1. FIVE ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF HEART
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psa. 19:14)

2. Honest heart acknowledges the need for divine guidance. (Jer. 10:23)
THE “HONEST” HEART
Luke 8:4-8, 11-15
Seed = Word of God
Soils = 4 different kinds of hearts
Good soil = “honest and good heart”
Honest heart acknowledges the need for divine guidance. (Jer. 10:23)
“Honest and good heart” responds positively
to the instruction and guidance of the word of God.
“The way of man is not in himself …
to direct his own steps.” (Jer. 10:23)

3. THE “SEEKING” HEART
“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (Prov. 18:15)
Jesus said, “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.”
(Jn. 7:17)
The example of the noble Bereans “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)

4. THE “UNDERSTANDING” HEART Matt. 13:13-15
Jesus said, “and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” (Jn. 8:32)
Salvation is dependent upon coming to a knowledge of the truth.
“(God) who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4)
Without understanding of certain basic elements
of the gospel, one cannot become a Christian.

5. IV. THE “BROKEN” HEART
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psa. 34:18)
Perhaps the best example of this quality is David. “the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psa. 51:17).
Perhaps the N.T. equivalent is “godly sorrow” that leads to repentance. (2 Cor. 7:10)

6. V. THE “OBEDIENT” HEART Obey – Matt. 8:27
Paul’s description of conversion in Rom. 6:17-18:
“you were” “you did” “you became”
Servants of Obeyed Servants of Sin from the righteousness heart
Obey – Matt. 8:27
“from the heart” emphasizes obedience that is genuine or sincere. Cf. 1 Pet. 1:22

7. Conclusion:
Every sincere soul who desires with all his heart to serve the Lord must strive to keep his heart “exercised” (Heb. 5:14) so as to be ever sensitive to doing God’s will – whatever the cost.
Not every one possesses these qualities of heart. Many are dishonest, cynical, hardened, arrogant and disobedient.
Solomon advised:
“keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Prov. 4:23)
God is inviting “give me your heart.”