Topical Bible: Heart: Renewed: Fidelity

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In the biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of human emotion, will, and intellect. A renewed heart signifies a transformation that aligns one's desires and actions with God's will. Fidelity, or faithfulness, is a key aspect of this transformation, reflecting a steadfast commitment to God and His commandments.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of a renewed heart is deeply rooted in Scripture. In Ezekiel 36:26, God promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This transformation is a divine act, signifying a move from spiritual insensitivity to a heart that is responsive to God's guidance.

Fidelity as a Fruit of a Renewed Heart

Fidelity, or faithfulness, is a natural outcome of a renewed heart. In Galatians 5:22-23, faithfulness is listed as a fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." A heart renewed by the Holy Spirit will exhibit these qualities, with faithfulness being a key indicator of one's commitment to God.

Examples of Fidelity in Scripture

1. Abraham: Known as the father of faith, Abraham's life exemplifies fidelity. In Genesis 15:6, it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." His unwavering trust in God's promises, even when tested, demonstrates the faithfulness that comes from a heart aligned with God.

2. David: Despite his failings, David is described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His psalms often reflect a deep commitment to God, as seen in Psalm 51:10, where he pleads, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." David's life illustrates the ongoing process of renewal and fidelity.

3. Daniel: In the face of adversity, Daniel remained faithful to God. Daniel 6:10 records his unwavering commitment to prayer, even when it was outlawed: "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."

The Role of Christ in Renewing the Heart

The New Testament reveals that the ultimate renewal of the heart is made possible through Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" Through faith in Christ, believers receive a new heart, enabling them to live faithfully.

Practical Implications

A renewed heart marked by fidelity impacts every aspect of a believer's life. It calls for a consistent and loyal relationship with God, characterized by obedience to His Word and a commitment to His purposes. This fidelity extends to relationships with others, as believers are called to reflect God's faithfulness in their interactions.

Conclusion

The renewal of the heart is a transformative process initiated by God, resulting in a life of fidelity. Through the work of the Holy Spirit and the redemptive power of Christ, believers are empowered to live faithfully, reflecting the heart of God in their daily lives.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 9:8
And found his heart faithful before you, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and have performed your words; for you are righteous:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Faithful Witness
... He first loved us." In the heart renewed by divine ... This redeeming power, filling
the heart, would control ... John labored with increasing fidelity and earnestness ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 54 a faithful witness.htm

From the Fond Caresses which the Soul Has Has with God Beneath the ...
... Me, so often is My own death freshly renewed and made ... bitter death in the bottom
of thy heart, and in ... then wilt thou fulfill the sufferings and fidelity of My ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xv from the fond.htm

The Deceitfulness of the Human Heart
... Shame, truth, fidelity, swift fled away ... all things" in him "are become new." So that
his heart is no longer desperately wicked, but "renewed in righteousness ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 123 the deceitfulness of.htm

The Friends of Jesus
... the finest dramatic genius to reconcile the conflicting claims of the emergency,
fidelity to God ... of Jesus; and yet we may be as far from a renewed heart as was ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 3 31-35 the friends of.htm

The Doctrine Adorned
... 'But shewing all good fidelity; that they may ... can be transformed into a child, but
we show how a man's heart can be made pure, and his nature renewed by the ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/v the doctrine adorned.htm

A Short Account of the Origin of Methodism in England
... Of his fidelity in the cause of his Master here, the ... On his return to England he
renewed his acquaintance ... the change which God works in the heart through faith ...
/.../chapter 1 a short account.htm

Of Spiritual Aridity
... to believe, either that it proves our fidelity, and evinces ... thy life may increase
and be renewed" (Ecclesiastes 2 ... indeed, is most pleasing to the heart of Jesus ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter v of spiritual aridity.htm

On Perfection
... joy, peace; longsuffering, meekness, gentleness, fidelity, goodness, temperance ... take
deep root in your heart; nay, in ... any aversion to the being "renewed in the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 76 on perfection.htm

The Divine Influence Alone Can Sanctify Us.
... AND EXCELLENCE.CHAPTER I. SANCTITY CONSISTS IN FIDELITY TO THE ... no connexion with
his reading his heart becomes ever ... the image of Jesus Christ is renewed in our ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/section v the divine influence alone.htm

Personal Characteristics.
... But there were times when he renewed his covenant with ... anger ever had a place in
my heart for one ... after pressing home the truth with fidelity without rudeness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/vi personal characteristics.htm