MATTERS OF THE HEART

Ephesians 4:25-32

 

Introduction: Why should we study such a subject as matters of the heart? As Christians, we have been called together to be one (John 17:21-22). However, each of us is different. We have our own minds, wills, and emotions that, somehow, must blend in such a way that allows us to have unity of faith and a bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-3). Whenever you have different people coming together to be one, there will be times when friction rears its ugly head.

A.     God anticipated this within the marriage relationship and sought to remedy such problems that may come up

1.      The husband and wife are to be one (Gen. 2:24)

2.      They are two minds, two wills, and two emotions coming together to be one; how can they keep that relationship from fracturing or failing?

a.       Wives be in subjection to your husbands (Eph. 5:22-24)

b.      Husbands, AGAPE your wives (Eph. 5:25)

c.       Wives maintain a gentle and quiet spirit, which is your true beauty (1 Pet. 3:3-4)

d.      Husbands, be understanding toward your wives, honor her, and treat her as precious

B.     When God’s regulations for the maintaining of such relationships are ignored and neglected, ugliness will be sure to follow

1.      Notice some things that may pop up when God’s ways are not followed

a.       Ephesians 4:25 – no longer honest with each other

b.      Ephesians 4:26 – allowing anger to boil over into another day

c.       Ephesians 4:27 – letting the devil have his way with them

d.      Ephesians 4:29 – speak ill toward and tearing down each other

e.       Ephesians 4:31 – all sorts of evil sentiments and attitudes will develop

f.        Ephesians 4:32 – kindness, mercy and compassion will be lacking

2.      This will certainly be the case with God’s people if they are not careful

 

I.        We need to guard our hearts

A.     The issues of life pour forth from it (Pro. 4:23)

B.     Evil thoughts, words and attitudes could come out of it, if we are not careful

1.      Matthew 12:24-37

2.      Matthew 15:18-20

 

II.     How do we guard our hearts?

A.     We must fill our hearts with the word of God

1.      Psalm 119:11

2.      Proverbs 2:10-12

B.     We must have the peace of God in our lives (Phi. 4:7)

1.      Is a characteristic of the spiritual mind (Rom. 8:6)

2.      Such is the result of being one in mind (2 Cor. 13:11)