Hardness of Heart
Hardness of heart – stubborness in opposition to God’s will (I Sam 6:6). The
classic case in the Bible of such disobedience was the Pharaoh of Egypt, who
refused to release the Hebrew people in spite of repeated displays of God’s
power (Ex 4:21, 7:3, 14:4,17). The Bible says this about hardness of heart
(Prov 21:29, 28:14, 29:1).
Sin hardens the heart (Ex 9:34, II King 17:14, Neh 9:29, Jer 5:20-21, Heb 3:8-
13). We can see why God says not to sin.
Religious traditions (Ezek 3:7, Matt 19:2-8, Mark 3:1-5), beside the tradition of
man makes the Word of God of no effect.
Pride hardens the heart: (Ex 7:22, Duet 15:5-8, II Chron 36:13, Neh 9:16-17,
Jer 19:15, Dan 5:17-20).
Unbelief and fear hardens the heart. Most people believe God can do all
things, they may doubt He will do it for them (II King 17:14, Matt 17:14-21, Mark
9:21-29, 10:2-5). Don’t act on your unbelief, do like the boy’s father and ask
for help! Jesus had given these disciples power to cast out demons and heal
etc. and they had gone out and done it, coming back testifying “even the
demons left when we used your name” (Mark 8:17-21, 10:5-8, John 12:35-40).
Failure to consider God’s ability hardens the heart – preoccupied with this
world, preoccupied with daily problems. (Mark 6:52)
Cures for hardness of heart:
Meditation – meditation on God’s Word (II Cor 10:3-5)
Focus on God (Isa 26:3)
You can’t be tempted on something you don’t think of (Heb 11:15). So, do like
the Bible says (Phil 4:6-8, Heb 12:3).
Cut off the fear and unbelief by starving your doubt by feeding your faith.
Study the Word of God on the thing that is causing you to doubt.