John shares with us about the Lord’s supper and events that happened there. “…supper being ended, the devil having already PUT IT into the 1HEART of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him…” (John 13:2) 1kardia: the seat and center of human life. Does not refer to the physical organ but is always used figuratively in Scripture to refer to the seat and center of human life AMY. The heart is the center of the personality, and it controls the intellect, emotions, and will. Heart is similar in meaning to soul, but often the heart has a focus on thinking and understanding.
Some came to Jesus, bringing a paralytic man, “…they uncovered the roof…and let down the bed…Jesus said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” And some of the scribes were REASONING IN THEIR HEARTS…Why does this Man speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone…when Jesus PERCEIVED THIS He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts (kardia)? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” (Mark 2:3-11) The paralytic took up his bed and perfectly walked out!
So AMY, we see that our thoughts are vulnerable therefore we must be on alert of Satan trying to tempt us to disobey God. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and PURIFY YOUR HEARTS (kardia)…” (Jam. 4:7-8) When people fail to respond to God’s grace, they open themselves up to greater and greater control by the devil. The greater that control, the more likely is his ability to control our mind or thinking processes. So, we might answer this question, “How can a young man (or anyone) cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I HAVE HIDDEN IN MY HEART, THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST YOU…(Psa. 119:9-11)
-Bill Stockham