A PREPARED HEART
TEXT: 2 Chronicles 12:13-14
Introduction: As we consider the kings of Israel, the first was Saul who started
out well but eventually fell into disobedience. David, the next one, although
he made some serious mistakes, was generally a man after God’s own heart.
David’s son, Solomon, also started out well, but because of his many political
marriages turned to serving idols. As a result, following Solomon’s death
the kingdom divided into two nations: Israel to the north, and Judah to the
south.
The kings of Israel were mostly evil, and the kings of Judah were somewhat of
a mixed bag, with some good and some bad. In fact, the first king of Judah,
Solomon’s son Rehoboam, was not a very auspicious beginning.
Read TEXT. The inspired historian tells us that Rehoboam did evil precisely
because he did not prepare his heart to seek God.
In this lesson, we want to look at some things which we need to do in order
to have TITLE.
I. Respect the influence of godly parents
A. God gave children parents for a purpose: Deut. 6:4-7, Eph. 6:4
B. Therefore, children need to listen to their parents and learn from their
teaching: Prov. 1:7-9, Eph. 6:1-3
C. When children do this, they will have hearts prepared to remember their Creator:
Eccl. 12:1ff
II. Recognize the consequences of disobedience
A. If there’s one lesson to learn from the Old Testament, it’s that
God punishes disobedience: Deut. 28:1-2, 15-16, 64-68; 2 Chron. 36:15-21
B. Sometimes, punishment for sin occurs even in this life: Prov. 13:15; e.g.:
Prov. 20:1, 23:29-30 (cf. sexual immorality, lying)
C. But even worse is the fact that if left unrepentant all sin will result in
eternal punishment: 2 Thess. 1:7-9
III. Maintain moral uprightness
A. Consider Joseph: Gen. 39:7-13
B. Consider Esther: Esth. 2:1-2, 7-8, 16-18; 4:13-17
C. Consider Daniel: Dan. 1:8-21
IV. Pursue purity of life
A. In thought: Prov. 4:23, Phil. 4:8
B. In word: Matt. 12:33-37, Eph. 4:29
C. In deed: 1 Thess. 5:21-22, 1 Pet. 2:11-12
V. Develop a knowledge of God’s law
A. Knowledge of God’s law helps us be prepared to do what is right: Ps.
1:1-2
B. Lack of knowledge leads to hearts unprepared to obey God’s will: Hos.
4:6
C. Therefore, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of knowledge in preparing
our hearts for the Lord: 2 Pet. 1:5-8. 3:18
Conclusion: Note Ezra 7:10
How well have you and I prepared our hearts to seek the Lord?
By Wayne S. Walker
Return to the Sermon Outlines page
Home / Bible studies / Bible Survey / Special Studies / General Articles / Non-Bible Articles / Sermons / Sermon Outlines / Links / Questions and Answers / What Saith The Scriptures /Daily Devotional / Correspondence Courses / What is the Church of Christ / Book: Christian Growth / Website Policy / E-mail / About Me /