Chuck Smith emphasizes that God knows our hearts and desires us to give our hearts fully to Him. He explains that mere knowledge or belief is insufficient for salvation; true belief must come from the heart, which involves our will and actions. Smith illustrates this with examples from David and Abraham, showing that God values our intentions and willingness over mere actions. Ultimately, he urges listeners to reflect on their hearts and ensure they have truly surrendered to God, as He is aware of our innermost thoughts and feelings.

"GOD KNOWS YOUR HEART" Intro: This thought may bring you comfort or uneasiness. In the scriptures the heart represents that deepest area of your being. As the mind is considered the seat of the soul, so the heart is considered the seat of the spirit. I. GOD IS INTERESTED IN YOUR HEART, HE WANTS YOU TO GIVE YOUR HEART TO HIM. A. Knowledge is in the area of the mind. 1. You may know the right things & not be saved. 2. Just as you may know all about parachutes. a. You may know how to fold them. b. The aerodynamic principles involved. c. You may strap one on your back & leap out of a plane at 12,000 feet. d. That parachute strapped to your back can't save you unless you now act. e. On your chest is a rip cord, what are you going to do about it? 1. There's always the remote chance that when you pull it nothing will happen. 2. Many doubts may fill your mind. 3. What if at this point, because of the fear of possible failure you decide not to try it. Does that make sense? 3. Knowledge alone cannot save you. You must act on right knowledge. 1. From knowledge comes belief, but belief even correct belief alone cannot save. a. You may believe in God. b. You may believe in Jesus Christ. c. You may understand the atonement and death by substitution. 2. The scripture speaks of believing in your heart. a.. What is the difference between believing in your mind & believing in your heart? 1. You can believe in your mind & never act. 2. The heart is the area of your will. 3. This is where actions are prompted. 4. When you give your heart to something, you give your whole self. 5. Purpose & will are now involved. II. GOD COUNTS WHAT IS IN THE HEART. A. The action may not be fulfilled. 1. David in his heart had purposed to build the temple. a. Because of his over all actions, God restrained him. b. "Whereas it was in your heart you did well that it was in your heart" vs. 18. 2. Abraham was called upon to sacrifice his son. a. God never intended the action to be consummated. b. When there was no doubt that Abraham was willing to give God his dearest treasure, God counted it done and did not require it. 3. Cheryl's serious illness. B. Our weak flesh also hinders proper actions at times. 1. Romans 7. 2. Jesus to Peter "The spirit indeed is willing." Ill. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART THIS DAY. A. Have you given your heart to God? 1. He would rather your attitude be right & your actions wrong than your actions right and your attitude wrong. B. God knows your heart today.