Keep
Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) - Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life
“… Keep your heart… “
Keep: “To guard, to watch over”
Keeps served as:
• The lord’s residence
• A military stronghold
• Storage for food and weapons
• A final refuge during sieges
Ephesians 3:16-17 (NLT) - I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
Why Should We Keep Our Heart?
“Keep your heart … for out of it spring the issues of life…”
Proverbs 25:26 (NKJV) - A righteous man who falters before the wicked Is like a murky spring and a polluted well
Why Should We Keep Our Heart? If we do not, we run the risk of wickedness coming IN THROUGH our hearts and impacting every part of our lives.
From What Should We Keep Our Heart?
ANYTHING that causes our hearts to sin
James 4:17 (ESV) - So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin
When do we decide if we are going to sin or not?
When we are hit with temptation
James 1:12-15 (NLT) - God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
Temptationdoesn’t have to be big; just something that causes you to miss the mark
… and stop watching
Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV) - For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses
If the enemy can’t access your heart one way, he’ll try another
You can "follow the rules” outwardly, but where's your heart?
Galatians 5:19-21 (NLT) - When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Why Should We Keep Our Heart
- It affects every part of our lives
From What Should We Keep Our Heart
- Whatever causes us to sin
How Should We Keep Our Heart?
“… Keep your heart with all diligence…”
DILIGENTLY … with continual care and persistence
1. Know Our Enemy
2 Corinthians 2:11 (NLT) - … so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes
2. Be Prepared
Proverbs 22:3 (NLT) - A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences
Being prepared isn’t a one-and-done thing--it’s ongoing… It’s continual UP-KEEP.
2 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV) - …for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day
Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) - Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life
Psalm 27: 1-3 (NLT) - The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident