Does the Bible teach that our heart’s desires are deceitful and untrustworthy? Jeremiah 17:9 says: “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” For some Christians, misunderstanding of this verse has caused unnecessary fear and trepidation in their relationship with God. So, in this episode, we’re taking a deeper look at this verse, how the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts so we can desire good things, and how God can lead us through our desires.
See below for episode outline, Bible passages, and more study resources.
Unpacking Jeremiah 17:9 and What Scripture Says About Our Heart’s Desires
Jeremiah 17:9, and other verses, does teach us an important principle that the human heart is capable of deceiving us. The human heart is capable of desiring things that are ungodly, and of leading us astray. As humans we have a sinful nature that causes us to desire things and do things that are opposite of what God wants and how He calls us to live. So, we should not follow every whim and desire of our hearts mindlessly.
When we put our faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us forever; He causes us to be born again spiritually and He gives us a new nature and new heart. And over time, the Holy Spirit renews our desires, thoughts, attitudes, and behavior so we can desire, think, and live in agreement with our new nature that wants to do what pleases God and is created to be holy and righteous, instead of living according to the desires and impulses of our old, sinful nature.
- Jeremiah 17:9
- Romans 3:23
- Romans 6:23
- Ephesians 4:1-10
- Psalm 37:4
- 1 Kings 3
- Ezekiel 36:25-27
- Ephesians 1:13-14
- Ephesians 4:17-24
- Galatians 5:16-25
- 2 Timothy 3:15-17
- John 15:5-8
How God Can Work Through Our Heart’s Desires
God can work through our desires. When we have renewed hearts that are led by God and are formed by the teaching of the Bible, the Bible shows us that God can actually speak to us and lead us through the desires of our hearts. He can use the desires of our hearts to give us indicators of His direction and will for our lives.
- Romans 1:8-16
- Acts 19:21
- Acts 20:22-24
- Matthew 7:9-11
- 2 Thessalonians 1:11
LET’S TALK: How have you historically viewed this concept of our heart’s desires and how did this look at Scripture impact your perspective? Tell me your other thoughts and questions on this topic in the comment as well! Discuss this episode in the comments below.
