Topical Bible: Character of the Unrenewed Heart: Full of Vain Thoughts

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The unrenewed heart, as depicted in the Scriptures, is often characterized by its propensity for vain thoughts. These thoughts are emblematic of a mind that has not been transformed by the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature and consequences of such a heart.

Biblical References:

1. Jeremiah 4:14 : "O Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you?" This verse highlights the persistent nature of vain and wicked thoughts in the unrenewed heart. The prophet Jeremiah calls for a cleansing, indicating that these thoughts are obstacles to salvation and a right relationship with God.

2. Romans 1:21 : "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts." Here, the Apostle Paul describes the futility of the unrenewed mind. Despite an awareness of God, the heart remains darkened, leading to a cycle of vain and purposeless thoughts.

3. Ecclesiastes 1:14 : "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and indeed, all is vanity and a chasing after the wind." Solomon's reflection on the vanity of human endeavors underscores the emptiness that pervades the thoughts of those who are not aligned with God's purposes.

Characteristics of Vain Thoughts:

· Self-Centeredness: Vain thoughts often revolve around self-interest, pride, and personal gain, neglecting the call to love God and others (Philippians 2:3-4).

· Worldly Focus: The unrenewed heart is preoccupied with worldly matters, valuing temporal pleasures and achievements over eternal truths (1 John 2:15-17).

· Lack of Spiritual Discernment: Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the unrenewed heart struggles to discern spiritual truths, leading to confusion and error (1 Corinthians 2:14).

· Resistance to God: Vain thoughts are often in opposition to God's will, reflecting a rebellious spirit that resists divine authority and wisdom (Romans 8:7).

Consequences:

The prevalence of vain thoughts in the unrenewed heart leads to a life that is ultimately unfulfilled and disconnected from God's purpose. Such a heart is prone to idolatry, as it seeks meaning and satisfaction in things other than God. This condition results in spiritual blindness and a hardened heart, making it difficult to receive the truth of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Call to Renewal:

The Scriptures consistently call for the renewal of the mind and heart through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:2 exhorts believers: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This renewal is essential for overcoming vain thoughts and aligning one's heart with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 4:14
O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved. How long shall your vain thoughts lodge within you?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Snares of Satan.
... in His word sufficient evidence of its divine character. ... is omnipotent, the Heart
that is full of love ... is the natural outgrowth of the unrenewed heart, which is ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /32 snares of satan.htm

Snares of Satan
... in His word sufficient evidence of its divine character. ... is omnipotent, the Heart
that is full of love ... is the natural outgrowth of the unrenewed heart, which is ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 32 snares of satan.htm

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
... carelessness or self-righteousness of their unrenewed hearts, then I ... in our every
need, of whatever character it may ... If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/the hearts desire given to.htm

Washed to Greater Foulness
... of men: they think they are saved when they are still unrenewed. ... Lord permits him
to see his own heart and he ... brother men; if, in a word, his character had not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/washed to greater foulness.htm

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Gospel Transcends Law.
... Surely works are essential." Arguments of this character have indeed a semblance
of merit, but ... Without Christ the heart remains unchanged and unrenewed. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twelfth sunday after trinity gospel.htm

A Message from God for Thee
... Unrenewed persons find fault with God's justice ... this morning, for my text is addressed
to a special character. ... I am, never one who had so hard a heart, and was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a message from god for.htm

The Sower.
... like the natural in its cause as well as in its character. ... for a time in the life
of an unrenewed man ... but the tender plant of righteousness in your heart is not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/i the sower.htm

Victory Over the World through Faith
... as they might do in an unrenewed mind, but ... respecting them must at least embrace
their general character. ... Deep in their heart lies the conviction that here and ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxii victory over the world.htm

Of the Nature of Regeneration, and Particularly of the Change it ...
... was, while in an unenlightened and unrenewed state. ... few important branches of the
Christian character, which may ... of these views rejoices him to the very heart. ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse ii of the nature.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... have given me a very bad character of the ... to spiritual life, purifies and sanctifies
the heart; and worketh ... coming will be glorious and dreadful, full of mercy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm