10.1.17
"Power to Heal Diseased Hearts"
TRUTHS:
1. Jesus did not sacrificially offer up His life simply so people would behave better. The gospel message seeks to lead us to a "heart transplant." Upon birth, the human heart is diseased and possesses the potential for evil and God-belittling behavior. Although many people perceive themselves as good, Scripture teaches us that God views the human heart as fallen, seeing the potential evil that is present in all of humanity.
2. Many people find it difficult to accept the reality that the biblical narrative presents us concerning humanity's fallen and deceitful hearts. They would never consider that their hearts are wicked--feeling as if they are righteous because they refrain from committing the obvious evil sins that are mentioned in biblical lists. But we must consider that whether one commits those sins or avoids them, often depends on the circumstances they have to deal with and the environment they live in.
3. By revealing the truth about the human heart, God is seeking to remove two types of thinking: (1) that our own goodness is the standard for righteousness and is capable of making us acceptable to God, and (2) no person is better or above others.
4. Followers of Jesus don't change their behavior in order to gain God's love and acceptance. Their behavior changes as a result of receiving God's love and acceptance through the gospel. The Holy Spirit regenerates evil, fallen, and dead human hearts. This regenerating work--the heart transplant--causes us to move forward in life following a path that focuses on what pleases God. The majority of instructions in the New Testament that reveal how a regenerated person behaves deals with one thing--how we treat others.
5. The regenerating work of the Holy Spirt allows us to function in three eternity-defining roles:
- Priest. We can now minister to others about the work of Jesus and His ability to forgive and change fallen hearts.
- Prophet. Our new hearts make it possible to prophesy and speak God's Word.
- King. There are certain places, relationships, and circumstances where we have the authority to ask God to move and provide. God recognizes and responds to this authority in a unique and gracious way.
6. Being filled with the Holy Spirit helps believers move toward having their hearts healed of all evils and diseases. The more we yield control of our lives to the Spirit of God, the more we will be led towards what pleases our Heavenly Father.
7. Spirit-fullness causes something to come alive in our hearts. The joy of the Lord becomes more present when we are filled with His Spirit. It helps us focus our lives on what doesn't fade rather than on temporary pleasures.
1. Regenerated hearts are devoted to pleasing the Lord. What does it mean to be "devoted"?
2. How should believers view and enjoy temporary earthly pleasures?
3. What should Christians avoid doing because they care for and love other people?
TALK TO GOD:
3. What should Christians avoid doing because they care for and love other people?
TALK TO GOD:
Pray as you feel led concerning the following area(s):
That the unregenerate in your family and your church would have their eyes opened to the truth of the gospel!
That you, your family, and your church would treat others, both believers and unbelievers, in a God-glorifying way!
That you, your family, and your church would treat others, both believers and unbelievers, in a God-glorifying way!