Title: This is A Heart Problem

Foundational Scripture

It’s an honor to be here with you today. Pastor Mason has been leading us through an incredible series on the Sermon on the Mount. His last message, "Jesus on Anger," really pushed us to examine our hearts. Today, I want to keep that momentum going by talking about the condition of our hearts. We're going to dig into why it’s so crucial to ensure our hearts are in the right state and how we can make that happen.

Mark 7:14-23

14 When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: 15 There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. 16 If[f] anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!”

17 When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. 18 So He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, [g]thus purifying all foods?” 20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

Opening Pray

Opening Remarks

Mark chapter 7 provides significant insight into Jesus' teachings and interactions with the Pharisees, scribes, and the broader Jewish community. To understand the background of this chapter, it's important to consider the historical, cultural, and theological context in which it was written.

Historical and Cultural Context

Jewish Religious Practices:

During Jesus’ time, Jewish religious life was dominated by strict observance of the Torah (the Law of Moses) and additional oral traditions that the Pharisees upheld.Ritual purity was a significant aspect of Jewish law. These were Practices such as washing hands before eating, purifying utensils, and avoiding certain foods were meticulously observed to maintain ceremonial cleanliness.

Pharisees and Scribes:

They believed that their traditions helped interpret and apply the Torah to daily life.Scribes were experts in the Jewish law, often associated with the Pharisees. They were responsible for teaching, interpreting, and preserving the scriptures. The Scribes were also experts in legal matters.

Key Themes in Mark 7

Tradition vs. Commandment:

Jesus addresses the tension between human traditions and God's commandments. He criticizes the Pharisees and scribes for prioritizing human traditions over the direct commandments of God.

Purity and Defilement:

A significant portion of the chapter deals with what truly defiles a person. Jesus teaches that it is not external rituals but the internal condition of the heart that determines purity.

The condition of your heart will determine the direction of your life. I do not know what direction you are traveling in your life today, but the condition of your heart is the driver. I am not refer to the physical condition of your heart, I am referring the inner man, the part of you we can’t physical see until it follows out of you. I ‘am referring to the internal you. The condition of your heart will determine the direction of your life. The condition of heart determines where you are going in life.

Biblical Definition Of The Heart

1. Center of Emotions

The heart is often associated with feelings and emotions. It is seen as the seat of affection, love, joy, sorrow, and other emotional experiences.

Example: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). This verse emphasizes wholehearted trust in God, reflecting emotional reliance.

2. Center of Thoughts and Understanding

The heart is also the center of intellectual activity, including thoughts, understanding, and wisdom. It is where people reflect, ponder, and decide.

Example: "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). This suggests that a person's true nature and actions are shaped by their inner thoughts.

3. Center of Will and Intentions

The heart represents the seat of will and decision-making. It is where intentions and purposes are formed.

Example: "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart'" (1 Samuel 16:7). This emphasizes that God judges based on a person’s inner intentions and character.

4. Center of Moral and Spiritual Life

The heart is depicted as the source of moral and spiritual life, encompassing conscience, faith, and commitment to God.

Example: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). This beatitude highlights the importance of moral purity and sincerity in one's relationship with God.

5. Source of Good and Evil Actions

The heart is seen as the origin of both good and evil actions, influencing behavior and speech.

Example: "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). This underscores that actions and words stem from what is stored in the heart.

6. Object of God’s Attention and Transformation

God seeks to transform the heart, making it a key focus of His redemptive work. A transformed heart leads to a transformed life.

Example: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26). This prophetic promise points to inner renewal and transformation by God.

Summary

The heart is the center of a person's inner life. It is central to one's relationship with God and others, highlighting the importance of internal purity, sincere devotion, and the transformative work of God in the believer's life.

Before we get started, let me share a quick story with you. There was this famous violinist who owned a priceless violin. He took meticulous care of it, always keeping it clean, tuned, and protected. One day, someone asked him why he was so obsessive about it. He responded, “This violin produces the most beautiful music, but only if it is in perfect condition. If it’s neglected or damaged, it cannot fulfill its purpose.”

Our hearts are just like that violin. They need to be in the right condition to produce the beautiful music of a life that glorifies God. Let's dive into how we can achieve that.

Message Points

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Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Guarding our heart means being vigilant about what we allow into our minds and spirits. Imagine you're a security guard at a prestigious museum. You wouldn't let just anyone waltz in and touch the priceless artifacts, right? You'd be selective and cautious. Similarly, we must be careful about what we allow into our hearts. Research shows that the average person is exposed to around 5,000 advertisements daily, many of which promote values contrary to God's teachings. We must be mindful of these influences, choosing instead to fill our hearts with God's Word and positive, uplifting content.

Self-Examination: Regularly take time to examine your heart. Ask God to reveal any hidden sins or harmful attitudes that need to be addressed. King David's prayer in Psalm 139:23-24 is a great example: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

Example: A friend of mine, Sarah, used to struggle with jealousy. She constantly compared herself to others, which made her unhappy. After starting a daily practice of self-examination and prayer, she realized how this attitude was affecting her relationships. She began focusing on her blessings and strengths, and over time, her heart transformed, bringing more peace and joy into her life.

Prayer and Meditation: Spend time in prayer and meditation, asking God to purify your heart and align your desires with His will. Just as a gardener tends to their garden daily, we must tend to our hearts regularly.

Scripture Study: Immerse yourself in the Word of God. Let it renew your mind and transform your heart. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. The Bible is our guidebook for life, offering wisdom and direction for every situation we face.

Accountability: Find a trusted friend or mentor who can help you stay accountable in your spiritual journey. James 5:16 encourages us to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."

Four Action Steps For This Week

As we wrap up, let’s put into practice what we’ve learned:

Daily Reflection: Set aside time each day to reflect on the condition of your heart. Ask God to reveal areas that need healing or change.

Heart Check: Regularly ask yourself, “What am I allowing into my heart?” Be intentional about guarding your heart against negative influences.

Prayer and Worship: Engage in regular prayer and worship, inviting God to transform your heart.

Seek Support: Don’t walk this journey alone. Find someone you can trust to pray with you and hold you accountable.

Closing Prayer

Let us bow our heads in prayer.

Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts, asking for your grace and mercy. We acknowledge that our hearts are the wellspring of life, and we desire to guard them diligently. Search our hearts, O Lord, and reveal any offensive way within us. Purify our thoughts and align our desires with your will. Help us to meditate on your Word and fill our hearts with your truth. Strengthen us to resist the negative influences of this world and to seek after things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. Guide us in our daily walk, and may our lives reflect your love and righteousness. We thank you for your everlasting love and your unwavering faithfulness. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.