts what I’m seeking from God?
What needs to change?
- How does repentance shape the way I seek God and experience His presence?
Identify areas of commitment to obedience this week, and pursue them as a concrete expression of a heart fully seeking God.
11 And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?
Saul. God gave him a new heart, and the Spirit came upon him and he prophesied.
As a result of this new heart, Saul could be used of God.
God changed his heart
The Spirit of God came upon him
He prophesied among the prophets, showing a supernatural empowerment.
Ezekiel 36:26–27 “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you…
And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes…”
Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Philippians 2:13 “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
“Whom God calls, He equips.”
“A changed heart is the beginning of a changed life.”
“The Spirit’s power can turn an ordinary man into an instrument of God.”
“God’s anointing brings transformation that others can see.”
“Is Saul also among the prophets?” - a proverb born from unexpected spiritual change.
The inner transformation enables a person to step into God’s calling and fulfill His purposes, not just rely on outward credentials:
- Am I open to God’s transforming work that prepares me for His assignment?
- How do I cultivate receptivity to God’s choice and timing in my life?
Pray for a soft, receptive heart that welcomes God’s direction, even when it leads in new or unexpected directions.
God’s presence equips those He calls to fulfill His purposes beyond human ability: - Do I depend on God’s Spirit to equip me for the tasks He assigns?
Seek and rely on God’s empowering presence when facing new responsibilities or bold steps of faith.
How will I respond to public confirmation of God’s work in me?
- Am I prepared to lead in a way that honors God before others and remain accountable?
Embrace public signs of God’s calling with humility and integrity, and seek wise counsel as you step into service.
God’s purposes may unfold in ways that surprise people, challenging preconceived ideas about who is fit for service:
-How do I handle God’s supernatural and unusual manifestations in my calling?
Saul did not follow the Lord with all his heart.
He disobeyed a part of God’s command; he allowed rebellion and stubbornness to enter his heart (verse 23), therefore he sinned.
Though we may have been genuinely converted, unless we follow the Lord with all our hearts, we will miss the mark and lose our salvation.
Getting saved is easy, but you will need more to keep and sustain your salvation
Starting is good but ending well is best
A serious decline:
He disobeyed God’s clear command:
God instructed Saul to utterly destroy Amalek, yet he spared King Agag and the best of the spoil.
He admitted fear of the people:
He asked Samuel to honor him before the elders.
He was rejected as king: Because he rejected God’s word, God rejected him from being king.
Spiritual beginnings do not guarantee spiritual endings.
A changed heart can harden again through persistent disobedience.
Partial obedience is disobedience in God’s sight.
Religious activity cannot replace obedience.
Pride and fear of man can replace fear of God.
The Spirit’s filling must be maintained by continued submission.
A heart that turns from God’s Word loses spiritual authority and blessing.
Galatians 5:7“Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?”
Ezekiel 18:24 “But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity… all his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed… in them shall he die.”
Hebrews 10:38–39 “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”
2 Peter 2:20–21 “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.”
Luke 9:62 “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
1 Corinthians 9:27 “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
“Partial obedience is complete disobedience.”
“The fear of man brings a snare.”
“Yesterday’s anointing does not excuse today’s rebellion.”
“It is not how well we start, but how faithfully we finish.”
“When we reject God’s Word, we reject God’s rule.”
Partial obedience reveals a heart not fully surrendered to God:
- external show of religion cannot substitute for faithful submission.
- Are there areas in my life where I justify partial obedience to God?
- When command and convenience clash, which voice governs my choices?
Align every action with God’s explicit instruction, and repent quickly when personal preferences intrude on obedience.
Spiritual success can bring pride and blind us to spiritual harm:
-humility is crucial to sustain faithful leadership.
- Do I explain away disobedience by citing good motives or noble outcomes?
- Who can speak truth into my life when I’m tempted to rationalize sin?
Maintain accountability structures (trusted mentors, peer accountability) to keep conscience aligned with God’s will.
God’s favor is not guaranteed by past experiences alone:
- it rests on present faithfulness.
- Am I clinging to past spiritual experiences as a shield against current disobedience?
- How do I respond when God’s current direction contradicts past victories or reputations?
Stay in step with God daily; let present obedience determine ongoing leadership and blessing.
God desires a heart that is fully surrendered in obedience:
- not ceremonial or ritual compliance without inner transformation.
- Do I view church activity, or religious performance as enough without a corresponding heart of obedience?
- How might I cultivate a repentant attitude that yields genuine obedience when confronted with correction?
Prioritize a repentant, obedient heart over outward demonstrations; seek renewal of heart as the path to sustaining God’s favor.
Proverbs 4:24-27 24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
The words of our mouths, the things we look at, the path of our feet.
This emphasizes the importance of having our hearts right.
If our hearts are right, the other members will do what is right also.
Our heart is the central processing unit
The human senses are the inputs
What you input is what you get as output
When your input devices entered unacceptable content, let your heart reject it immediately – don’t process it
Speech, sight, and steps are outward expressions of inward character.
When the heart is right, behavior follows.
Our words reflect the condition of the heart.
A guarded heart produces truthful, pure, and gracious speech.
The Lips:
Closely connected to the mouth.
Controlled lips prevent deceit, gossip, and corrupt communication.
The Eyes:
Focused vision suggests moral and spiritual concentration.
A guarded heart avoids wandering into temptation.
The Eyelids:
Symbolizes fixed attention and discipline.
We are instructed to look straight ahead with purpose.
The Feet:
Our walk (conduct and life direction) is directed by the heart.
A guarded heart results in steady, righteous living.
Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.”
Luke 6:45 “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
Mark 7:21-23 “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”
Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
“Guard your heart, and your life will guard itself.”
