A Heart Hardened Toward God

Acts 19:1-10

Introduction:

A.   We are told in Acts 19:1-10 that many people spoke evil of the "Way" in the time of the apostles. In a sense, those people are still with us. They haven't died out in the past 2000 (or so) years. If we look we can see that the condition which caused them to behave this way, can still be observed in people today.

B.   The Bible begins very early to speak of those who had hardened their hearts toward God. We see it all the way back in the beginning of the creation with Adam and Eve. They hardened their hearts against God, and His Will.

C.   Someone asks, "So how does that effect me?" The trouble & danger with this condition is that anyone can become affected by it. It doesn't matter if we have only been a Christian for a few short years or for many years. It doesn't even matter if we've not yet become a Christian at all, we all can become affected by a hardened heart toward God.

I.    What We Are Talking About

      A.   Hardened heart is a heart or mind that is set against the Will of God

            1.   Perfect example of this is found in Exo. 7:8-13

                  a.   Account of the conflict between God and Pharaoh

                        1)   In spite of all the signs and wonders

                        2)   Pharaoh still hardened his heart against God

                  b.   This happened each time after the plagues

                        1)   God would send a catastrophe

                        2)   Pharaoh would harden his heart

            2.   One reason he did this because felt that he was on an even (or higher) plain with God - Exo. 5:1-2

            3.   After the last plague, Pharaoh was more than ready to let the people of God leave

                  Egypt.

                  a.   God had brought Pharaoh down

                  b.   For a while, Pharaoh's heart was apparently willing to surrender to God

      B.   Pharaoh not only example of a hardened heart in Scripture

            1.   The enemies of Jesus - Mk. 3:1-6

            2.   Jesus came to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" - Matt. 15:24

            3.   But these "would not receive Him" - Jn. 1:11

      C.   Same today, many whom Jesus came to save have hardened their hearts to the Lord - Rom. 1:28

            1.   "Vile passions" were greater than love for God

            2.   What caused people to fall to such condition?

                  a.   "But professing to be wise…they became fools." - Vs. 21

                  b.   It was their decision to turn away from the commands & ordinances of God

                        1)   When a person hardens his/ her heart against God

                        2)   They can't help but fall into the depths of sin

II.   Grace And Mercy Were Available

      A.   God did not withdraw his GRACE or MERCY to produce this hardness of heart

            1.   Turned them over to do the things they were determined to do

            2.   They CHOSE to harden their heart against God - 1 Cor. 10:13

      B.   No one divinely placed, or forced, into a situation in which he is unable to resist

            1.   God does not push or tempt anyone to sin - Jas. 1:13

                  a.   Drawn away by our own lusts & desires - Jas.1:14

                  b.   We are never drawn away by God

            2.   Things that draw us into sin not given us by God but come from the world - 1 Jn. 2:15

III.  Scripture tells us how a person can become as these - 1 Tim. 4:1-2

      A.   Seared in their conscience as with a branding iron. (Sear, "To make callous or unfeeling;

            to harden)

            1.   Heb. 3:12-13

            2.   A seared conscience is achieved by the deceitfulness of sin

      B.   Example of Moses - Heb. 11:24-25

            1.   Had a choice

            2.   Could have been 2nd most powerful man in Egypt

            3.   Instead, chose to face his responsibility; do what the Lord wanted of him

      C.   Spiritual "dream world" of believe what you want, feel what you want, and even do (& think) what you want not true

            1.   Certain popular religious beliefs teach otherwise

                  a.   Salvation by faith only

                  b.   Once saved, always saved

                  c.    It doesn't mater what you believe, or how you worship, as long as you believe in

                        God

            2.   Scriptures show these not true - Acts 2:38; Mk. 16:16

            3.   False beliefs may sound good, we might even desire them to be true, but not - Jn. 14:6

            4.   The words of the Lord free us from sin - Jn. 8:31-32

            5.   What of one who hardens his heart? - 2 Jn. 9

      D.   It may be more appealing for follow sin, with out a doubt, is easier

            1.   But who ever said having it easier is better

            2.   True reward can only come after an effort on one's part

      E.   Paul wrote about the tragic ending of one who gives into the desires of this world - Rom.

            2:5-9

Conclusion:

A.   How about you? What do you understand to be waiting for you in your present condition? Is it the destruction that comes from disobedience, or the joyful service that brings glory, honor and peace with God?