The Surrendered Heart
Proverbs 23:26
This chapter in Proverbs is often called the “heart chapter” since the heart is men­tioned nine times (vs. 7, 12, 15, 17, 19, 26).
In the Bible the heart signifies the seat of our affections, intellect, will, and moral consciousness. It is the “inner sanctum” of our life where we desire, deliberate, and decide. It is who you are when no one is looking.
God says, “My son, give me thine heart…” In this short exhortation of six words we have three important truths:
I. A RELATIONSHIP that is established (“My SON…”).
A. In this relationship I see a CONVERSION has taken place.
In order for God to call you "my son" you
need to be converted.
B. In this relationship I see a CONFIRMATION of love.
The fact God seeks us out and then asks for our hearts or our love, proves His great love for us – Only love will seek love. You do not ask love from someone you do not love yourself.
God’s love desires love to be reciprocated.
When you love some­one, you want them
to love you in return.
II. A REQUEST that is expressed (“My son, GIVE ME…”).
A. A CONDESCENDING request.
1. God is saying, “Give me...” Usually, we are the ones who say, “Give me.” The table is turned.
2. The Provider becomes the asker.
3. The Satisfied becomes the seeker.
4. The Door seeks an entrance.
5. The Creator asks His creature, “Give
me…” He who gave us all things richly
to enjoy now asks, “Give me…”
6. He ASKS from us a gift that is His by
right, since He created it. God does not
take it by force. Christianity is a voluntary religion—not one of pressure.
7. God wants us to give our heart willingly
B. A CONTESTED request.
There is a battle being waged for your heart.
1. There are many asking for your heart. What is bid­ding for your heart besides God?
2. The god of this world wants your heart The world will clamor for you affections .
C. A CERTAIN request.
It is specific and personal. God wants YOUR heart.
III. A REQUIREMENT that is emphasized (“My son, give me THINE HEART”).
A. WHAT God wants—YOUR HEART.
This is absolute surrender!
Spurgeon said, “He who has the heart has the man.” If God has your heart, He has all of you that there is to have. When the heart is in the right place, the eyes, mouth, and ears will take care of themselves.”
1. When you give your heart you give God your affections.
2. When you give your heart you give God your allegiance.
3. When you give your heart you give God your aspirations.
The heart is the “control center” of man. When we give God our heart, we are giving Him command of our life. Whoever has one’s heart con­trols that person.
B. WHY does God want our hearts?
Because there is nothing He needs that we have apart from our love.
1. He is too rich for us to make Him richer.
2. He is too great for us to make Him greater.
3. He is too good for us to make Him better.
4. He is too strong for us to make Him stronger.
5. He simply seeks after our love. That is why He made us. He wanted somebody to love Him and to fellowship with Him voluntarily.
· To give wealth without giving the heart is abomination.
· To pray without giving the heart is mockery.
· To preach or teach without giving the heart is hypocrisy.
· To witness without giving the heart is perjury.
· To sing without giving the heart is sounding brass and tinkling cymbal.
Conclusion
Years ago I faced the truth that I would never be a great preacher, and I didn’t have much talent. However, I also realized I could do one thing as well as anybody. I could give God all my heart. He gave His heart for me—I can give my heart for Him
He gave you His heart—Now He asks, “Give me thine heart.” Will you surrender your heart to Him?
You never need to fear giving your heart to One who has given all for you.
IF YOU WILL GIVE GOD YOUR HEART, HE WILL COMBE THE KINKS OUT OF YOUR HEAD