The Heart 1
Stephen emphasizes the importance of the heart in our relationship with God, highlighting that God desires a deep, heart-to-heart connection rather than superficial interactions. He references several scriptures, including Proverbs 4:23, which instructs us to guard our hearts, as they are the source of life. Stephen explains that God looks beyond outward appearances and focuses on the heart, which is central to our spiritual well-being. He discusses how the heart encompasses our conscience, mind, will, and emotions, serving as a link between our spirit and soul. The heart's condition affects our ability to receive and express God's life within us. Stephen warns that a hardened heart can block spiritual growth and emphasizes the need for regular self-examination and openness to God's voice. He encourages believers to turn their hearts to the Lord, allowing Him to transform and fill them with His love. Ultimately, loving God with all our heart is essential for spiritual vitality and the ability to impact others positively.
- Importance of the heart in spiritual life
- Scriptural references emphasizing heart condition
- Heart as the link between spirit and soul
- Consequences of a hardened heart
- Need for self-examination and openness to God
- Encouragement to love God with all our heart
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
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.
16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
