An HonestAn Honestandand

Good HeartGood Heart

What Does It Mean to Be What Does It Mean to Be Honest?Honest?

• We typically associate “honesty” with telling the truth; not telling a lie, not cheating, not stealing

• But, “honesty” also involves what is fair, right, sincere; a straightforward, frank and open approach to truth

• I can tell the truth and still not have an “honest and good heart”!

An Honest and Good HeartAn Honest and Good Heart

• We learn of the “honest and good heart” in the parable of the sower (Lk. 8:15)

• The parallel passages help us to understand that Jesus is talking about one’s attitude toward receiving the word of God (Mt. 13:23; Mk. 4:20)

• Am I an honest person when it comes to hearing God’s word?

An Honest and Good HeartAn Honest and Good HeartMt. 13:23; Mk. 4:20; Lk. 8:15

• An Attentive Heart – “hear the word and accept it”

• A Discerning Heart – “and understands it”

• A Convicted Heart – “hold it fast…”

• A Productive Heart – “bring forth fruit with patience…”

Not Everyone HasNot Everyone HasAn Honest and Good HeartAn Honest and Good Heart

• Jesus faced those who were dishonest (Mt. 21:25-27; Jn. 7:46-47; 9:27; 10:24-25; 11:45-48; 12:10-11)

• Peter and John faced those who were dishonest (Acts 4:16-17)

• Stephen faced those who were dishonest (Acts 7:57)

• Paul faced those who were dishonest (Acts 14:2-4; 19:9; 24:25; 26:28)

What Are the SignsWhat Are the Signsof An Honest and Good Heart?of An Honest and Good Heart?

• Seeks truth in all matters of life (1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Thess. 2:10-12)

• Investigates before making a decision (Acts 17:11; Phil. 1:10; 1 Thess. 5:21; Heb. 5:14; 1 Jn. 4:1)

• Desires harmony in what is written in the Bible (Acts 10:33; 18:26)

• Shows willingness to get help in understanding (Acts 8:30-31; 18:26)

What Are the SignsWhat Are the Signsof An Honest and Good Heart?of An Honest and Good Heart?

• Repents as soon as convicted of wrong (Acts 2:37,38,41)

• Obeys divine commands immediately (Acts 2:41; 16:33; 22:10; 26:19; Gal. 1:16)

• Walks daily in the light of truth and practices the word of God (Jn. 15:8; 1 Cor. 15:1-2; Col. 1:10; Jas. 2:22-25; 2 Jn. 4; 3 Jn. 3)

An Honest and Good HeartAn Honest and Good Heart

• Waiting to change until you are on your death bed is risky business.

• An “honest and good heart” will make the necessary changes today!