Let’s Think About Bowels

I. Introduction:

A. The word “bowels” as it will be used in this lesson, means various things that could make you wonder even more than the title: “(the “spleen”); an intestine (plural); figuratively pity or sympathy: - bowels, inward affection, + tender mercy” (Strong’s # 4698).

1. The term “bowels” is used concerning internal organs (Acts 1:16-18).
2. However, we are going to focus on the meaning of "inward affection," as the Greek term σπλάγχνον is translated in II Corinthians 7:14-15.

1. What did Jesus command (John 7:24)?
2. The carnality in Corinth had them looking on the outward and that was terribly flawed (II Corinthians 10:7-18)?
3. A recent question: If you were about to die, what do you care about most? Where do your inward affections lie?
4. Our lesson aims at what is going on inside of you and not in the way of asking if you have an intestinal issue. Rather, what inward mercy, kindness, humbleness, etc. is alive internally in you. Having the right things going on internally will result in right actions.

1. We should understand this to a point if we understand putting on Christ (Galatians 3:27), the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11), the new man (Colossians 3:10), etc.
2. To put on is obviously the opposite of putting off (Ephesians 4:22-24).

1. Bowels of mercies [pity] (Matthew 5:7).
2. Bowels of kindness (Luke 6:35).
3. Bowels of humbleness of mind (I Peter 5:5-6).
4. Bowels of meekness and longsuffering (Ephesians 4:1-3).

1. Where do our actions begin (Matthew 12:35)?
2. What kind of heart produces true love (I Timothy 1:5)?
3. Outside of you, who knows your heart (Psalms 44:20-21)?