Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Divided

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The concept of a divided heart is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating the internal conflict and inconsistency inherent in the unrenewed heart. This division is characterized by a lack of wholehearted devotion to God, resulting in a life that is unstable and often swayed by competing desires and loyalties.

Biblical References:

1. James 1:8 : "He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." This verse highlights the instability that comes from a divided heart. A double-minded person is one who wavers between faith and doubt, unable to commit fully to God. This instability affects all areas of life, leading to inconsistency in actions and decisions.

2. Hosea 10:2 : "Their hearts are deceitful; now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will break down their altars and demolish their sacred stones." Here, the prophet Hosea speaks to the divided loyalties of Israel, whose hearts were not fully devoted to God. Their deceitful hearts led them to idolatry, symbolized by the altars and sacred stones, which God promises to destroy.

3. Matthew 6:24 : "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Jesus addresses the impossibility of serving two masters, illustrating the divided heart's struggle between spiritual devotion and worldly pursuits. This division ultimately leads to a choice, as true allegiance cannot be split.

4. 1 Kings 18:21 : "Elijah approached all the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him.' But the people did not answer a word." Elijah's challenge to the Israelites underscores the indecision of a divided heart. The people’s silence reflects their internal conflict and reluctance to commit fully to God.

5. Psalm 86:11 : "Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name." The psalmist's plea for an undivided heart reveals the desire for singular devotion to God. An undivided heart is one that is fully aligned with God's will, free from the distractions and conflicts of competing desires.

Theological Implications:

The divided heart is emblematic of the human condition in its fallen state. It reflects the struggle between the flesh and the spirit, a theme that is central to the understanding of sin and redemption. The unrenewed heart is naturally inclined towards self-interest and worldly desires, often leading to a life that is inconsistent with the teachings of Scripture.

The divided heart is not merely a matter of external actions but is deeply rooted in the inner life of an individual. It is a spiritual condition that requires transformation through the renewing work of the Holy Spirit. The call to repentance and faith in Christ is a call to resolve this division, to turn away from idols and serve the living God with a whole heart.

In summary, the character of the unrenewed heart as divided is a profound biblical truth that speaks to the need for spiritual renewal and wholehearted devotion to God. The Scriptures consistently call believers to examine their hearts, to seek God's grace in overcoming division, and to pursue a life of undivided loyalty to Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 10:2
Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Message from God for Thee
... terrible figures to set forth the abominable character of sin ... Unrenewed persons find
fault with God's justice ... But when the heart is really touched by divine grace ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a message from god for.htm

Separating the Precious from the Vile
... a heap land the depths were congealed in the heart of the ... between the two of such
a character, that the ... Here comes the unrenewed, the ungodly man, he brings up ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/separating the precious from the.htm

The Heresies of the Apostolic Age.
... gospel exerts its proper influence on the character it produces ... a test for ascertaining
the state of the heart. ... discoveries; but those who are unrenewed in the ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the heresies of.htm