The Heart of Christ

January 19, 2025

God’s word warns that our hearts are deceptive above all things. But according to popular culture, our emotions should not only be believed, but they should also be our most trusted guide in life. Western society has largely abandoned absolute truth for the subjective, individual feelings of the moment. If we are called to love God with all our hearts, we must first understand what is wrong with our hearts and how we are powerless to change them on our own. Join us for part three of Closer, where we will discover that loving God with all our hearts first requires a total renovation of the heart.

Passages

Jeremiah 17:9; Ezekiel 11:19-20; Ezekiel 36:26-27

Principle

Loving God with all your heart requires a ##total## ##renovation## of the ##heart##.

Practice

Allow the ##Holy## ##Spirit## to ##renovate## your heart.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

How would you define love? What are some common ways of using the word “love”? Are all “loves” equal? Explain your answer. Can you think of something (or someone) you once loved but don’t anymore? What caused your change of heart?

HEAR

Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

How would you summarize 1 Corinthians 13:1-3?
Which of these warnings stands out to you and why?
Have you ever confused smooth talk, knowledge, faith, or generosity for love? What happened as a result?

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-10

Reread these verses, replacing the word love with the name of Jesus. Now reread it, replacing love with your name. What does this exercise reveal to you?
Read 1 John 3:1-3. How does this passage give us hope of living out the definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13?
Read 1 John 4:7-13. How do we know that we are abiding in Jesus? What does this produce? What have you been doing to be more intentional about abiding in Christ? What has happened as a result?

Read 1 Corinthians 13:11-13

What does Paul’s reference to growing up have to do with love? How have you matured in love over the past few months? Where do you need to mature?
It is sometimes said that love clouds our vision, but Paul indicates the opposite. What do you think? When has “love” clouded your vision? When has love clarified a situation for you?
What remains? Why these three things? Why is love greater than faith and hope?

HUDDLE

What emotions do you find difficult to understand? What sin might arise from those feelings? What are the sources of those emotions, and how might they lead you to God? Discuss it, invite accountability, and pray together.

Daily Reading

As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Day 1: 1 Corinthians 13
Day 2: Jeremiah 17
Day 3: Ezekiel 11
Day 4: Ezekiel 36
Day 5: John 3
Day 6: 1 John 1-2
Day 7: 1 John 3-5

Passage to Memorize: Mark 12:29-30

Think Deeper

When was the last time you had a change of heart?
Can you recall a time when your heart deceived you? What happened?
What keeps you from allowing Jesus to replace your heart with His own?