“Heart Check: What Really Makes You Right With God”

Matthew 15:10–20 KJV 1900

And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Text: Matthew 15:10-20

Main Idea: True defilement comes from the heart, not external actions. Sin originates within, and only a transformed heart can purify us.

Introduction: The Blind Spot That Changes Everything

Opening Story:

“Have you ever missed something big because of a blind spot? One time, I thought I was being helpful in a conversation with Heather (my wife), but she gave me that look—you know the one. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I was completely blind to how I came across. It hit me: I had a blind spot. And blind spots? They can cause damage. In life. In relationships. And especially in our faith.”

Tension:

• Many of us are blind to the biggest issue in our lives—our hearts. We focus on the surface: how we look, what we say, or what we do. But Jesus says the problem isn’t out there; it’s in here.

• Today, we’re going to uncover one of the most dangerous blind spots of all: thinking external actions make us right with God while ignoring what’s happening in our hearts.

Blind Spots in Our Faith

Text: Matthew 15:10-11

• Jesus says, “Hear and understand: It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; it’s what comes out.”

• He’s confronting a common mindset: if I do the right rituals, follow the right rules, or look the part, I’m good with God.

Illustration:

“Think about social media. You can post the perfect family photo—everyone smiling, looking like you have it all together. But what’s happening off-camera? Fights, frustrations, maybe even a little yelling to get everyone in place! Just because something looks good doesn’t mean it is good.”

Matthew 12:34 KJV 1900

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Connection:

• In the same way, we can perform religious rituals and look good to others but still have blind spots in our hearts. Jesus is telling us: it’s not about appearances; it’s about what’s inside.

Application:

• Ask yourself: Am I more focused on managing how I look on the outside than on letting God change me on the inside?

Because living with blind spots in our faith will limit our ability to live a full life for Christ.

Leave What’s Not Yours to Fix

Text: Matthew 15:12-14

• Jesus says, “Every plant my Father hasn’t planted will be uprooted. Let them alone.”

• The disciples were worried about offending the Pharisees, but Jesus says, “Leave them. They’re blind guides.”

Big Truth:

• Sometimes, we waste energy trying to change what’s not ours to fix. Jesus reminds us to focus on what God is doing and trust Him to handle the rest.

Illustration:

“Have you ever tried to fix someone else? Maybe it’s your spouse, your kids, or even a coworker. You think, ‘If I just tell them this or do that, they’ll change.’ But here’s the problem: You’re not the Holy Spirit. God didn’t call you to fix people; He called you to love them.”

Connection:

• Jesus tells us to trust God with what’s not ours to change. Focus on your own heart, and let Him handle the rest.

Application:

• This week, let go of the urge to control or fix others. Instead, ask God, “What do you want to change in me?”

The Heart of the Matter

Text: Matthew 15:18-20

• Jesus gets to the root of the issue: “What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.”

• Our biggest problem isn’t external—it’s internal. It’s not what we eat, wear, or say. It’s the condition of our hearts.

Illustration:

“Imagine drinking water from a bottle that looks clean on the outside but has dirt at the bottom. No matter how clean the water going in is, it comes out dirty. The problem isn’t the water—it’s the bottle. That’s what Jesus is saying about our hearts. If your heart is unclean, it will affect everything in your life.”

Big Truth:

• The heart is the source of our struggles, but here’s the good news: Jesus doesn’t just point out the problem. He offers the solution.

Application:

• Be honest with God about your heart. Ask Him, “What’s coming out of my life that reveals what’s really in my heart?”

The Hope of a Transformed Heart

Text: Matthew 15:19

• Sin comes from the heart—evil thoughts, envy, pride—but Jesus specializes in heart transformation.

Big Truth:

• Jesus doesn’t just clean up the outside; He changes us from the inside out. When He transforms your heart, everything changes—your words, actions, and relationships.

Illustration:

“Think of a sculptor. They see a rough block of marble, but they also see what it can become. They chip away at the imperfections to reveal the masterpiece inside. That’s what Jesus does with us. He takes our broken, messy hearts and transforms them into something beautiful.”

Connection:

• You don’t have to fix your heart on your own. Jesus does the work—you just need to surrender.

Application:

• Pray daily for God to transform your heart. Ask Him to reveal blind spots and to shape you into the person He’s called you to be.

Conclusion: A Challenge to Surrender

Illustration:

“Years ago, I thought being a good pastor meant working harder and doing more. But God revealed my blind spot: I was so focused on the doing that I neglected the being. When I surrendered, He transformed my heart, and everything changed—my leadership, my relationships, my life.”

Challenge:

1. Identify one blind spot in your life this week.

2. Surrender it to God in prayer.

3. Trust Him to work on your heart from the inside out.

Closing Thought:

“True defilement doesn’t come from what’s outside—it comes from the heart. But here’s the hope: Jesus transforms hearts. And when your heart changes, your life changes.”

Prayer:

“God, reveal the blind spots in our lives. Show us where we’ve been focused on the outside instead of the inside. Transform our hearts, purify us, and make us more like You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”