I Kings 8:39
God is interested in what is in your heart, and He wants you to give your heart to Him.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that God knows our hearts and desires us to give our hearts fully to Him. He explains that mere knowledge or belief is insufficient for salvation; true belief must come from the heart, which involves our will and actions. Smith illustrates this with examples from David and Abraham, showing that God values our intentions and willingness over mere actions. Ultimately, he urges listeners to reflect on their hearts and ensure they have truly surrendered to God, as He is aware of our innermost thoughts and feelings.
Text
"GOD KNOWS YOUR HEART"
Intro: This thought may bring you comfort or uneasiness. In the scriptures
the heart represents that deepest area of your being. As the mind
is considered the seat of the soul, so the heart is considered
the seat of the spirit.
I. GOD IS INTERESTED IN YOUR HEART, HE WANTS YOU TO GIVE YOUR HEART TO
HIM.
A. Knowledge is in the area of the mind.
1. You may know the right things & not be saved.
2. Just as you may know all about parachutes.
a. You may know how to fold them.
b. The aerodynamic principles involved.
c. You may strap one on your back & leap out of a plane at 12,000 feet.
d. That parachute strapped to your back can't save you unless you now
act.
e. On your chest is a rip cord, what are you going to do about it?
1. There's always the remote chance that when you pull it
nothing will happen.
2. Many doubts may fill your mind.
3. What if at this point, because of the fear of possible
failure you decide not to try it. Does that make
sense?
3. Knowledge alone cannot save you. You must act on right
knowledge.
1. From knowledge comes belief, but belief even correct
belief alone cannot save.
a. You may believe in God.
b. You may believe in Jesus Christ.
c. You may understand the atonement and death by
substitution.
2. The scripture speaks of believing in your heart.
a.. What is the difference between believing in
your mind & believing in your heart?
1. You can believe in your mind & never
act.
2. The heart is the area of your will.
3. This is where actions are prompted.
4. When you give your heart to something,
you give your whole self.
5. Purpose & will are now involved.
II. GOD COUNTS WHAT IS IN THE HEART.
A. The action may not be fulfilled.
1. David in his heart had purposed to build the temple.
a. Because of his over all actions, God
restrained him.
b. "Whereas it was in your heart you did well
that it was in your heart" vs. 18.
2. Abraham was called upon to sacrifice his son.
a. God never intended the action to be
consummated.
b. When there was no doubt that Abraham was
willing to give God his dearest treasure,
God counted it done and did not require it.
3. Cheryl's serious illness.
B. Our weak flesh also hinders proper actions at times.
1. Romans 7.
2. Jesus to Peter "The spirit indeed is willing."
Ill. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART THIS DAY.
A. Have you given your heart to God?
1. He would rather your attitude be right & your actions
wrong than your actions right and your attitude wrong.
B. God knows your heart today.
Sermon Outline
- GOD IS INTERESTED IN YOUR HEART, HE WANTS YOU TO GIVE YOUR HEART TO HIM points: - Knowledge is not enough, you must act on right knowledge - The heart is the seat of the spirit, where actions are prompted
- GOD COUNTS WHAT IS IN THE HEART points: - God looks at the intentions and willingness of the heart - Our weak flesh can hinder proper actions, but God still counts the heart
- THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART THIS DAY points: - Have you given your heart to God? - God knows your heart today and values your attitude over actions
Key Quotes
“Knowledge is in the area of the mind. You may know the right things & not be saved.” — Chuck Smith
“God counts what is in the heart.” — Chuck Smith
“Have you given your heart to God?” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must act on right knowledge, not just have intellectual understanding.
- God values our attitude over our actions, so we should prioritize having a right heart.
- Surrendering our whole self to God, including our will and purpose, is essential for a relationship with Him.