Sermon Central
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A Heart That Devises Wicked Imaginations
Contributed by James Dina on Jul 23, 2021 (message contributor)
Summary: The intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. The human heart is basically wicked, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR MIND/HEART
• Renew your mind through the Word of God. This helps you know the things that are pleasing to God (Romans 12:2). Reading and studying the Word helps in the mind renewing process tremendously. The responsibility of purifying your heart is laid on you squarely. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8). This of course, must be with the acknowledged assistance of the Holy Spirit. You must cooperate with him. “Let the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, Oh Lord…” (Psalm 19:14). Purifying your heart is a continuous process which is why the admonition that you be careful what you expose yourself to because a clean heart can be defiled. You have the power to cast down every imagination. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ “ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
• Give deliberate thought to God’s will in your planning. As James says, “You ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15). If you deliberately give thought to God’s will in your planning, you will not plan to do evil. What would God have you to do in any given circumstance? How can you best glorify God as you plan?
• Seek counsel as you plan from those you trust as men and women of God. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 15:22). Do you seek counsel before making decisions? This is particularly important when making big decisions (entering marriage, adopting a child, etc.), but seeking godly counsel is never unwise, regardless of how big or small the decision. “With those who take advice is wisdom” (Proverbs 13:10).
• Deliberately set your mind on honourable things rather than dishonourable things. As Paul put it, “Whatever is honourable … think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). If your mind is set on things that bring dishonour to the Lord, your actions will follow suit. In any given situation, deliberately think about how you can bring the most honour to God. Are you at odds with another church member—as Euodia and Syntyche were (Philippians 4:2)? Instead of thinking about how you can prove to be right and get your way, think about how you can honour the Lord—which may mean not getting your way! Deliberately set your mind on God’s truth. Do what you must to set your mind on God’s truth.
• Cultivate the mind, and imitate the life, of Jesus Christ, who planned to serve God in the things that he did. Jesus always did what was pleasing to his Father. How did he know what was pleasing to the Father? Primarily by spending time in fellowship with the Father and by exposing himself to the truth of God. Jesus’ prayer life and his knowledge of Scripture impressed all who met him. And it was because of those things that he was able to honour God rather than allowing his heart to devise wicked plans.
