THE VALUE OF A BROKEN-HEART- PART 1 (Listen to Audio)

                              Sept. 20, 2009

Intro: Psa. 34:18, James 4:6- sanctification =to make us

like Christ—brokenness is one tool.

I. HOW AMAZING THAT GOD SHOULD WISH TO BE

CLOSE TO ANY SINNER!   See Rom.3:9-19

1. Sin divides/destroys-Universality, pervasiveness, totality

 and constancy of sin.         Jesus’ view= Lk.18:19

2. Yet, God’s omniscience allows Him to be aware of those

who reflect & consider their sin-  Lk.15:17-18

 

II. GOD IS AWARE OF THOSE BROKEN BY SIN AND

MAKES HIMSELF AVAILABLE TO THOSE GENUINELY

HUMBLED.  Psa. 51:1-4, 14, 17

1. Not all appearances of humility are, in fact, evidence

of brokenness-  parable of sower- Lk.8:13-14

  Col.2:8, 18, 22- religious system constructed with false

humility = no change of heart

 

III. UNDER NT TEACHING, OUR STANDING BEFORE

GOD IS ASSSURED DUE TO THE MERIT OF CHRIST

ALONE, YET OUR STATE OF HEART MAY PREVENT

FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD.

1. As justified, we ever have imputed Right. of Christ-

Rom.5:1, 3:24     Does His merit ever fail?  Heb.10:14

2. But our hearts may drift and even rebel- James 2:23-24,

I John 2:11

 

IV. IF THE LORD IS NOT NEAR TO YOU, PERHAPS

YOU LACK THIS VALUED BROKENNESS.

>If Christ is our standard of genuine spiritual walk with

God, look at His conduct- John 8:29 “always do ..please Him”

>Jesus had compassion on those who suffered- Mk.8:1-3

>Jesus had anger over injustice—Mk.3:1-5

>Jesus had love toward the misguided- Mk.10:17, 20-21

>Jesus had tears for those who ignored God- Lk.19:37,41