Dangers to the pure heart - 2

Previously  The pure heart is an important part of the Christian’s life.  The heart is the control center of our eternal spirit.  The seat of our intellect, emotions, attitudes, thoughts and will.  PURITY – undiluted and unpolluted

Qualities Undivided, prioritized and resolved Integrity and Honesty Self-control and Patience Humility and Contentment Kindness, Dignity, Confidence Love Today - Dangers to the pure heart)

 It is imperative that we maintain a pure heart (Prov. 4:23, 3:5-6)  BUT, there are dangers to keeping the heart pure.  In this lesson we will discuss some of these dangers

Dangers Lust - Sensuality Lust – Covetousness and Pride Ignorance & Unbelief Business & clutter Double mindedness (compromise) Bitterness and Anger The tongue

Lust Lust - ἐπιθυμία (epithymia) a strong desire to have that which belongs to another or that which you are not entitled to. 1 John 2:16

Covetousness Πλεονεξία, pleonexia, a strong desire to acquire more and more material possessions or to possess more things than other people have, all irrespective of need. (L&N, 25.22) The lust for things!

Covetousness Also very prevalent in our society. We live in a materialistic world! Material wealth is often portrayed as the standard of success. Our “heroes” are often showered with materialism and worldliness!

Covetousness Can find its way into the church Failure to give properly ( 1 Cor. 16:2, 2 Cor. 9:7 ) Concentrate on externals ( cf. Jas. 2:1-4 ) Lead to compromise Leaders – ( 1 Tim. 3:3 ) “Health and wealth gospel” – ( 2 Pet. 2:2-3, 1 Tim. 6:5 )

Covetousness Selfishness We live in the “me” generation. Commercials, reality game shows, philosophies, etc. A work of the flesh – Gal. 5:20, 2 Tim. 3:1-5, Rom. 2:5-9 We are to serve God and others - 1 John 3:17, Phil. 2:3-4

Covetousness The pursuit of things will clutter and corrupt the heart! Luke 12:15, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

Covetousness Eccl. 5:10, “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.”

Covetousness Luke 8:14, The parable of the Sower, “Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.”

Covetousness Luke 18:18-23, The rich, young ruler 2 Peter 2:14, concerning false teachers, “having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children.”

Covetousness Colossians 3:5, “…covetousness, which is idolatry…” Eph. 5:3-5, “…covetousness, let it not even be named among you…nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”

Covetousness Matt. 6:24 – NO one can serve 2 masters. You CANNOT serve God and mammon (worldly wealth). Learning contentment will help you overcome covetousness!

Pride, Arrogance Mark 7:21-23 “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

Pride, Arrogance Pride ( ὑ περηφανία, huperphania) – the lust for self- exaltation. One with an inflated sense of himself and his accomplishments and he desires to let it be known Self-righteousness, arrogance, “puffed up”

Pride, Arrogance Self-righteous, the attitude of MORAL superiority ( Lk. 18:9-14 ) Arrogance, the outward display of one’s pride and self- righteousness. Thinks he is invincible Selfishness, he acts to promote himself ( Matt. 6:1-3, 23:5 )

Pride, Arrogance Prov. 16:5, “Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the L ORD ; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished.” Vs.18, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Pride, Arrogance 1 Pet. 5:5, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Developing humility will help you overcome pride & arrogance!

“He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26 Is your heart pure?