Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Desirous of God

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of a renewed heart is central to Christian theology, signifying a transformation that aligns one's desires with the will and nature of God. This transformation is often described as a rebirth or regeneration, where the believer's heart becomes desirous of God above all else. This desire is not merely an emotional longing but a profound reorientation of one's entire being towards God, characterized by love, obedience, and a pursuit of holiness.

Biblical Foundation

The desire for God is rooted in the biblical narrative of redemption and renewal. 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 prophetic promise highlights the divine initiative in renewing the human heart, making it responsive and desirous of God.

The Psalms frequently express this longing for God. Psalm 42:1-2 states, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God." This imagery captures the intensity and necessity of the believer's desire for communion with God, akin to a vital need for sustenance.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the renewed heart is further illuminated through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus, in the Beatitudes, declares, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). This beatitude underscores the blessedness of those whose hearts are oriented towards God's righteousness, reflecting a deep-seated desire for His presence and will.

The Apostle Paul speaks of this transformation in Romans 12:2 , urging believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This renewal involves a shift in desires, where the believer seeks to discern and fulfill God's good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Characteristics of a Desirous Heart

1. Love for God: A renewed heart is marked by an overwhelming love for God, as commanded in the Shema: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:5). This love is not passive but active, manifesting in worship, devotion, and service.

2. Obedience to God's Commands: The desire for God naturally leads to a desire to obey His commandments. Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). Obedience is a tangible expression of the heart's desire for God, reflecting a commitment to live according to His statutes.

3. Pursuit of Holiness: A heart desirous of God seeks holiness, recognizing it as essential for fellowship with Him. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts believers to "pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." This pursuit involves a continual process of sanctification, striving to reflect God's character.

4. Longing for God's Presence: The renewed heart yearns for God's presence, as seen in the psalmist's cry, "One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple" (Psalm 27:4). This longing is fulfilled in both personal devotion and corporate worship.

5. Dependence on God: A heart desirous of God recognizes its dependence on Him for strength, guidance, and sustenance. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "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 dependence fosters a deeper relationship with God, characterized by trust and reliance.

Conclusion

The character of the renewed heart, desirous of God, is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace. It reflects a life oriented towards God, marked by love, obedience, holiness, longing, and dependence. This desire is both a gift and a calling, inviting believers to continually seek and delight in the presence of their Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 84:2
My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh cries out for the living God.
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

God's Love for a Sinning World
... is complete"that the whole of Christ"His character, His work ... What an unfeeling heart
is this. ... beloved Son, it is carried on with ever renewed sacrifices and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/i gods love for a.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 Wedding Garment
... All the essentials of the Christian character may be ... own advantage unless his heart
is renewed, unless he ... being indeed submissive to God in heart and desirous ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the wedding garment.htm

A More Particular view of the Several Branches of the Christian ...
... can say, "This is my temper and character." Happy in no ... true holiness," (Eph.4:24)
"and is renewed in knowledge ... authority; that his agency on your heart may be ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xiv a more particular.htm

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
... and thus is made to possess the character of a ... to acquiesce in his; the enmity in
the heart, like a ... But when the sinner is renewed, the requirement of the duty ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vii covenanting adapted to.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... ourselves from sinners, how could we possibly answer that character which our ... into
the heart of him whom God hath renewed in the ... Lift my heart to things above,. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 24 upon our lords.htm

The Chorus of Angels
... His mercies are renewed to them every morning. ... due to a creature, to one of a derived
and dependent character? ... If He, who has that power over the heart which I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlix the chorus of.htm

The National Oath at Shechem
... Then observe the points in the character of God ... other gods, and the surrender of
heart and self ... ceremony which ratified the covenant thus renewed consisted of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the national oath at shechem.htm

Delivered from Prison
... the people to study the life and character of Jesus ... His heart bounded with triumph,
and a glow of ... have the encouraging words of angels renewed the drooping ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 15 delivered from prison.htm