Having An Outward Profession but No Inward Reality (Clip)
Rex Humbard warns against having a mere outward profession of faith without genuine inward transformation, urging believers to align their hearts with God's will.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of living near to the heart and will of God, highlighting how God looks at the heart while man often focuses on outward appearances. It explores the contrast between external appearances and internal purity, urging listeners to stir up their pure minds in remembrance of God's standards.
Full Transcript
So that we can live near to the heart of God or away from the heart of God, near to the will of God or away from the will of God. And man looketh on the outward appearance but God looketh on the heart. As a man thinketh so is that man.
Sometimes it's like the scribes and the Pharisees that Jesus looked and said you've washed the outside of the cup, you've whitewashed it, but inside it's full of dead men's bones, rotten to the core, not what it ought to be. And God wants us to stir up our pure minds in way of remembrance.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The contrast between outward appearance and inward reality
- God's perspective focuses on the heart, not external show
- Man judges by appearance, God judges by the heart
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II
- Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees for hypocrisy
- The metaphor of washing the outside but being corrupt inside
- The danger of spiritual deadness beneath a clean exterior
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III
- The call to stir up pure minds through remembrance
- Encouragement to examine one's heart honestly
- Aligning one's inner life with God's will
Key Quotes
“Man looketh on the outward appearance but God looketh on the heart.” — Rex Humbard
“You've washed the outside of the cup, you've whitewashed it, but inside it's full of dead men's bones, rotten to the core.” — Rex Humbard
“God wants us to stir up our pure minds in way of remembrance.” — Rex Humbard
Application Points
- Regularly examine your heart to ensure your faith is genuine and not just external.
- Avoid hypocrisy by aligning your inner life with your outward profession of faith.
- Seek God's help to maintain a pure mind and remember His truths daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have an outward profession but no inward reality?
It means claiming to follow God externally without genuine heart transformation or true faith.
Why does God look at the heart rather than outward appearance?
Because true faith and righteousness come from the condition of the heart, not just external actions.
How can I examine my heart to ensure authenticity?
By prayerfully reflecting on your motives, confessing sin, and seeking alignment with God's word.
What warning does Jesus give about hypocrisy?
He warns that outward cleanliness means nothing if the inside is corrupt, likening it to whitewashed tombs.