Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Enlarged

Bible > Topical > Character of the Renewed Heart

◄ Character of the Renewed Heart: Enlarged ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of an "enlarged heart" in the biblical sense refers to the transformation and expansion of one's inner being through the work of the Holy Spirit. This transformation is characterized by an increased capacity for love, understanding, and obedience to God's will. The renewed heart, as described in Scripture, is one that is open, receptive, and responsive to the divine influence, resulting in a life that reflects God's character and purposes.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of an enlarged heart is rooted in the transformative power of God's grace. In Psalm 119:32, the psalmist declares, "I run in the path of Your commandments, for You have set my heart free" . This freedom is indicative of an enlargement, where the heart is liberated from the constraints of sin and self-centeredness, allowing it to embrace God's commandments with joy and eagerness.

In 2 Corinthians 6:11-13, the Apostle Paul appeals to the Corinthians, saying, "We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our hearts are open wide. It is not our affection, but yours that is restrained. As a fair exchange, I ask you as my children: Open wide your hearts also" . Here, Paul exemplifies the enlarged heart through his open and generous spirit, urging the Corinthians to reciprocate by expanding their own hearts in love and fellowship.

Characteristics of an Enlarged Heart

1. Love and Compassion: An enlarged heart is marked by an increased capacity to love others selflessly. This love is not limited to those who are easy to love but extends even to enemies, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:44. The renewed heart reflects God's love, which is unconditional and sacrificial.

2. Understanding and Wisdom: With an enlarged heart comes a deeper understanding of God's truth and wisdom. In Ephesians 1:17-18, Paul prays for the believers, "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened" . This enlightenment is part of the heart's enlargement, enabling believers to grasp the depth of God's purposes.

3. Obedience and Faithfulness: The renewed heart is inclined toward obedience to God's commands. In Ezekiel 36:26-27, 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. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances" . This transformation results in a heart that delights in following God's ways.

4. Generosity and Hospitality: An enlarged heart is generous, reflecting God's own generosity. In 1 Timothy 6:18, believers are instructed "to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and ready to share" . This generosity is a natural outflow of a heart that has been expanded by God's grace.

5. Joy and Gratitude: The renewed heart is filled with joy and gratitude, recognizing the goodness of God in all circumstances. Philippians 4:4 encourages believers to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" . This joy is a hallmark of a heart that has been enlarged by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

The enlargement of the heart is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and transforms them from within. Romans 5:5 states, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us" . The Spirit's work is to continually expand the believer's capacity to love, understand, and obey, aligning their heart with God's own heart.

In summary, the character of the renewed heart, as enlarged by the Holy Spirit, is one that reflects the love, wisdom, and holiness of God. It is a heart that is open to God's leading, responsive to His commands, and generous in its dealings with others. Through the process of sanctification, the believer's heart is continually being enlarged, enabling them to live a life that glorifies God and serves others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:32
I will run the way of your commandments, when you shall enlarge my heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 6:11
O you Corinthians, our mouth is open to you, our heart is enlarged.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer and Desire
... ardour, which impregnates, glows, burns and fixes the heart. ... It is the embracing
character of desire which arms ... upon the innate desires of a renewed soul, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/iv prayer and desire.htm

Our Watchword
... an instructed apprehension as to the character of this ... or any such thing," and shall
be renewed in holiness ... the salvation which was devised by Jehovah's heart. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/our watchword.htm

Directions to Awakened Sinners.
... while they continue in this character, would vanish ... pursue these things aright, when
renewed diligence, prudence ... I might always feel my heart enlarged, to run ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse ix directions to awakened.htm

The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet
... soul, and when that soul has been renewed by grace ... Those feelings were of an opposite
character, and yet they ... When the troubles of our heart are enlarged, let ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/the key-note of a choice.htm

His Journey to South Russia.
... were loosened, and the command was renewed to speak ... Here they found themselves in
the heart of the ... arrived at another village, of a less suspicious character. ...
/.../chapter xix his journey to.htm

From his Commission to Reside Abroad in 1820 to his Removal to ...
... we find the charge to foreign labor renewed, with intimation ... letters, which well
depict her character and experience ... His heart being enlarged in gospel love, he ...
/.../chapter iii from his commission.htm

Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it ...
... in which he can discern himself in this character and state ... the gladness he had put
into his heart, by lifting ... himself in health and vigor of mind, renewed to a ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse iii of the nature.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... the person mentioned in the text, under the character of the ... spring from faith in
Christ, and a renewed soul, they ... My brethren, my heart is enlarged towards you ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm

From his Return from Russia to his Last Journey.
... occasion was of a very sociable and easy character, and well ... mo."During my stay at
home I have renewed my German ... A desire does live in my heart (cherish it, O ...
/.../chapter xx from his return.htm

Christ the Believer's Husband
... even gracious souls, who are inwardly renewed, so far ... Women should remember the
character that husbands sustain ... Brethren, my heart is enlarged towards you, and ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the believers husband.htm