A New Heart And A New Spirit

A NEW HEART AND A NEW SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ezekiel 36:26

Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 31:33, Psalm 51:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 8:9, Galatians 5:16-17

INTRODUCTION

The human heart is the centre of spiritual transformation. God desires not just external obedience but an inward renewal that changes our desires, thoughts, and actions. In Ezekiel 36:26, God promises to give His people a new heart and a new spirit, replacing their hardened hearts with hearts that are sensitive to His voice.

This divine transformation is essential because, by nature, the human heart is deceitful and sinful (Jeremiah 17:9). Without a new heart and a new spirit, people continue in rebellion and disobedience. However, through salvation in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit, God creates in us a heart that seeks after Him.

A new heart signifies a changed nature, and a new spirit refers to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we receive these, we are enabled to love God, obey His commands, and live victoriously.

1. THE NEED FOR A NEW HEART

a) The heart of man is naturally sinful (Jeremiah 17:9)

The fallen nature of man makes the heart wicked and resistant to God.

b) A hardened heart leads to destruction (Exodus 7:13)

Pharaoh’s hardened heart led to his downfall. A heart that resists God faces judgment.

c) A corrupt heart cannot please God (Romans 8:7-8)

Those who live in the flesh cannot submit to God’s law or experience His fullness.

d) God requires inward transformation, not just outward religion (Matthew 23:25-26)

True change begins from within, not merely through external religious acts.

e) Biblical Example: King Saul’s Rebellion (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Saul’s disobedient heart led to his rejection as king.

2. HOW GOD GIVES A NEW HEART

a) Through the new birth in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

When we accept Christ, we become new creatures with transformed hearts.

b) By the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-6)

The Spirit renews and regenerates us, enabling us to live righteously.

c) Through the cleansing power of the Word (Ephesians 5:26)

God’s Word washes away impurities and reshapes our thinking.

d) By removing the heart of stone (Ezekiel 11:19)

God takes away the stubborn, rebellious heart and replaces it with a responsive heart.

e) Biblical Example: The Transformation of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:8-9)

When Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, his heart changed, and he repented.

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF A NEW HEART

a) A heart that loves God and His commandments (Deuteronomy 6:5)

A renewed heart desires to obey and please God.

b) A heart that is tender and teachable (Psalm 25:9)

A new heart is humble and willing to follow God’s guidance.

c) A heart filled with faith and trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6)

It relies on God rather than human wisdom.

d) A heart of compassion and love (1 John 4:7-8)

Those with renewed hearts show the love of Christ to others.

e) Biblical Example: David’s Repentant Heart (Psalm 51:10)

David prayed for God to create in him a clean heart after his failure.

4. THE EVIDENCE OF A NEW SPIRIT

a) Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14)

A new spirit enables us to be led by God.

b) Bearing the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Love, joy, peace, and other fruits manifest in a renewed life.

c) Victory over sinful desires (Galatians 5:16-17)

A new spirit helps us overcome the flesh.

d) Boldness to witness for Christ (Acts 1:8)

The Holy Spirit empowers us to share the gospel.

e) Biblical Example: Peter’s Boldness after Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41)

Peter, once fearful, became bold in preaching after receiving the Holy Spirit.

CONCLUSION

God’s promise of a new heart and a new spirit is the foundation of true spiritual transformation. Without it, we remain trapped in sin and rebellion. However, through Christ, we can receive a heart that loves God and a spirit that empowers us to live righteously.

If your heart has been hardened, or if you struggle with sin, today is the day to ask God for renewal. Surrender to Him, and He will transform you from within, giving you a heart that desires Him and a spirit that empowers you to live for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, take away every hardened heart and give me a heart that seeks after You.

2. Father, renew my spirit and empower me to live righteously.

3. Holy Spirit, fill me afresh and transform my desires to align with God’s will.

4. I reject every form of rebellion and submit my heart completely to God.

5. Lord, let my life be a reflection of Your holiness and love.