Diagnostic Care: The Heart Beneath the Struggle Selected Scriptures Big Idea: Lasting soul health requires more than managing symptoms: God's Word diagnoses the heart, and the gospel provides the path to change! 1. Recognize Behavior as a Symptom (Matthew 12:33-37) 2. Trust God's Diagnosis of the Heart (Jeremiah 17:9-10) 3. Address the Heart Behind the Behavior (Proverbs 22:15) 4. Apply the Gospel's Pattern for Change (Ephesians 4:17-32)

Which is more important? Your character or reputation? What's the difference? Your character is you in the "dark" and your reputation is you in the "light". Your reputation is known by others. Your character is known by God. Who in the Bible made Himself of "no reputation" but has been exalted with a name that is above every name? Ain't is amazing we can spend 15 years establishing a great reputation that can be destroyed in 5 minutes?

The sermon explores the book of Proverbs, emphasizing that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and requires a humble acknowledgment of human spiritual simplicity. It outlines four desires for believers: to know wisdom, understand insight, receive instruction in righteous living, and teach prudence to the simple and youth. The preacher argues that because of sinful tendencies toward self-sufficiency, individuals must actively listen to God's Word and increase in learning throughout their lives. Central to this process is recognizing that Christ Himself is the source of wisdom and salvation, transforming the believer from folly into Christ-like righteousness. Ultimately, the message calls for a covenantal relationship with God as the foundation for all knowledge and moral living.