Words Reveal the Heart

N.T.#179 "Words Reveal the Heart"

Nov. 3,2023

Matthew 15-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

What defiles(pollutes, unclean) a person? Jesus taught the disciples it was:

• a traditional religion (verses 1-9)
• a foul mouth (verses 10-11)
• a blind spirit (verses 12-14)
• a corrupt heart (verses 15-20).

Religious people are often disturbed when their traditions, rituals, ceremonies, worship, rules, schedules, and habits are broken. Some get fighting mad, in fact. Know anyone like that? That is why the Pharisees criticized the disciples, who broke their traditions. Their prayers be repetition. Their worship is empty and doesn't go higher than the ceiling.

There are so many kinds of words which defile a person-cursing filthy talk, criticism, deceptive words, harsh and unkind words, uncaring words. 

Know a person like that?  

LET IT GROW

It is the heart that determines what we say and do. Garbage in, garbage out. What can we do? We have some Scriptures concerning this:

Put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him. (Colossian 3:9-10)

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible seed, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (1 Peter 1:23)

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:23-24)

Confessing our sins, turning from sinful lusts, trusting Jesus, reading the Word, praying, renewing our mind, that is our answer. A heart like the Father's will produce only pure and loving words.

LET IT GO

and let God take over.

Word of God speak. Pour down like rain. Wash my eyes to see Your Majesty.

Please let me rest in Your holiness.

Holy is the Lord.