Character Under Construction 2 of 4 Guarding Your Heart

Objective: To develop a deeper commitment to becoming disciples who embrace and embody, Christ-like principles and practices.

Proverbs 4:20-23 NLT… My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. 21 Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, 22 for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Introduction: The book of Proverbs is a part of the Wisdom Literature genre, which promotes practical principles for successful living.

Transition: REFERENCE I Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Exposition: Understanding your heart will make guarding it make sense to you…

–What is the heart? A person’s center; where God should be enthroned.

–What is in the heart? Either faith or foolishness (Psalm 14:1).

–What is the function of the heart? To guide your life with the wisdom of God’s word.

–How do you guard the heart? Learn from the the experiences of others. Let wisdom help you!

–What should you guard your heart against? Idolatry (Exodus 20:3-6) Covetousness (Exodus 20:17) Pride (Proverbs 16:18)

Conclusion: Your character is constructed when the word penetrates your heart, and it pours out of you. It causes you to not stoop at standing time!