AN UNDERSTANDING HEART

                                                       1 Kings 3:4-14 (276)

  Introduction

      A.  King Solomon asked God for an understanding heart.  V9

      B.  God granted his request (v12), and also gave him much more (v13).

      C.  As servants of God, we also need an understanding heart.

      D.  Three sections:

  I.  Understanding leads to loyalty.

      A.  We need to understand the faithfulness and the loyalty of God.

            1.  2 Thessalonians 3:3 (875)

            2.  1 Corinthians 10:13 (846)

            3.  1 John 1:9 (900)

      B.  An understanding heart will enable us to be loyal and faithful to God.

            1.  2 Timothy 1:12 (879)

            2.  Psalm 40:4 (444)

            3.  God communicates to us through His word.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (880)  So we  

                 are loyal to God as we are loyal to His word.  Matthew 7:21 (708)

II.  Understanding leads us to service.

     A.  We need to understand the principle of service.

           1.  Matthew 20:24-28 (721)

           2.  James 1:27 (892)

     B.  An understanding that we must be servants enable us to serve.

           1.  Titus 3:3-8 (882)

III. Understanding increases our love.

     A.  God loves us.  John 3:16; Romans 5:8 (832)

     B.  Jesus loves us.  Galatians 2:20 (860)

     C.  Understanding the love of God enables us to grow in love.

           1.  I John 4:19 (901)

           2.  Matthew 5:43-48 (706)

           3.  John 13:34-35 (793)

Conclusion:  We should desire to increase our understanding so as to develop the attitudes

                     of loyalty, service and love.