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  HE DID EVIL, BECAUSE HE PREPARED NOT HIS HEART
  by F.B. Meyer
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of preparing one's heart
to seek and do God's will in order to resist temptation.

Topics: "Spiritual Vigilance", "Heart Preparation"
Scripture References: 2 Chronicles 12:14, Psalm 51:10, Psalm 57:7, James 1:14

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DESCRIPTION
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F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of preparing one's heart to seek the
Lord, as illustrated in 2 Chronicles 12:14. He warns that without a
fixed determination to follow God's will, individuals are vulnerable to
temptation and sin. Meyer highlights the importance of a whole-hearted
commitment to God, urging believers to be vigilant and to seek the Holy
Spirit's guidance for steadfastness. He draws parallels to David's
prayer for a renewed spirit, underscoring that true preparation comes
from divine assistance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a resolute
heart that is unwavering in its pursuit of righteousness.

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CONTENT
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He did evil, because he prepared not his heart

to seek the Lord. 2 Chron, xii. 14.

IN the margin of the A.V. for prepared the alternative rendering fixed
is suggested. The R.V. gives set, "he set not his heart to seek the
Lord." This is very true of all of us. Before temptation comes we almost
always have a warning of some kind. The barometer falls; the sea birds
come in to the shore; the leaves of the trees are bent back. The Spirit
of God contrives to give the soul some signal that at any moment it may
expect an assault. The question always is at such a time, Is the heart
set on seeking and doing the will of God? If it be, if without reserve
the whole nature is determined to do God's will at any cost, there is no
fear of the enemy effecting an entrance. All day the thunder of its
artillery may boom around, but from every side the foe will be repelled,
until presently the storm will roll far down the wind.

If, on the other hand, there is any vacillation; if, whilst ostensibly
avowing our determination to do the right thing, we secretly whisper in
our deepest consciousness that we intend to go as far as we can in
self‑indulgence, and would be almost thankful if circumstances
compelled us to yield ‑‑ we are almost certain to fall. The
will must be whole in its resolves; the heart must be consecrated in its
most secret determinations; no traitor may be harboured, who may open
the postern gate. Oh to say with David, "My heart is fixed, 0 God, my
heart is fixed"! But this steadfastness is one of those preparations of
the heart which can only be obtained through the gracious indwelling of
the Holy Spirit. Hence we pray with David, "Renew a steadfast spirit
within me." And while we pray, we must never forget our Lord's command
to watch also.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/fb-meyer/he-did-evil-because-he-prepared-not-his-heart/
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