Heart Check
As we kicked off a new sermon series entitled, “The Heart Matters,” we reflected on the profound truth that what is inside us matters far more than what is visible on the outside. Just as a cake can be disguised as something else, our lives can appear put together while our hearts remain hidden and broken. Jesus’ words in Mark 7:14-22 challenge us to look beyond external behaviors and rituals, and instead allow God to examine the true state of our hearts. The heart, in the biblical sense, is the very center of our being—our thoughts, desires, and will. It is from this place that both good and evil flow, and it is here that God desires to do His deepest work.
Key Takeaways
– The Heart’s True Condition
God is not impressed by our external religious performance or moral behavior. He looks past the surface and examines the true state of our hearts—the hidden thoughts, desires, and motives that no one else sees. Real transformation begins when we allow God to search and reveal what is truly within us, even if it is uncomfortable or painful.
– The Danger of Hidden Sin
Like toxic waste dumped in a river, unconfessed and unaddressed sin in our hearts will eventually flow out and bring destruction to our lives and relationships. We may manage appearances for a time, but the heart’s pollution cannot be contained forever. The call is to vigilance and honesty, recognizing that what we harbor inside will shape the entire course of our lives.
– Confession and Submission
True freedom from sin is not found in willpower or self-improvement, but in honest confession and humble submission to God. Naming our sin before God and others, and then taking the hard steps of obedience, opens the door for real healing. Transformation is often uncomfortable, but it is in the place of humility and surrender that God does His deepest work.
– The Ongoing Battle and the Power of Grace
Even as new creations in Christ, we still wrestle with the remnants of our old nature. The process of sanctification is lifelong, requiring us to continually walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. Yet, we do not walk in shame or condemnation—God’s grace covers every sin, and His Spirit empowers us to live in freedom.
– The Invitation to Deeper Healing
Jesus does not merely want to modify our behavior; He wants to heal our hearts and give us new desires, motives, and loves.
This invitation requires us to stop hiding, to bring our brokenness into the light, and to trust that Jesus alone can make us whole. The journey may be humbling, but it leads to true freedom, joy, and intimacy with God.
Reflection Questions
- Pastor Jake said it’s easy to focus on outward appearances and religious routines while neglecting the heart. Are there any “external” things you tend to rely on to look good spiritually, even if your heart isn’t in the right place? What are they?
- Jake talked about the danger of hidden sin and how it eventually seeps out and causes harm. Is there an area of your life where you’ve tried to “manage” or hide sin instead of bringing it into the light? What has been the result?
- Confession was described as naming our sin before God and sometimes before others. Is there something you need to confess to God or a trusted friend this week? What’s holding you back?
- Submission to the Holy Spirit can be uncomfortable or humbling. Can you think of a time when God asked you to take a hard step of obedience? How did you respond, and what was the outcome?
- The pastor invited us to stop pretending and let Jesus do what only He can do—make our hearts clean and whole. What would it look like for you to stop pretending and be honest with God and others about your struggles?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from Oct 26
- “Lord I Need You”
- “Open The Eyes Of My Heart”
- “How He Loves”
- “From The Inside Out”
- “Jesus Paid It All”
Listen to the songs we play on Sundays by clicking the image below to access our Spotify playlist!
