Transforming the Heart: The Source of True Change
Summary
The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart. So often, we look at the world around us and see evil as something “out there”—in society, in technology, in the temptations and dangers that surround us. But Jesus, in Mark 7, radically redefines the source of our greatest danger. He teaches that it is not what comes from outside that defiles us, but what comes from within. The real pollution, the real threat, is the foolishness and corruption that reside in our own hearts.
This is a sobering truth. The heart, as Scripture says, is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Our thoughts, desires, choices, and even our worship are tainted by this internal corruption. We see evidence of this not just in the world, but in our own lives—how we communicate, how we treat others, and the secret sins that lurk beneath the surface. Even those who seem to have it all together, whether pastors or public figures, are not immune. The problem is universal and profound: we owe a debt to God that we cannot pay, and no amount of rule-following or external conformity can fix what is broken inside.
Yet, the good news is that God’s solution is greater than our problem. Jesus came not just to teach or to model a better way, but to deal with the pollution within us. He lived the life we should have lived, died the death we deserved, and rose again to offer us forgiveness and a new heart. Through repentance and faith in Christ, we are given a new heart—a heart of flesh instead of stone, with new desires, new motives, and new fruit. The evidence of this change is seen in transformed lives: new patterns of speech, new priorities, and the fruit of the Spirit growing in us.
This calls for honest self-examination. Are we different than we once were? Are we relying on God’s grace to change us from the inside out? The invitation is open: turn from the foolishness within, trust in Christ, and receive the new heart only He can give. In Him, our sins—past, present, and future—are not only forgiven, but forgotten. This is the hope and the power of the gospel.
Key Takeaways
- The Greatest Danger Lies Within
Jesus teaches that our deepest problem is not the evil around us, but the evil that comes from within our own hearts. External temptations may be real, but the root of sin is internal. Recognizing this truth is the first step toward genuine transformation, as it humbles us and drives us to seek God’s help rather than relying on our own strength. [38:16]
- The Heart’s Pollution Is Universal and Deep
Scripture is clear: the heart is deceitful and beyond cure by human means. Every person, regardless of background or position, is affected by this inner corruption. This means that no one is exempt from the need for grace, and that self-examination and repentance are ongoing necessities for spiritual health. [41:42]
- Transformation Begins with Honest Self-Examination
It is easy to point to external factors or blame circumstances for our struggles, but Jesus calls us to look within. True change starts when we honestly assess our hearts in light of God’s Word, confess our sin, and turn to Him for cleansing. This process is not about self-improvement, but about surrendering to God’s power to give us a new heart. [46:48]
- Jesus Offers a New Heart and a New Life
The gospel is not just about forgiveness, but about regeneration—a complete renewal from the inside out. Jesus invites us to bring our polluted hearts to Him, and in exchange, He gives us a new heart with new desires, new motives, and new fruit. The evidence of this change is seen in transformed relationships, priorities, and the growing presence of the Spirit’s fruit in our lives. [49:50]
- Grace Empowers Ongoing Change and Victory Over Sin
Even as believers, we continue to struggle with sin, but in Christ, our sins are fully paid for and forgotten. God’s grace not only forgives but empowers us to live differently—to guard our words, actions, and motives, and to rely on His power for daily transformation. The call is to continually reexamine our hearts, rest in God’s sovereignty, and trust in the gospel’s power to make us new. [55:01]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[17:08] - Confession of Faith: Why Christ Had to Die
[18:49] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[30:22] - Introduction and Humor
[31:27] - Reading Mark 7:14-23
[31:58] - Jesus Redefines Defilement
[33:23] - The Real Danger: Evil Within
[34:20] - Examples of Evil in the World
[35:31] - Modern Distractions and Spiritual Battles
[37:20] - The Source of Sin: Internal, Not External
[39:16] - The Heart According to Scripture
[41:42] - The Depth of Heart Pollution
[43:28] - Real-Life Examples of Unchecked Hearts
[45:10] - The Debt We Owe and the Need for Grace
[46:48] - Honest Self-Examination
[48:45] - God’s Solution: A New Heart in Christ
[49:50] - Evidence of a Changed Heart
[51:48] - The Church Family and Spiritual Growth
[52:43] - Invitation to Repentance and Faith
[53:18] - The Gospel: Forgiven and Forgotten
[54:12] - Living Out the New Heart
[55:01] - Relying on God’s Grace for Change
[56:04] - Final Call to Examine Our Hearts
[56:58] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Mark 7:14-23
(Jesus teaches that what comes out of a person is what defiles them, not what goes in. He lists the evils that come from within, out of the human heart.)
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus in Mark 7:14-23, what is the real source of defilement or “uncleanness” in a person?
