Part 2/3
Paul J. Bucknell
The Process | Understanding Sinful Hearts | Ongoing Work
Purpose: We cannot find complete restoration without a thorough examination of our hearts. This is the reason repentance must precede faith. This article examines Mark 7:21-23 to help us move along further in this discipleship process. This is part 2 of 3.
Understanding Our Sinful Hearts
"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man." (Mark 7:21-23). |
Examining of our Hearts
Look carefully at Mark 7:21-23 on the right and list all the things that Jesus says comes from one's heart. Circle the ones that you have participated in.
Afterwards, go through the list again and cross out those that you have largely overcome (not battled with in the last several months).
Understanding our Sinful Hearts
Evil thoughts
The thinking and planning of bringing harm upon others.
Fornications:
Sexually lustful thoughts and activities towards others outside marriage including pornography, girl-watching, homosexuality, etc.
Thefts
The taking of things that do not rightfully belong to a person.
Murders
The hating or killing people including abortion and suicide.
Adulteries
Breaking the marriage covenant by sexual lusts for or by a married person.
Coveting
Desiring more than one has including discontentment, 'ambition.'
Wickedness
Any words, actions, gestures that bring pain to others because of hatred and bitterness.
Deceit
Using crafty words and gestures to cause one to think different than is true and correct.
Sensuality
The enticing of ones senses through looking, feeling, hearing or eating including immodest dress, viewing violence or immoral behavior, gluttony or loud music.
Envy
Desiring the position, place or wealth of another.
Slander
Bringing untrue words and understandings against others with the purpose of causing others to think wrongly of them.
Pride
Presuming one deserves better than others because he is better.
Foolishness
Making unwise decisions without thinking through the consequences in light of God's Word such as in calling names, unwise use of money, fast driving, etc.
-> Continue on with part 3/3 to see how to maintain this ongoing work.
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