How can we ensure our hearts are receptive to Christ's new teachings? Fresh Cloth Meets Old Garment “ “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the patch pulls away—the new from the old—and a worse tear results.” ” (Mark 2:21) Recognizing the Old Threads • Reliance on long-held traditions over Christ’s voice (Mark 7:8) • Resistance to conviction or change (Acts 7:51) • Selective hearing—accepting truths that affirm but ignoring those that challenge (John 6:60-66) • Outward religiosity masking inner hardness (Matthew 23:27) Preparing a Heart Ready for New Threads • Repent quickly: keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9) • Cultivate humility: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6) • Stay teachable: “Receive with meekness the implanted word” (James 1:21) • Saturate in Scripture daily; let it wash and soften (Ephesians 5:26) • Invite the Spirit to examine motives (Psalm 139:23-24) • Practice obedience in small things; responsiveness grows with use (Luke 16:10) Scriptural Aids for a Soft Heart • New heart promise: Ezekiel 36:26 • Warning against hardening: Hebrews 3:7-8 • Parable of soils—cultivate good soil: Matthew 13:3-23 • New creation reality: 2 Corinthians 5:17 • Flexibility image parallel: Luke 5:36 (“new patch” and “new wineskin”) Walking in the New Fabric Daily • Test every thought and attitude against Christ’s words (2 Corinthians 10:5) • Welcome Spirit-led adjustments; His corrections prevent “worse tears” later • Share what you learn—fresh truths multiply when given away (2 Timothy 2:2) • Keep eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2) |
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