2. What kinds of evil actions and attitudes does Jesus specifically list as coming from within the human heart?
3. In the sermon, what examples were given of people or situations where the problem was not external, but came from within? ([43:28])
4. How does the sermon describe the heart, using both Jesus’ words and the Old Testament? ([39:16])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus focus on the heart as the source of sin, rather than blaming outside influences or temptations? ([38:16])
2. The sermon says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” What does this mean for someone trying to “fix” themselves by following rules or being a good person? ([41:42])
3. How does understanding the depth of our heart’s pollution change the way we view our need for God’s grace? ([45:10])
4. What does it look like, practically, to examine our hearts honestly in light of God’s Word? ([46:48])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to stop blaming outside things for our struggles and look within. What is one area of your life where you tend to blame circumstances or other people, rather than examining your own heart? ([37:20])
2. Jesus offers a new heart, not just forgiveness. Can you identify any changes in your desires, words, or actions since coming to faith? If so, what are they? If not, what might be holding you back? ([49:50])
3. The sermon gave examples of unchecked hearts leading to hidden sin, even among church leaders. What steps can you take to keep your own heart “in check” and accountable? ([43:28])
4. Are there any “secret sins” or patterns in your life that you need to bring into the light and confess to God or a trusted friend? What is stopping you? ([46:48])
5. The fruit of a new heart is seen in transformed relationships and priorities. Is there a relationship or area of your life where you want to see more of the fruit of the Spirit? What is one practical step you can take this week? ([50:52])
6. The sermon says God’s grace not only forgives but empowers us to change. Where do you need to rely more on God’s power, rather than your own effort, for real transformation? ([55:01])
7. The invitation is to “turn from the foolishness within, trust in Christ, and receive the new heart only He can give.” Is there a specific way you need to respond to this invitation today? ([52:43])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for honest self-examination, for God’s grace to change hearts, and for the courage to take practical steps toward transformation this week.
Devotional
Day 1: The True Source of Defilement Is Within the Heart
Jesus teaches that what truly defiles a person is not external influences or temptations, but the evil that originates from within the human heart. He lists a sobering catalog of sins—evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, deceit, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness—reminding us that our greatest danger is not what happens to us, but what comes out of us. This calls for honest self-examination and humility before God, recognizing that our hearts are in need of transformation and grace. [31:27]
Mark 7:14-23 (ESV)
And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Reflection: What is one recurring attitude or behavior that you recognize as coming from your own heart, not from outside circumstances? How can you bring this honestly before God today?
Day 2: The Heart’s Deceitfulness and Our Need for Self-Examination
Scripture reveals that the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure, making it essential for us to look within and not be fooled by outward appearances or self-justification. The heart is the seat of our desires, choices, and worship, and its pollution runs deep—impacting our words, actions, and relationships. Only by facing the truth about our own hearts can we begin to seek the transformation that God offers, rather than relying on our own efforts or external rule-keeping. [40:09]
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV)
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
Reflection: When was the last time you honestly examined your motives and desires in light of God’s Word? What is one area where you need to invite God’s searching and healing today?
Day 3: Christ’s Sacrifice Brings Reconciliation and New Life
Though we are alienated and hostile in mind because of our evil deeds, Christ’s willing sacrifice reconciles us to God, making us holy and blameless in His sight. We cannot fix ourselves or pay the debt we owe, but Jesus lived the life we could not live and died the death we deserved, offering us forgiveness, righteousness, and everlasting life. This is the heart of the gospel: that Jesus alone redeems us and gives us a new heart, inviting us to turn from our sin and trust in Him. [17:08]
Colossians 1:21-22 (ESV)
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.
Reflection: In what ways do you still try to “fix” yourself or earn God’s favor? How can you rest today in the finished work of Christ on your behalf?
Day 4: Christ Became Sin to Make Us Righteous
Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. He takes our pollution and offers us purity, exchanging our brokenness for His righteousness. This divine exchange is not something we can achieve by our own strength, but is a gift of grace that calls us to rely on God’s power to change us from the inside out, producing new desires, new actions, and new fruit in our lives. [54:12]
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God’s power to change you, rather than relying on your own willpower? How can you surrender this to Him today?
Day 5: Examine Your Heart and Embrace God’s Transforming Grace
The call is to continually reexamine our hearts, motives, words, and actions in light of God’s Word, recognizing that the greatest danger is not outside of us but within. Yet, Jesus has come to deal with the foolishness inside us, offering forgiveness, a new heart, and the power to live differently. As we journey together as a church family, let us invite God to break any hardness in our hearts, to renew us, and to help us live out of hearts that rest in His sovereignty and grace. [56:04]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to invite God’s examination and transformation of your heart—perhaps through prayer, confession, or seeking accountability?
Quotes
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