Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Inclined to Obedience

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The concept of a renewed heart is central to Christian theology, signifying a transformation that aligns one's desires and actions with the will of God. This transformation is often described as a work of the Holy Spirit, resulting in a heart that is inclined to obedience. The renewed heart is a key aspect of the believer's sanctification process, reflecting a life that seeks to honor God through adherence to His commandments.

Biblical Foundation

The inclination to obedience is rooted in the promise of a new heart and spirit, as prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. Ezekiel 36:26-27 states, "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 passage highlights the divine initiative in transforming the believer's heart, enabling them to follow God's laws.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul echoes this transformation in Romans 6:17-18 : "But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." Here, Paul emphasizes the shift from a life dominated by sin to one characterized by obedience to righteousness, made possible through the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Characteristics of the Renewed Heart

1. Desire for God's Will: A renewed heart is marked by a genuine desire to know and do God's will. This desire is not born out of compulsion but from a deep-seated love for God and His commandments. Psalm 40:8 expresses this sentiment: "I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart."

2. Submission to God's Authority: The renewed heart willingly submits to God's authority, recognizing His sovereignty and wisdom. James 4:7 instructs believers, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This submission is an act of trust and reverence, acknowledging God's rightful place as Lord over one's life.

3. Consistency in Obedience: The inclination to obedience is not sporadic but consistent, reflecting a steadfast commitment to living according to God's standards. 1 John 2:3-5 underscores this consistency: "By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. If anyone says, 'I know Him,' but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him."

4. Repentance and Renewal: When a believer with a renewed heart falls into sin, there is a prompt return to God through repentance. This ongoing process of renewal is essential for maintaining a heart inclined to obedience. 1 John 1:9 assures believers, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in cultivating a heart inclined to obedience. It is through the Spirit's work that believers are empowered to live in accordance with God's will. Galatians 5:16 advises, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Spirit guides, convicts, and strengthens believers, enabling them to overcome the sinful nature and pursue a life of obedience.

Examples from Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals whose renewed hearts were inclined to obedience. King David, despite his failings, is described as a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), demonstrating a deep commitment to God's will. Similarly, the Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became a devoted servant of Christ, exemplifying a life transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In summary, the character of the renewed heart is fundamentally inclined to obedience, reflecting a transformation that aligns one's desires and actions with the will of God. This inclination is nurtured by the Holy Spirit and is evident in a life marked by a desire for God's will, submission to His authority, consistency in obedience, and a readiness to repent and renew.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:112
I have inclined my heart to perform your statutes always, even to the end.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

General Character of Christians.
... Herod was a vile character; but "he feared John, knowing ... The renewed are chiefly
restrained by love to God and ... yea not only in every field, but in every heart. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xi general character of.htm

1 John 5:4-5. victory
... soul without producing some perceptible results in character and conduct. ... is also
a renewed man, and every renewed man is ... is he who can say with heart, as well ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter viii 1 john 5 4-5.htm

Love's Logic
... to God is as natural to the renewed heart as love to ... fountain of the grace of love
in any man's heart. ... and marked the inimitable beauty of the character of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/loves logic.htm

The Backslider in Heart.
... It is a spirit of distrust of Christian character and professions ... know that you are
a backslider in heart, and your ... and see that your love and zeal are renewed. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xxi the backslider in.htm

The Agreement of Salvation by Grace with Walking in Good Works
... How can I tell him the cruel dogma of "modern thought" that his own personal character
is everything? ... You need to be renewed in heart by the Holy Spirit ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the agreement of salvation by.htm

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ...
... yourselves, from your early years, inclined to attend ... to others, and sink in their
character below those ... and efficacious influences in a renewed heart and life ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse vii of the necessity.htm

Holiness Demanded
... heart be changed, till thy nature be renewed, till thine ... you have good cause to bewail
your character, and tremble ... on his head, the man after God's heart sinned ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/holiness demanded.htm

Aims of the Papacy.
... of truth, and whose hearts are renewed by the ... with wine and licentiousness,"his standard
of character is lowered ... is the yoke which the carnal heart is willing ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /35 aims of the papacy.htm

Liberty of Conscience Threatened
... of truth, and whose hearts are renewed by the ... with wine and licentiousness,"his standard
of character is lowered ... is the yoke which the carnal heart is willing ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 35 liberty of conscience.htm

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... events in history, and bold points in character, are seized ... spring from the solitary
pair, was renewed; and as ... hours falling around her, and a heart subdued by ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm