Topical Encyclopedia
The character of the renewed heart, as depicted in the Scriptures, is marked by a profound confidence in God. This confidence is not merely an abstract belief but a deep-seated trust that influences every aspect of a believer's life. It is a defining trait of those who have experienced spiritual renewal through faith in Jesus Christ.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of trusting in God. In
Proverbs 3:5-6 , we are instructed, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage highlights the necessity of relying on God rather than human wisdom, a hallmark of the renewed heart.
The Psalms are replete with expressions of confidence in God.
Psalm 27:1 declares, "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?" Here, the psalmist's confidence is rooted in God's protection and salvation, illustrating the security found in a relationship with Him.
New Testament InsightsIn the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exemplifies this confidence. In
Philippians 4:13 , he writes, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This statement reflects a heart renewed by faith, drawing strength and assurance from Christ's presence and power.
The author of Hebrews also speaks to this confidence, urging believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (
Hebrews 4:16). This invitation to approach God boldly underscores the trust that characterizes a renewed heart.
Practical ImplicationsA renewed heart that is confident in God manifests in various practical ways. It leads to a life of prayer, as believers trust in God's willingness and ability to answer. Jesus taught in
Mark 11:24 , "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." This assurance in prayer is a direct result of confidence in God's faithfulness.
Moreover, this confidence fosters peace and contentment, even amidst trials. In
Romans 8:28 , Paul assures believers, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Such a promise enables believers to remain steadfast, trusting that God is sovereignly orchestrating circumstances for their ultimate good.
Examples from ScriptureThe lives of biblical figures such as Abraham, David, and Daniel provide vivid examples of confidence in God. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) demonstrates his trust in God's promises. David's confrontation with Goliath (1 Samuel 17) reveals his confidence in God's deliverance. Daniel's unwavering faith in the face of the lions' den (Daniel 6) exemplifies trust in God's protection.
ConclusionThe character of the renewed heart, confident in God, is a central theme throughout Scripture. It is a transformative trust that shapes the believer's relationship with God and impacts their daily life, enabling them to live with assurance, peace, and boldness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 112:7He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Of the Character of the Unregenerate.
... an essential branch of every good man's character; for he ... Philippians 3:19,) for
having your heart on earth ... and liberal principle of a nature savingly renewed. ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse i of the character.htm
The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed.
... all-sufficiency of Christ; their will is renewed; they engage ... 6. As an essential
part of the character of God's ... If not, complain more of thy own heart, and get ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iv the character of.htm
God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... it is also full of treachery of the human heart. ... Has the gospel renewed you in the
spirit of your ... if they shall experience such a change of character as passed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm
Love's Logic
... to God is as natural to the renewed heart as love ... the guilty, his holy, just, and
righteous character are not ... love to him engross all my heart, and, consecrate ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/loves logic.htm
The Approbation of Goodness is not the Love of It.
... In paying this tribute of approbation to the character of a God whom you do not
yourself love and serve ... No man's heart and will can be renewed or changed by ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the approbation of goodness is.htm
The Great Assize
... We are confident. ... conduct, ye are no better than other men in your character, and
ye ... works, then took their good works as evidence of a renewed heart, and then ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the great assize.htm
The God of the Aged
... His character, his essence, his being, and his deeds are all the ... And bind the Gospel
to my heart.". ... between the Bride and the Bridegroom was renewed; yea, here ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the god of the aged.htm
The Lord and the Leper
... your sins might be forgiven and your minds might be renewed. ... he can impart a new
life and commence a new character. ... so; and I pray God that thy heart may grasp ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/the lord and the leper.htm
The Exile --Continued.
... Christ brings into greater prominence the disciplinary character of all ... which is
matter of considerable doubt, a renewed picture of ... (7) Fixed is my heart, O God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vii the exilecontinued.htm
The Destroyers and the Restorer
... wince"from the face and from the character of Jesus ... hopes, caused them to flame up
with renewed vigour heaven ... the shrine; and to make my poor heart, if only I ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the destroyers and the restorer.htm
Resources
What does it mean that God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7)? | GotQuestions.orgHow could David be considered a man after God's own heart? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to ask Jesus into your heart? | GotQuestions.orgHeart: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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