“The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
“Right vision leads to right direction.”
“A pure heart produces a pure walk.”
“Control the heart, and you control the life.”
The heart’s condition overflows into what we say:
- keeping the heart vigilant helps guard the mouth and our conversations.
- Are my words lately reflective of a heart centered on God, or driven by anger, evil, or pride?
- How can I cultivate speech that builds others and honors God?
Practice thoughtful speech: pause before speaking, pray for guidance, and choose words that reflect a heart and mind of God.
Aligning the eyes with a righteous path; a guarded heart prevents drifting into harmful or misleading visuals, influences, or temptations:
- What are the steady refrains of my heart—what I fix my eyes on daily?
- How can I adjust media, relationships, and environments that pull me away from God’s way?
Set boundaries for what you look at and what you allow to capture your attention; choose visuals and companions that lead you toward God.
In what ways is my heart fully pursuing God, and where might it be divided?
- How can I align my priorities so that my hands, feet, eyes, and mouth reflect a heart devoted to God?
Create a practical plan to cultivate a heart fully aligned with God-regular confession, repentance, and a daily rhythm that directs every part of your life toward Him.
The first and great commandment is to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.
Love makes it easy
Salvation helps us to experience God’s divine love
The divine love is planted in our hearts
The divine love should be shed abroad – Abundant and overflowing
With all thy heart — complete devotion and affection.
With all thy soul — full surrender of life and being.
With all thy mind — wholehearted commitment in thought and understanding.
1. When He Has Our Whole Heart
No rival affections above Him.
He is first in our desires and priorities.
Our life, identity, and will are surrendered to Him.
We are willing to follow Him at any cost.
Our thoughts are shaped by His Word.
We seek to understand and obey His truth.
Obedience becomes joyful, not forced.
Worship is genuine, not mechanical.
Decisions are guided by His will, not merely personal preference.
Loyalty remains steady in trials.
Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Jeremiah 29:13 (And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
Proverbs 4:23 “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
Psalm 63:8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
The first and great Commandment:
“The greatest command is wholehearted love for God.”
“God does not ask for part of us, but all of us.”
“True religion begins with loving God supremely.”
“When love for God is first, everything else finds its place.”
“The heart that loves God fully will obey Him faithfully.”
“Christianity is not merely duty—it is devotion.”
“Complete love leaves no room for divided loyalty.”
“To love Christ fully is to hold nothing back.”
“When Jesus has the heart, He has the whole life.”
“Love measured in part is not the love He commands.”
“The test of love is not emotion, but devotion.”
“Wholehearted love produces wholehearted obedience.”
In what areas is my love for God divided ?
- How can I reorient daily life to reflect total devotion to God?
Create daily plans that elevate God above all competing loves and desires.
Do my choices reveal love for God as the organizing principle?
- Where am I tempted to separate “spiritual” life from everyday life?
Align decisions and actions with love for God, ensuring ethics, speech, and conduct reflect that devotion.
Which daily practice draws me toward deeper love for God?
- What habit can I add or strengthen this week to deepen devotion?
Establish a practical, sustainable routine that deepens your love for Him over time.
What desires or attachments would look different if God’s love ruled my heart?
Regularly examine your affections; practice self examination and prioritize keeping God first.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
Referring to Proverbs 3:5-9 will bring out the thought that we must trust Him with all our hearts; lean not to our own understanding; acknowledge Him in all we say and do; humble ourselves before Him and seek His wisdom; honor Him with our substance.
There can only be one driver at a time – Let God drive the affairs of your life
The power of choice: God will never force us on our choices – He advised to surrender
It is best to let God have full control of our lives
Give it back to God – Choose to hand over your choice power to God
Place full confidence in God’s character and promises.
Depend on Him even when circumstances are unclear.
Do not make human reasoning your final authority.
Submit your plans to God’s higher wisdom.
Include God in decisions—big and small.
Seek His will daily, not occasionally.
Maintain teachability and dependence.
Avoid pride and spiritual self-sufficiency.
Reverence for God shapes moral choices.
Turning from sin shows genuine surrender.
Dedicate possessions, finances, and resources to Him.
Recognize Him as the source of every blessing.
James 4:15 “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”
1 Peter 5:6 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”
Malachi 3:10 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
2 Corinthians 7:1 “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
“Trust is the language of a surrendered heart.”
“When self leans back, faith leans forward.”
“A life directed by God is a life consulted with God.”
“Pride blocks direction; humility invites it.”
“Reverence for God produces resistance to evil.”
“What we give to God reveals what we think of God.”
In what areas am I leaning on my own understanding more than God’s?
- How can I practice deeper trust when plans don’t line up with my expectations? Start each decision with prayerful reliance on God, asking Him to direct your steps and to reveal His perspective.
Which routine or habit could be better aligned with biblical wisdom?
- How can I invite God into the small, ordinary decisions as well as the big ones? Integrate a daily practice of seeking God’s guidance before acting.
Are there financial areas where fear or self-reliance hinder trust in God?
- How can I demonstrate dependence on God through budgeting, giving, and prudent stewardship?
Practice consistent giving, prioritize God’s kingdom, and use resources in ways that reflect reliance on His guidance.
Recognizing that God can direct through wise counsel, mentors, and Scripture leads to clearer paths:
- Am I open to guidance that may challenge my plans or preferences?
- Who are trusted, godly voices I should invite into my decision-making process? Build and sustain a circle of mature, faith-filled advisors; test their counsel against Scripture and prayer before acting.
Into my heart,
Into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.
Come in today, come in to stay,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.
He's in my heart,
He's in my heart, Forever.
He's here today, he's here to stay,
He's in my heart, Forever.
@AFM SEARCH LESSON 79
Comments
Post a Comment