Pulpit Curriculum
March 24th – March 30th, 2024
Sermon Summary
This sermon brings into focus the heart, which is both physical and spiritual. It represents the core of the body and the steering wheel of the soul. For it to be compromised, is for the whole being to be compromised. This is why it is essential to protect the heart. In the spiritual context, believers must be alert, through the power of the Holy spirit, to what enters and dwells in our hearts. Guarding our hearts against mediocrity, bitterness, wrath, peer pressure, lust and pride requires intentional effort guided by strong biblical principles. Being mindful of guarding our inner circle from unbelievers, also augurs well for maintaining a pure heart.
Verse of the Week
Proverbs 4:23
23 “Keep your heart with all vigilance for from it flow the springs of life.”
Going Deeper
Review Proverbs 4: 23
1) Though actions can appear same/similar (as in the story of Cain and Abel), individual thoughts and character bear significant influence on outcomes.
a) What does scripture highlight as some of the positive and negative behaviors that originate from the heart?
b) What circumstances may cause believers to feel justified or convicted in daily life events?
c) Scripturally, how does neglecting to address mediocrity in our spiritual life affect us in the long term?
2) Reflect on scripture references that challenge believers to take responsibility for their actions, especially to guard against bitterness and wrath.
3) There are many desires of the world competing for our attention and resources. Wisdom is paramount in choosing intentionally. Where in scripture is wisdom intrinsically linked to our heart position?
a) What characteristics would suggest that a believer is in alignment with God in their Christian journey.
4) God’s desire is for everyone to experience transformation.
a) Discuss biblical strategies that can be utilized to i) guide interactions with unbelievers in our inner circle and ii) reach unbelievers in our inner circle with the Gospel.
b) Identify any instances (personal or biblical) where unbelievers have come to know God from being in the inner circle of a believer.
Assess Your Life
1a) To what extent are you guarding your heart from the desires of the world that are contrary to God’s word?
2) What specific actions will you adopt as a consistent habit to keep your heart pure?
Application
1) Reflect on David’s boldness to ask God to search his heart (Psalm 139:23). Assess how comfortable you are in asking the same and prayerfully ask God to address any sins in your heart.
2) Journal what God has revealed to you and/or share with someone and ask them to hold you accountable.
Sermon Main Points
As believers, to keep our hearts pure, we must Guard our hearts against…
- Mediocrity.
- Bitterness and wrath.
- Unbelievers in your inner circle
- Peer pressure
- Lust
- Pride
Sermon Reflection
What stood out for me in this sermon?
What is something I can do to remember this?
You can never un-see or un-hear what you let in your head. Once it’s there, it’s there. Guard your mind. Guard your heart. —Michael Bliss
Following God requires understanding what He wants and how He wants it. —Caleb MorrisSin in private becomes pain in public —Caleb Morris
God wants us to let Him guard our hearts, because while we are prone to failure, He is immune to it. —Caleb Morris
5 Day Study Plan
Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.
Follow these steps
1. Observe the text.
(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)
2. Interpret the text.
(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)
3. Apply the text.
(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)
Day 1 - 1 Samuel 16:7
Day 2 - Proverbs 21:2
Day 3 - Psalm 139:1-5
Day 4 - Jeremiah 17:9-11
Day 5 - Psalm 51:10-13
For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.