Seven Mountain Principles #3

Seven Mountain Principles #3 5-15-22

Bottom Line: God looks at the heart not the ego.

Introduction:

A. Marriage is learning and growing in our knowledge of one another. It never stops even after all we know!

1. The Newly Wed Game?

2. Wife of a serial killer – never knew!

B. We are building a relationship with God! He knows you, but do you know him? A true seeker never stops learning!

C. Matthew 5,6, &7 is what Jesus wants us to know about God! Things essential to our relationship with him.

1. Principle 1 – God loves seekers! (5:3-12)

2. Principle 2 – God loves honest transformation! (5:13-20)

D. Today, principle 3 – God looks at the heart not the ego!

1. Heart vs. Ego struggle since the beginning of creation.

2. Internal godliness vs. external appearance!

E. This was a major theme of Jesus’ teaching.

1. The Pharisee & Tax collector, Lk 18

2. Rich young ruler, Mt.19

3. The widow’s two very small copper coins, Lk 21

F. Principle #3, hearts over egos, opening part of lesson…

1. “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago”

A. Everyone believed and taught external appearance = law!

B. It didn’t produce godliness or deeper relationship w/ God

C. It produced: Pride, self-righteousness, and Pharisees!

2. “But I tell you…” Jesus brings it back to God will!

A. Proud about no murders! Angry, mean, bitter, hate, grudges! (vs.23-26) “In danger of the fire of hell.”

B. Adultery? Lust! Temptation obsession! Radical removal! (vs.27-30)

C. Divorce? Legal certificate! Covenant? (vs.31-32)

D. Acceptable oaths? Legal distinctions! Integrity! Word is your bond? (vs.33-37)

E. Revenge? Payback response! Godly response? (vs.38-42)

F. Selective love? (vs.43-48) Love all! Connect w/ God! vs.48

3. Why do we need to be careful about our hearts?

A. God’s display screen into our lives in our hearts!

B. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) “Guard your heart about all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

C. He is reading the hard drive not looking at the case!

Conclusion:

A. Jesus explained who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven! Be like this child! What? How?

B. Three W’s: Wash! (Acts 22:16); Wisdom! (Phil.4:8); Walk! (1 Jn.1:7)

C. “Guard your heart above all else…”