Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Prepared to Seek God

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The concept of a renewed heart is central to the Christian faith, signifying a transformation that aligns one's desires and actions with the will of God. A key aspect of this transformation is the preparedness to seek God, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. This readiness is not merely an emotional or intellectual assent but a profound reorientation of the entire being towards God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of seeking God with a renewed heart. In 2 Chronicles 19:3, Jehoshaphat is commended because he "set his heart to seek God." This setting of the heart implies a deliberate and intentional act, suggesting that seeking God is a priority and a conscious decision.

Jeremiah 29:13 further underscores this idea: "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Here, the promise of finding God is contingent upon the wholeheartedness of the search, indicating that a divided heart is insufficient for true communion with the Divine.

Characteristics of the Renewed Heart

1. Wholeheartedness: A renewed heart seeks God with undivided devotion. This is evident in Psalm 119:2, which states, "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart." The emphasis on "all their heart" suggests that partial commitment is inadequate; the pursuit of God requires total dedication.

2. Humility: A renewed heart approaches God with humility, recognizing its own insufficiency and the need for divine grace. Isaiah 66:2 highlights this trait: "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word." Humility is essential for seeking God, as it acknowledges His sovereignty and our dependence on Him.

3. Obedience: The renewed heart is characterized by a willingness to obey God's commands. In John 14:15, Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." Obedience is a natural outflow of a heart that seeks God, demonstrating love and reverence for His authority.

4. Perseverance: Seeking God requires perseverance, as the journey of faith is often fraught with challenges. Hebrews 11:6 affirms, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." The term "earnestly" implies persistence and determination, qualities essential for a heart prepared to seek God.

5. Joy in God's Presence: A renewed heart finds joy in the presence of God. Psalm 16:11 declares, "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the relationship with God.

Practical Implications

The preparedness to seek God manifests in various practical ways in the life of a believer. Regular prayer and meditation on Scripture are vital practices that nurture a heart inclined towards God. Fellowship with other believers provides encouragement and accountability, fostering a community that collectively seeks the Lord.

Moreover, a heart prepared to seek God is attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, open to correction, and eager to grow in spiritual maturity. This readiness transforms not only personal conduct but also influences relationships, work, and service, reflecting the light of Christ in every aspect of life.

In summary, the character of the renewed heart is marked by a sincere and steadfast pursuit of God, driven by love, humility, and obedience. This pursuit is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling believers to continually align their hearts with the heart of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 19:3
Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have taken away the groves out of the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 10:17
LORD, you have heard the desire of the humble: you will prepare their heart, you will cause your ear to hear:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Knowledge of God
... shall desire to be wholly transformed and renewed in the ... a breadth of mind, a nobility
of character, and a ... with those who in humility of heart seek for divine ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 10 a knowledge of.htm

Prayer and God's Work
... and in all those graces which have their root in the renewed heart, which mark ... They
largely determine its character and its work. ... And purifies the heart.". ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vii prayer and gods work.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 ... thine ears may be open, and thy heart yield to ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iv the character of.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

Letter xviii. Marriage.
... in your mind, you will be prepared calmly to ... can be formed between the carnal and
the renewed heart. ... must be a dark mark against any one's Christian character. ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xviii marriage.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

Altogether Lovely
... very serious robber of the wealth of renewed hearts ... in all directions; the best human
character is deformed ... in our hearts the old consuming heart-inflaming fire ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/altogether lovely.htm

Sixteenth Lesson. Speedily, Though Bearing Long;'
... in which our Lord sets forth the character and conduct ... There is nothing so
heart-searching as the prayer of ... undertaking, I can often succeed by renewed and ...
/.../sixteenth lesson speedily though bearing.htm

Preface.
... The result of the renewed struggle can not be doubtful ... essay of the author, on the
Moral Character of Christ ... the springs of unbelief are in the heart rather than ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/preface.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