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INTRO: Society Has Many Ideas: Most Of Them Wrong! The Bible, however, talks about: A Man After God's Own Heart God is speaking to Saul through Samuel the prophet and says: "But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people. . ." I Samuel 13:14 What does it mean to be a man "After God's own heart"? Here are 6 heart qualities that describe a man "After God's own heart": 1. A HEART OVERFLOWING WITH LOVE FOR GOD David really loved God Listen to the words of some of his Psalms: "I love you, O Lord, my strength." (Psalm 18:1) "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you. My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you in a dry and weary land where there is no water." (Psalm 63:1) And at the end of his life, he tells his son: "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind." 1 Chronicles 28:9 And, of course, the greatest commandment is: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength" 2. A HEART TOTALLY OBEDIENT TO GOD In Acts 13:22, it says, "After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: "I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do." And, if you look back to 1 Samuel 13:14, Samuel says to Saul: "But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart. . .because you have not kept the Lord's command." Saul was not that bad a king. In fact, compared to many of the kings who followed him, he was a good king. But, on several significant occasions, he offered God only partial obedience. And, as you remember from another sermon, partial obedience is: Disobedience! One of the last things David said to his son Solomon was: "I am about to go the way of all the earth, so be strong, show yourself a man and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go." 1 Kings 2:2-3 3. A HEART GUIDED BY THE WORD OF GOD Over & over again in the Psalms David stressed the importance of God's Word For example: "The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. [8] The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes." Psalm 19:7-8 (Amp) "The [reverent] fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even than much fine gold; they are sweeter also than honey and drippings from the honeycomb. Psalm 19:9-10 (Amp) "Moreover, by them is Your servant warned (reminded, illuminated, and instructed); and in keeping them there is great reward". Psalm 19:11 4. A HEART THAT TRUSTS GOD COMPLETELY In David's last words b/4 his death, he said: "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." I Chronicles 28:20 "But David found strength in the LORD his God ." I Samuel 30:6 One of the greatest compliments we can give to God is to trust him. But, one of the greatest insults or acts of disrespect we can display is to fail to trust him, or to put our trust in other people or other things! When all of the army of Israel were cowering before Goliath, David wasn't afraid. WHY? Because David trusted God! WHY? "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of the Philistine." I Samuel 17:37 5. A HEART BROKEN BY ITS OWN SINFULNESS "For I know my transgressions and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight." Psalm 51:3 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:17 When Saul was confronted with his sin, he offered only excuses. But, David's heart was broken. How do you respond to sin in your life? 6. A HEART LIFTED IN PRAISE TO GOD The Psalms are full of David's praise to God. And, In his last recorded, official act as king, he led his nation in worship. "Therefore David blessed the Lord before all the assembly and said, Be praised, adored, and thanked, O Lord, the God of Israel our [forefather], forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all." 1 Chronicles 19:10-11 A real man, a man after God's own heart, lives: By Faith "So those now who live by faith are blessed along with Abraham, who lived by faith. . ." Galatians 3:9 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6 HOW DO YOU RATE? If you were to rate your heart on a scale of 1-10 for each of these heart qualities, how would you do? |
