Guard your Heart | RC Ford | LifePoint Church Stewarts Creek

Main message: The sermon says Christians must guard their hearts because whatever captures the heart controls the life. In 2 Samuel 15–16, Absalom steals Israel’s hearts through deception and self-promotion, while David responds with steadfast faith, worship, and trust in God.

Key points:

• Absalom’s rise is a picture of how hearts are stolen: flash, flattery, false promises, and fraud.
• He wins influence by looking impressive, working the crowds, and saying what people want to hear.
• His actions mirror the devil’s ongoing attempts to steal believers’ allegiance from God through lies and deception.
• Christians are especially vulnerable when tired, stressed, betrayed, or suffering, so they must be on guard.
• David models steadfast faith by refusing to treat the ark like a good luck charm and by trusting God’s will.
• In his suffering, David runs to God in worship and prayer rather than to fear, revenge, or escape.
• Before guarding the heart, a person needs a new heart, which comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

Scriptures mentioned: Proverbs 4:23, 2 Samuel 15–16, 2 Samuel 15:25–26, Psalm 3, Psalm 23, 1 Samuel