Save your heart for Jesus
Preaching Outline on Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all that is to be guarded, guard your heart, for out of it come the issues of life.”
Introduction to Proverbs 4:23
The book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon. Solomon, in that he was faithful to the Lord, is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. He wrote around 3,000 proverbs, which are a wide variety of advice for man’s life, so that he may live well and use his time on earth in a way that magnifies the Creator. For, as Solomon declares in all his wisdom – which no man has ever had – all other things are vanities.
Development
- “On everything to keep”
In his life, man tries to keep many things: he gathers for himself possessions, material and cultural values, and makes these the main goals of his existence. He spends all his time focused on these things, but forgets that they are temporary. One moment you have them, the next you lose them. And even if you keep them for your whole earthly life, they will never satisfy your soul’s anxieties. That’s why the Holy Spirit’s advice is clear: above all, guard your heart. - “Guard your heart”
The heart represents what is vital in our existence – that which is sensitive and worthy of all care. It symbolizes the place where we keep our deepest feelings, great friendships and things that are truly valuable. So the advice is: guard your heart so that only the Creator occupies this place. Let only the Lord’s blessing fill it, quenching every thirst of the soul. And also guard it so that the evil world doesn’t enter and prevent us from seeing the Way of Salvation: Jesus. - “Because from him come the outlets of life”
Why “outlets of life”? One of the functions of the human heart is to pump blood, bringing life and nourishment to the whole body. In the same way, a heart full of God’s blessing injects spiritual life into man, allowing the Holy Spirit’s operation to be complete. It strengthens, nourishes and, above all, generates Eternal Life.
The heart that is willing to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd is the one that allows the Holy Spirit to speak to His Church.
Conclusion of Proverbs 4:23
In our lives, the heart works like a door.
- If we open it up to the world, we lose life.
- But if we accept the Holy Spirit’s advice and open it to Jesus – the One who knocks without ceasing – he becomes the door of grace. In him, we find God’s favor and Life in Abundance.
Preaching Outline on Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all that is to be guarded, guard your heart, for out of it come the issues of life.”
More Preaching Outlines
- In God’s word – Proverbs 4:13
- What shall I give to the Lord? – Psalm 116:12-14
- Wait on the Lord – Psalm 27:14
