He Did Evil, Because He Prepared Not His Heart
The sermon emphasizes the importance of preparing one's heart to seek and do God's will in order to resist temptation.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of preparing one's heart to seek the Lord, as illustrated in 2 Chronicles 12:14. He warns that without a fixed determination to follow God's will, individuals are vulnerable to temptation and sin. Meyer highlights the importance of a whole-hearted commitment to God, urging believers to be vigilant and to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance for steadfastness. He draws parallels to David's prayer for a renewed spirit, underscoring that true preparation comes from divine assistance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a resolute heart that is unwavering in its pursuit of righteousness.
Text
He did evil, because he prepared not his heart
to seek the Lord. 2 Chron, xii. 14.
IN the margin of the A.V. for prepared the alternative rendering fixed is suggested. The R.V. gives set, "he set not his heart to seek the Lord." This is very true of all of us. Before temptation comes we almost always have a warning of some kind. The barometer falls; the sea birds come in to the shore; the leaves of the trees are bent back. The Spirit of God contrives to give the soul some signal that at any moment it may expect an assault. The question always is at such a time, Is the heart set on seeking and doing the will of God? If it be, if without reserve the whole nature is determined to do God's will at any cost, there is no fear of the enemy effecting an entrance. All day the thunder of its artillery may boom around, but from every side the foe will be repelled, until presently the storm will roll far down the wind.
If, on the other hand, there is any vacillation; if, whilst ostensibly avowing our determination to do the right thing, we secretly whisper in our deepest consciousness that we intend to go as far as we can in self‑indulgence, and would be almost thankful if circumstances compelled us to yield ‑‑ we are almost certain to fall. The will must be whole in its resolves; the heart must be consecrated in its most secret determinations; no traitor may be harboured, who may open the postern gate. Oh to say with David, "My heart is fixed, 0 God, my heart is fixed"! But this steadfastness is one of those preparations of the heart which can only be obtained through the gracious indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Hence we pray with David, "Renew a steadfast spirit within me." And while we pray, we must never forget our Lord's command to watch also.
Sermon Outline
- The Warning of Temptation
- The Consequences of a Divided Heart
- The Preparation of the Heart
- Steadfastness comes through the Holy Spirit's indwelling
- We must pray for a steadfast spirit
Key Quotes
“He did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord.” — F.B. Meyer
“Oh to say with David, 'My heart is fixed, 0 God, my heart is fixed'!” — F.B. Meyer
“The will must be whole in its resolves; the heart must be consecrated in its most secret determinations;” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- You must be resolute in your determination to do God's will, without any vacillation or divided heart.
- Pray for a steadfast spirit and seek the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart for temptation.
- Stay vigilant and watch in prayer to resist temptation and stay on the path of righteousness.