THE HEART OF MAN

People today often speak of the "heart" in religion in a way that makes light of the mind and understanding. "Heartfelt religion" is sometimes substituted for the clear word of God. In this lesson we want to learn what the Bible means by the "heart" of man, and thereby learn better to love God with all the "heart."

Body

I. Sometimes the Bible speaks of the literal physical heart (11 Samuel 18:14), but not often.

II. Usually the term "heart' " is used in a figurative sense. Some few examples follow.

   A. I Samuel 16:7 -- Jehovah looks on the heart.

   B. Matthew 12: 34, 35 -- the treasure of the heart.

   C. II Corinthians 3: 3 -- Christians are an epistle, written by the Holy Spirit in their hearts.

   D. Hebrews 13:9 -- the heart is established with grace.

III. The Bible uses the word "heart" to speak of at least four aspects of man's inner self.

   A. The intellect.

        1. I Kings 3:9 -- an understanding heart.

        2. I Kings 10:2 -- communed in the heart.

        3. Proverbs 10:8 -- wise in heart.

        4. Luke 2:19 -- Mary pondered in her heart.

        5. Acts 28:27 -- understand with the heart.

   B. The emotions.

        1. Deuteronomy 28:47 -- gladness of heart.

        2. II Samuel 6:16 -- despised in her heart.

        3. Psalm 16:9 -- heart is glad.

        4. Romans 9:2 -- sorrow in heart.

        5. I Timothy 1:5 -- love from a pure heart.

   C. The will.

        1. Exodus 35:5 -- a willing heart.

        2. I Chronicles 12:33 -- not of double heart.

        3. Daniel 1:8 -- purposed in his heart.

        4. Acts 2:46 -- singleness of heart.

        5. I Corinthians 7:37 -- steadfast in heart.

        6. II Corinthians 9:7 -- purposed in heart.

   D. The conscience.

        1. I Samuel 24:5 -- David's heart smote him.

        2. Acts 2:37 -- pricked in the heart.

        3. Acts 7:54 -- cut to the heart.

        4. I John 3:21 -- hearts condemn, do not.

IV. We must love God with all the heart, not just part of it.

   A. The intellect only, without emotions and will, is barren.

   B. The emotions only, without intellect, are unstable.

   C. The will only, without emotions or intellect, is mechanical.

V. In coming to Christ, one's heart is thoroughly turned to God.

   A. In receiving the gospel, the intellect is turned to God.

   B. In repenting of sin, the will is turned to God.

   C. In committing oneself to Christ by baptism, the conscience is turned to God.

   D. When one has turned to God he is filled with the fruit of the Spirit, given spiritual blessings in Christ and enjoys delightful emotions, now turned toward the God who made man and all his "heart."

Conclusion

One can never "over-do" any aspect of the "heart." There is no such thing as too much emotion, although there may be too little intellect with the emotions. There is no such thing as too much intellect, although there may be a shortage of proper emotions. Let us love God with all the heart, seeking to please Him, and living before Him in all good conscience and joy. This is true "heart-religion."

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