Matthew 5:1-12; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:17-24
Introduction:
1. Jesus began His lengthiest ethical exposition, the sermon on the mount, with sharp focus on the heart because the unchanged heart has no chance of living His ethics.
2. Worldly hearts and minds cannot turn the other cheek, bless enemies, seek and grant forgiveness, sacrifice self, forego worldly pleasures, hold their tongue, etc.
Discussion:
I. The Heart-Mind-Deed Connection
A. Our deeds flow from our hearts (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 12:33-37; Luke 6:43-45).
B. Our hearts are shaped by the content of our minds (Matthew 6:19-24; Romans 12:1-2).
II. Kingdom Oriented Hearts (Matthew 5:1-12)
A. Before issuing kingdom ethical demands, Jesus set forth the kind of heart its citizens must have.
B. These eight characteristics of the heart can busy us for ten lifetimes, so we must get to it.
C. Though easier said than done, pursuing His Spirit through His word empowers us (Galatians 5:22-26).
III. Transformed Minds (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:17-24)
A. Before we can so radically reorient our hearts, we must transform the thoughts of our minds.
B. Christian ethics demand self-sacrificial living (Matthew 5:1-12; Romans 12:1; Ephesians 4:22).
C. Self-sacrifice demands complete transformation of the mind (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:17-24).
Conclusion:
1. The first ethical move we must make to live faithfully before our King is to reorient our hearts in the likeness of His (cf. Philippians 2:1-11).
2. To do so, we must let His thoughts become our thoughts, transforming our minds.
Further Food for Thought
1. Have you ever spent time focusing on the symptoms (sinful behaviors) while ignoring the underlying disease (misshapen hearts and minds)?
2. How can we be more efficient at identifying and eradicating the diseases of the heart and mind that lead us into these bad choices?