Introduction

Beloved congregation, as we gather together in the unity of our faith, our hearts beat with a shared rhythm, a rhythm that echoes the love and grace of our Savior. We are bound by a sacred tapestry of faith, woven together by the threads of God's Word. It is this Word that we turn to today, as we seek to understand and embrace the profound truth it holds for us.

We find ourselves today in the midst of the Psalms, that beautiful collection of poems and songs that capture the full spectrum of human emotion. The Psalms invite us to bring our joys, our sorrows, our fears, and our hopes before God, in the raw and honest language of the heart. Today, we turn our attention to Psalm 66:18, a verse that speaks to us about the condition of our hearts and the power of prayer. It reads, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened."

We may be tempted to merely skim over these words, but let us pause and allow them to truly sink into our hearts. This verse challenges us to examine the state of our hearts and to consider the impact it has on our relationship with God. It's a calling to purity, not just in our actions, but in our very hearts. It's a calling to a deeper level of honesty with God, a level that requires us to confront the sins we may have hidden away.

The esteemed Christian author, John Bunyan once said, "Sin is the dare of God's justice…the jeer of His patience, the slight of His power, and the contempt of His love." These powerful words remind us of the gravity of sin. It's not a light matter to be brushed under the carpet, but a serious offense against a holy God. Yet, the beauty of the gospel is that we serve a God who is ready to forgive, to cleanse, and to restore.

Beloved, let us approach this sermon with open hearts and minds, ready to be challenged, ready to be changed. Let us not shy away from the difficult questions or the uncomfortable truths. Let us, instead, embrace them, knowing that it's in these moments of discomfort that we often encounter God in the most profound ways.

Heart's Hidden Hindrances

As we consider the words of Psalm 66:18, we are confronted with a challenging truth. The state of our hearts matters to God. It's not just our actions or our words that He cares about, but the very core of who we are. Our hearts, where our deepest desires and motivations reside, are of utmost importance to Him.

In the quiet corners of our hearts, we may harbor things that hinder our relationship with God. These could be unconfessed sins, unresolved bitterness, or unyielding pride. We may have become so accustomed to their presence that we no longer recognize them for what they are. Yet, these hidden hindrances can create a barrier between us and God, affecting our prayers and our fellowship with Him.

The first aspect we need to consider is the nature of these hidden hindrances. They are often subtle, creeping into our hearts unnoticed. Yet, over time, they can grow and take root, becoming a part of us. They can influence our thoughts, our decisions, and our actions, often without us even realizing it.

The second aspect is the impact of these hindrances. They can create a spiritual blockage, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of God's presence. They can rob us of the joy and peace that come from a vibrant relationship with God.

The third aspect is our responsibility in dealing with these hindrances. It's not enough to merely acknowledge their existence. We need to actively confront them, confess them, and turn away from them. This requires humility and courage, as it involves admitting our failures and weaknesses. Yet, it's a necessary step in drawing closer to God.

The fourth aspect is the role of God's grace in this process. We cannot overcome these hindrances on our own. We need the power of God's Spirit working in us. His grace not only forgives us but also empowers us to change. It's His grace that enables us to break free from the hold of sin and to walk in newness of life.

Transition. The condition of our hearts is of great importance to God. He desires for us to have pure hearts, free from hidden hindrances. As we open our hearts to Him, allowing His light to shine into the darkest corners, we can experience a deeper level of intimacy with Him. We can enjoy the freedom and joy that come from a heart that is fully surrendered to Him.

Hearing the Holy

In the quiet corners of our hearts, where the light of scrutiny seldom reaches, there can often be found the seeds of sin, hidden and unacknowledged ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO