The Heart of Man
November 4, 2012 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: Man’s heart is evil and wicked and not to be trusted above God or His Word.
Focus Passage: Mark 7:14-23
Supplemental Passage: Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. (Genesis 6:5-6 NASB)
Introduction: Disney movies and cults tell us to “search our hearts”, but God tells us our hearts can’t be trusted.
I. Confused with surface issues (vs 14)
a. People don’t understand what is really at the heart of the matter
b. People thought that outside stuff corrupts the inner man
c. People didn’t/don’t understand that “bad” behavior is a result of a corrupt heart
II. The heart is wicked (vs 21)
a. "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9 NASB)
b. Sin is a symptom of what’s inside the human heart
III. Trust the Lord, not your heart
a. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not your own heart
b. Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB)
Invitation: Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood And has not sworn deceitfully. (Psalms 24:3-4 NASB)
We must trust the Lord with our salvation. Give your heart to Him today.
