God Searches The Heart Series

GOD SEARCHES THE HEART

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 28:9

Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 17:10; Psalm 139:1-4; Proverbs 21:2; Hebrews 4:12-13

INTRODUCTION:

In our journey with God, it is not just what we do externally that matters, but what goes on within our hearts. David’s charge to Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:9 is a solemn reminder that God examines every motive, every thought, and every intention of our hearts. This theme is crucial in a time where outward appearances can often be deceiving, and where people may attempt to please others rather than genuinely honour God.

The heart, in biblical terms, represents the seat of emotions, will, and thoughts. While men may judge by outward displays, God evaluates the inward reality. The scriptures consistently emphasise that our devotion must spring from an honest, willing, and sincere heart. It is not enough to go through the motions of religion—we must cultivate an inner life that reflects the purity and sincerity God desires.

Understanding that God searches the heart should inspire us to walk in integrity and truth, especially when no one else is watching. This lesson is a call to personal revival, where we invite the Holy Spirit to examine us, convict us, and conform us to the image of Christ from the inside out.

1. GOD SEES BEYOND OUTWARD APPEARANCES

God does not focus on the outward display of religiosity but examines the inward condition of the heart.

a) The Heart Is God’s Primary Concern

While people look at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). God values a clean and upright heart more than external activities.

b) Motives Matter to God

Proverbs 16:2 says all a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Our actions must be driven by pure intentions.

c) God Hates Hypocrisy

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for honouring God with their lips while their hearts were far from Him (Matthew 15:8). God desires authenticity, not pretense.

d) True Worship Comes from the Heart

Worship that pleases God is in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). A heart aligned with God's truth produces acceptable worship.

Biblical Example:

Cain and Abel both brought offerings to God, but Abel's was accepted because it came from a heart of faith and sincerity (Genesis 4:3-5; Hebrews 11:4). Cain's offering was rejected because his heart was not right before God.

2. GOD JUDGES RIGHTEOUSLY AND FAIRLY

God’s judgment is not based on outward actions alone, but on the deep and often hidden intentions of the heart.

a) God Knows All Things

Psalm 139:1-4 declares that God knows our thoughts from afar and understands our ways. There is nothing hidden from Him.

b) God Will Bring Every Secret to Light

Ecclesiastes 12:14 reminds us that God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

c) God’s Word Exposes the Heart

Hebrews 4:12-13 teaches that the Word of God discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart, leaving no room for pretence.

d) God’s Judgment Is Without Partiality

Romans 2:11 shows that God does not show favouritism; He judges all people fairly, according to their deeds and inner motives.

Biblical Example:

Ananias and Sapphira pretended to give all the proceeds of a land sale, but lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-11). God judged them swiftly, not because of the amount they gave, but because of the deceit in their hearts.

3. A PURE HEART INVITES GOD’S FAVOUR

Those who maintain a sincere and pure heart toward God attract His presence, blessings, and direction.

a) God Draws Near to the Upright

Psalm 24:3-4 states that only those with clean hands and a pure heart can ascend the hill of the Lord. Purity is the passport to divine presence.

b) God Grants Wisdom to the Sincere

David told Solomon to serve God with a loyal heart and willing mind because God understands every intent (1 Chronicles 28:9). Sincerity attracts divine guidance.

c) God Blesses the Pure in Heart

Jesus declared in Matthew 5:8 that the pure in heart shall see God. Purity opens the eyes of the spirit to behold God’s glory.

d) A Right Heart Sustains Us

David cried in Psalm 51:10 for a clean heart. A right heart sustains our walk with God and keeps us from falling into sin.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE:

King Hezekiah walked before God with a loyal heart, and when he prayed during his sickness, God added fifteen more years to his life (Isaiah 38:1-5).

CONCLUSION:

To walk closely with God, we must allow Him access to our innermost being. God does not merely want external compliance but internal transformation. Our integrity, sincerity, and hidden motives matter deeply to the One who searches the heart.

This study is a call to examine ourselves under the light of God’s truth. It challenges us to forsake hypocrisy and to pursue genuine relationship with God marked by purity of heart, truthfulness of spirit, and honesty in all our dealings. As we do this, we will enjoy greater intimacy with God and become vessels of honour in His service.