6185 imagination, inward desires

The usually sinful inclinations of a heart which is by nature corrupt and stubborn, but which may be renewed by God, resulting in purified desires.

The heart is the source of human desires

Pr 4:23 See also Ps 10:3; Mt 12:34-35 pp Lk 6:45

God knows the human heart

1Ki 8:39; 1Ch 28:9 See also 1Sa 16:7 God’s choice of David; Ps 7:9; Ps 19:14; Ps 26:2; Ps 38:9; Ps 44:21; Ps 139:2,23; Pr 15:26; Pr 21:2; Jer 11:20 The plot of Jeremiah’s enemies is revealed to him by the Lord; Jer 20:12; Eze 11:5; Rev 2:23; Mt 9:4 pp Mk 2:8 pp Lk 5:22 Jesus Christ knows the thoughts of others.

The corruption of the heart

Its inclination towards evil Ge 6:5 See also Ge 8:21; Ps 14:1-3 pp Ps 53:1-3; Ps 94:11; Ecc 9:3; Jer 17:9-10; Mt 15:18-19 pp Mk 7:20-23

Corruption finds particular expression in sexual sin Ro 1:24 See also Mt 5:28; Ro 1:26-27; Gal 5:19

The stubbornness of the heart

It leads to disregard for God Isa 65:2

It produces false confidence Dt 29:18-19 See also Jer 23:17

It leads to idolatry Jer 9:14 See also Jer 13:10

It leads to disobedience Jer 7:24 See also Jer 16:12

It brings God’s judgment Jer 11:8 See also Pr 28:14; Pr 29:1; Jer 18:12-13; Ro 2:5; Heb 3:7-11; Ps 95:7-11

God allows people to continue in their stubbornness God hardens Pharaoh’s heart: Ex 4:21; Ex 7:3; Ex 14:4,17
Ps 81:11-12; Ro 1:28

God’s renewal of the heart

It results in purified desires Jer 24:7; Eze 36:26 See also Dt 6:6; Eze 11:19; Ro 12:2; 2Co 4:6; Eph 4:23; Php 4:8-9; Heb 8:10; Jer 31:33

Examples of renewed hearts 2Ch 11:16; Ne 9:8; Ps 51:10; Ps 57:7; Ps 86:11; Jer 3:17

God delights in a pure heart Ps 24:3-5 See also Dt 5:29; Ps 73:1; Ps 125:4; Mt 5:8

God fulfils the desires of hearts devoted to him Ps 37:4 See also Ps 21:2; Ps 145:19; Mt 6:21 pp Lk 12:34; Mt 6:33 pp Lk 12:31

God gives the desire to follow him 1Ch 29:18

The human ability to visualise in parables

See also